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.
Asphalt shingles are the ones you'll see on most roofs. And at $15 to $25 dollars a square, they are also the least expensive option. Installation is not too difficult as long as you know the proper procedure. The fact that they are fairly lightweight makes the installation even easier. And matching your home is no problem since asphalt comes in a number of different colors and styles. Also on the plus side is that these are fire resistant and with proper care, they will last up to 30 years.
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 slate also has some disadvantages. It is extremely heavy, which means not all homes can accommodate it. In many cases the rafters need to be reinforced just to prevent the roof from caving in. And putting on a slate roof is not a job for the do it yourselfer. It breaks easily and will need to be installed by a professional. And that's not to mention the cost. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $850 per 100 square feet.
Many people think the third option on our list looks the best. Wood or shake shingles can be absolutely beautiful. Treated cedar is the most popular, but you can also get these shingles in pine or spruce. In addition to looking good, shake roofs are not too difficult to install. And they will last about 50 years if treated properly.
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.
Asphalt shingles are the ones you'll see on most roofs. And at $15 to $25 dollars a square, they are also the least expensive option. Installation is not too difficult as long as you know the proper procedure. The fact that they are fairly lightweight makes the installation even easier. And matching your home is no problem since asphalt comes in a number of different colors and styles. Also on the plus side is that these are fire resistant and with proper care, they will last up to 30 years.
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 slate also has some disadvantages. It is extremely heavy, which means not all homes can accommodate it. In many cases the rafters need to be reinforced just to prevent the roof from caving in. And putting on a slate roof is not a job for the do it yourselfer. It breaks easily and will need to be installed by a professional. And that's not to mention the cost. Expect to pay in the neighborhood of $850 per 100 square feet.
Many people think the third option on our list looks the best. Wood or shake shingles can be absolutely beautiful. Treated cedar is the most popular, but you can also get these shingles in pine or spruce. In addition to looking good, shake roofs are not too difficult to install. And they will last about 50 years if treated properly.
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 find out additional info about roofing material visit www.roofing-information.com, a well known website covering not only shingles but different types materials that can be used such as metal roofing.
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