There are plenty of options when it comes to getting a new roof, but roofing shingles are still the most popular choice among homeowners. And while this sounds easy enough, there are even more choices that have to be made when it comes to deciding on the type of shingles. You have a budget, so you have to stay within a certain cost. You also want your new roof to last a long time. Of course you want it to look good. And if you plan on doing the job yourself, you need them to be easy to install as well.
Most shingles will generally last at least 15 years. When you think about it, most people don't even live in the same home 15 years, so durability is not a problem. There are typically three types of shingles to choose from. Each has it's own price range, lifespan and look.
The most popular choice for homeowners remains asphalt shingles, and it's easy to see why. Consider that these are the least expensive ($15 to $25 per square), they are fire resistant, and come in many different styles and colors, and you'll quickly understand why if you drive down any neighborhood street, you'll find the majority of the homes are roofed in asphalt. As an added bonus, because they are lightweight and flexible, asphalt shingles are also the easiest to install. And durability is not a problem either, as these will last up to 30 years with proper care.
So what are the drawbacks? Well they can be damaged by high winds. So if you live in an area where hurricanes or tornadoes are common, this could be a problem. And unless specially treated, asphalt shingles can also be vulnerable to mold. And although they will last up to 30 years, that's not very long compared to other types of shingles.
Those few drawbacks obviously haven't kept asphalt from remaining the most popular, but slate shingles are slowly closing the gap. There are several reasons for this. First of all, slate or stone will give your home a more natural look. And with so many choices available, you'll easily be able to match the existing look of your home and still have it look different from every other home in the neighborhood. But most people who choose slate do so because of its durability. These roofs can last over 100 years. Choose slate now, and chances are you'll never have to worry about putting on a new roof again.
But like all our choices here, there are some drawbacks to using slate. You can start with the cost. These are easily the most expensive shingles, costing in the area of $850 for 100 square feet. They are also so heavy that most home simply aren't equipped to handle them. Chances are the rafters will need to be reinforced unless you want the roof to cave in. That weight plus the fact that they break easily also makes them difficult to install. It's not a job you'll want to do by yourself. You'll almost definitely need to hire a professional.
You'll find our third option in a lot of high end neighborhoods. Wood or shake shingles can be simply gorgeous. Treated wood is used for these. Cedar is a popular selection, but spruce or pine can also be used. And you'll find these shingles are relatively easy to install and very durable. Properly treated they can last about 50 years.
But shake roofs are not fireproof, and in addition to the inherant danger, it can also quickly inflate your insurance costs. You should probably check with your insurance company before installing a shake roof because you may be shocked at the difference in price. The upfront cost is also greater than asphalt, although not as high as slate. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $250 per 100 square feet. And be ready to do some maintenance or the wood can mold, splinter or rot.
Only you can decide what roofing shingles will be best for your home, so carefully measure the pluses and minuses of each of the options. Asphalt is always a popular choice because it looks good, it will last, and is relatively inexpensive. If money is not a problem, then slate may be just the roof you are looking for. But whatever you choose, we highly recommend using a professional to install it unless you really know what you're doing. Sure it may cost more up front, but think of the money you'll save by not having to call someone to repair and fix any problems that may pop up.
Most shingles will generally last at least 15 years. When you think about it, most people don't even live in the same home 15 years, so durability is not a problem. There are typically three types of shingles to choose from. Each has it's own price range, lifespan and look.
The most popular choice for homeowners remains asphalt shingles, and it's easy to see why. Consider that these are the least expensive ($15 to $25 per square), they are fire resistant, and come in many different styles and colors, and you'll quickly understand why if you drive down any neighborhood street, you'll find the majority of the homes are roofed in asphalt. As an added bonus, because they are lightweight and flexible, asphalt shingles are also the easiest to install. And durability is not a problem either, as these will last up to 30 years with proper care.
So what are the drawbacks? Well they can be damaged by high winds. So if you live in an area where hurricanes or tornadoes are common, this could be a problem. And unless specially treated, asphalt shingles can also be vulnerable to mold. And although they will last up to 30 years, that's not very long compared to other types of shingles.
Those few drawbacks obviously haven't kept asphalt from remaining the most popular, but slate shingles are slowly closing the gap. There are several reasons for this. First of all, slate or stone will give your home a more natural look. And with so many choices available, you'll easily be able to match the existing look of your home and still have it look different from every other home in the neighborhood. But most people who choose slate do so because of its durability. These roofs can last over 100 years. Choose slate now, and chances are you'll never have to worry about putting on a new roof again.
But like all our choices here, there are some drawbacks to using slate. You can start with the cost. These are easily the most expensive shingles, costing in the area of $850 for 100 square feet. They are also so heavy that most home simply aren't equipped to handle them. Chances are the rafters will need to be reinforced unless you want the roof to cave in. That weight plus the fact that they break easily also makes them difficult to install. It's not a job you'll want to do by yourself. You'll almost definitely need to hire a professional.
You'll find our third option in a lot of high end neighborhoods. Wood or shake shingles can be simply gorgeous. Treated wood is used for these. Cedar is a popular selection, but spruce or pine can also be used. And you'll find these shingles are relatively easy to install and very durable. Properly treated they can last about 50 years.
But shake roofs are not fireproof, and in addition to the inherant danger, it can also quickly inflate your insurance costs. You should probably check with your insurance company before installing a shake roof because you may be shocked at the difference in price. The upfront cost is also greater than asphalt, although not as high as slate. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $250 per 100 square feet. And be ready to do some maintenance or the wood can mold, splinter or rot.
Only you can decide what roofing shingles will be best for your home, so carefully measure the pluses and minuses of each of the options. Asphalt is always a popular choice because it looks good, it will last, and is relatively inexpensive. If money is not a problem, then slate may be just the roof you are looking for. But whatever you choose, we highly recommend using a professional to install it unless you really know what you're doing. Sure it may cost more up front, but think of the money you'll save by not having to call someone to repair and fix any problems that may pop up.
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To learn more about roofing material go to www.roofing-information.com, a popular website covering not only shingles but other types materials that can be used such as metal roofing.
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