When it comes to installing a roof on a residential property, the right shingles are one of the most important decisions homeowners deal with. Your roof is more than shelter, it is essential to how your home looks, how long your roof lasts, and its energy efficiency as it relates to reducing climate heat and cooling. The sheer amount of decisions available today can make the choice difficult. Your choice of shingles protects your home from unwanted conditions, curb appeal and home value.
In this blog, we will consider several shingle categories, considerations to make, and how to choose the best shingle for your home.
Why Shingles Matter in Residential Roof Installation?
Typically, shingles are your first layer of protection from rain, snow, wind, and exposure to the sun. Shingles are also a large factor in insulation, ventilation, and may affect your energy bills and comfort. Having a roof is wonderful, and when considering roofing options, shingles will also affect how long you should expect your roof to last, the maintenance that might be required, and how they will enhance the design of your home.
Asphalt Shingles: The Most Popular Choice
When brands of roofing shingles are mentioned, asphalt roofing shingles are the most common type used in all of the United States and maybe everywhere. Using asphalt shingles are an appealing and attractive product because of the cost, available color palettes, the convenience of installation, and endless possibilities for styles.
Benefits of Asphalt Shingles:
- Many colors and styles available
- Cheaper than other roofing materials
- Work in surprisingly many climates
- Lasts around 15-30 years based on quality
Drawbacks of Asphalt Shingles:
- Not durable compared to high-end choices like metal or slate
- May require replacement in extreme climates
Homeowners continue to trust asphalt shingles to balance low cost with high performance, which is a big reason why asphalt continues to be is the most successful and valid option for residential roof installation.
Architectural Shingles: Styling and Performance
For homeowners looking to boost their curb appeal, using architectural shingles is a great idea. Architectural shingles are thicker than a standard asphalt shingle and are designed to replicate premium roofing materials such as cedar shakes or slate.
Benefits of Architectural Shingles:
- They are more durable and can withstand wind better.
- They have a visually exciting look with a dimensional feel.
- They last longer (20 to 50 years of longevity depending on the brand).
- They perform better in heavy weather conditions.
They can cost more than traditional asphalt shingles. However, they will provide a longer value and a special appeal that will help homeowners stand out.
Metal Roofing Shingles: Modern and Long-Lasting
Metal roofing shingles are growing in popularity for their strength, energy efficiency, and looks. Metal roofing shingles can look like traditional shingles, shakes, or tiles, but provide unparalleled durability.
Why Choose Metal Shingles?
- Very long life expectancy (40 - 70 years)
- Very strong against fire, mildew, and insects
- Reflects heat which reduces cooling costs
- Lightweight and recyclable
They are more expensive upfront, but metal shingles can be worth it for homeowners wishing to invest in a long-lasting, low- maintenance, sustainable roof.
Wood Shingles and Shakes: Natural Beauty
Wood shingles or shakes provide a rustic and timeless charm. Made from cedar, redwood, or pine, they have natural insulation and a beautiful unique aesthetic.
Key Features of Wood Roofing:
- Sustainable and decomposable
- Gives a traditional aspect to older or historical homes
- Can last between thirty and forty years, with maintenance
Wood roofing needs a bit more maintenance than other roofing materials, as it can be less resistant to fire if not treated. Wood is best suited to homeowners who are in a dry climate and committed to owner-occupant maintenance.
Slate Shingles: Premium Longevity and Elegance
If you want the longest possible lifespan, the best option for roofing material, slate, is the gold standard. Slate is a natural stone and will last for over a hundred years with no maintenance.
Advantages of Slate Shingles:
- Exceptional lifespan and strength
- Elegant and opulent appearance
- Resistant to fire, can withstand elements/environments
The major drawbacks are cost and weight. Installation on slate shingles requires reinforcement of the roof framing and will also require a professional tradesperson to do it correctly. For homeowners willing to invest, slate provides a luxurious appearance and great peace of mind.
Energy-Efficient and Solar Shingles
Increasingly, there is interest in sustainable roofing products, and energy-efficient shingles, or solar shingles, are a popular addition to the modern residential roofing installation. Solar shingles look like traditional shingles, yet they create electricity for your home.
Benefits of Solar Shingles:
- Lower energy expenditures by creating renewable energy
- Blend seamlessly with traditional roofing
- Many areas offer tax credits, incentives
They can cost a lot, but sad to say, the most interesting thing for environmentally conscientious home buyers who want a strong and renewable energy option is solar shingles.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Shingles
Prior to making your final conclusion, analyze the factors below to make sure you make the correct decision for your house.
- Climate and Weather: Ideally, you want to choose shingles that can endure the climate in which you live. For example, metal shingles will work great in areas where there's heavy snow, while an asphalt roof is possible in moderate climates or even in heavy snow locations if you reinforce the roof at a somewhat additional expense.
- Budget: You want to consider the right balance between the initial installation costs and the longer-term cost value of the shingles, including replacement costs and upkeep. Think two steps ahead when analyzing value!
- Aesthetics: The color, texture, and type of shingles should all fit well into the architecture of your house!
- Durability and Lifespan: How long would you want the roof to last? Then consider how much you're willing to maintain the roof.
- Energy Efficiency: Reflective shingles and solar shingles can help you save on heating and cooling costs, too.
- Resale value: Expensive specialty shingles and architectural shingles will add value to your home, too, when applicable.
Professional Installation Matters
Even the highest quality shingles will not work properly unless properly installed. A licensed, experienced roofing contractor will install your shingles according to local building codes and will, therefore, get the maximum lifetime out of your investment. In addition, reputable roofers will provide a warranty on workmanship that protects your investment.
Also Read: Flat Roofs vs. Pitched Roofs: Key Differences, Pros & Cons Explained
Final Thoughts
Selecting the best shingles is one of the most critical decisions made throughout residential roofing installation. Each material, whether simply looking for asphalt shingles that are budget-friendly, advanced slate, or environmentally conscious solar options, provides each owner with their own remarkable benefits. Ultimately, the selection should meet the homeowners of all budgets, styles of home, the climate they reside in, and their long-term goals.
With the correct shingles selected and properly installed, the roof should create a beautiful and valuable product while also protecting the residence for many years into the future.
