SELECTING THE BEST ROOF SHINGLE FOR YOUR HOME

When choosing a roofing material for your home, you will come across numerous roof shingles options. Some are popular, such as asphalt, metal, and composite, and some are less popular. All materials have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, some roofing materials are budget-friendly, some are durable, and some are long-lasting. You need to consider various factors before deciding on a roofing material, especially if you are constructing a roof for the first time. This will help you make an informed decision.

In this article, we will discuss shingles, the most popular roofing type. These curved or flat tiles overlap or interlock each other so water can easily drain off of the roof. You can decide between various shingles material. If you are installing shingles, you need to give your roof an adequate pitch so water can drain easily.

FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE CHOOSING MATERIAL ROOF SHINGLE

How many shingles you need is just one factor you must consider. You must also consider how the following factors will affect your purchase.

1. HOW MUCH DO ROOF SHINGLES COST?

According to Home Advisor in 2020, a new roof will cost on average $16,500. You may end up paying more if you have a leak and need repairs to the plywood underneath. The material of shingles is also important in determining the price. Shingles are available in a massive variety of materials and differ in price, quality, and durability. Hence, you need to calculate how many new shingles you need to cover your roof. If your home has a larger roof, you may have to choose a cheaper material if you are on a budget.

2. WHAT IS THE SLOPE AND PITCH OF YOUR ROOF?

The slope of a roof refers to its steepness. You can measure the pitch in two numbers. The first one represents the roof's height, which you can also call ‘the rise,’ and the second one is the roof's length, or the, “run”. For instance, if your roof has a pitch of 4:12, it means that the roof’s rise, or height, is four feet and the run, or the length, is 12 feet. So the material of shingles that you choose for your roof depends on the pitch of the roof. If your roof's pitch is higher, you should shy away from heavier materials such as clay or slate tiles.

3. WHAT ARE THE WEIGHT LIMITS OF YOUR STRUCTURE?

Different materials for shingles have different weights. Before choosing a material, you should know if your home's structure can handle your roofing material's weight and provide maximum safety. When builders construct a house, they keep in mind the estimated tolerance of the roof structure. If the roof's weight exceeds what the structure can handle, the structure may collapse. You need to make sure the dead load is appropriate.

4. HOW WILL YOUR LOCAL CLIMATE, AFFECT THE NEW ROOF?

Your selection of roofing material also depends on the weather pattern in your area. Lighter shingles are more likely to suffer from damage due to the environment. Moreover, if it snows heavily enough and accumulates on your roof, it can damage the roof faster if cheaper material is used. You can choose from materials such as metal, which is heat resistant and has cooling and sun-reflective properties. These prove effective for areas with hot weather. Clay and slate are also resistant to fire and heat, making them preferable in coastal regions as they have high wind resistance.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ROOF SHINGLES MATERIAL

1. ASPHALT SHINGLES

These are the most common roofing materials you can find in your neighborhood. This type of shingle is durable, long-lasting, versatile, and cost-effective, among other roof shingles options. That is why this is such a common material in the US. While buying asphalt shingles, you can choose from various textures and colors to match the style and color with your house. Asphalt shingles can last from 15 to 40 years, depending on the quality of the material you are choosing and the quality of craftsmanship.

2. WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES

Wood shingles are a smooth roofing material. The wood is perfectly cut into sizes for installation. Most timber shakes with cedar construction are resistant to rust. Using this material for roofing your home is risky, but you can cover your wall siding with this material. Redwood and cedarwood shingles will last for 20 to 30 years.

3. CLAY TILE SHINGLES

These are fireproof, and longest lasting roof shingles options. You can construct these tiles in any shape. Still, most homeowners opt for Forth and horizontal shapes. During the colonial period, these tiles become famous in Boston and New York. You will find these materials mostly in California and Florida. Clay tiles have a life expectancy of about 50 to 100 years.

4. CONCRETE TILE SHINGLES

This material is long-lasting and has a life expectancy of about 50 to 100 years. The professional has to arrange the tiles to balance the tiles' burden as the material is heavy. These tiles come in various colors and textures. This roofing material is flame-resistant, so people also use this material for the fireplace. Furthermore, this material is also resistant to strong winds and hailstorms.

CONCLUSION

Whether you need to replace your current roof or change the design, it all starts with choosing a suitable material. So if you are deciding to choose shingles, make sure that your chosen material is right. When you choose the roofing material, you have a lot of roof shingles options to decide from. Each roofing material has its weaknesses and strengths.

HOW TO SELECT THE BEST ROOF SHINGLE MATERIAL FOR YOUR HOME