When it’s time for a roof replacement, you may feel overwhelmed by the various roof shingle types. How can you determine the best types of roofing shingles for your home and budget? Let’s examine the pros and cons of three popular shingle types to help you choose.
#1: Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are asphalt shingles reinforced with fiberglass or materials like cellulose or wood. You can choose from different sizes, colors, and dimensions. These shingles are lightweight, fireproof, and waterproof, and tend to be the least expensive among shingle types. The asphalt shingles are flexible and resilient and can withstand the weight of snow and minor to moderate hailstorms. However, asphalt shingles have the shortest lifespan, between 15 and 30 years, and are vulnerable to extreme temperature fluctuations, so they are better for homes in milder climates.
#2: Wood Shingles
Manufacturers produce wood shingles by machine-cutting pine, cedar, or spruce. They give an attractive, natural aesthetic and make an environmentally friendly shingle choice. Wood shingles cost more than asphalt but less than other shingle types, such as clay or composite. Cleaning mold or mildew off wood shingles is easy with a power washer. However, if the wood shingles are damaged, they typically require replacement rather than repair. Unless you install wood shingles with a Class A fire rating, they are vulnerable to fire. They can also be damaged by hail, rot, and termites. Homes in arid, hot, or wet climates are not ideal for wood shingles. Fire codes in certain regions prohibit wood shingle installation, so always check your local fire code to be sure.
#3: Metal Shingles
Metal shingles come in steel, aluminum, copper, and alloy in various shapes and sizes. They are the most energy-efficient among all shingle types. This is because they reflect sunlight rather than absorb it, which can reduce cooling costs. While metal shingles cost more than asphalt or wood, they have a longer lifespan. They can last 50 to 75 years before requiring replacement. Metal shingles are resistant to fire, rain, rot, and hail. This makes them a good choice for homes in areas with significant yearly rainfall or hailstorms. One major drawback to metal shingles is the noise factor. Hail and even rain sound much louder when falling on metal shingles than on different types of shingles unless you install additional insulation or sheathing beneath the metal.
Other Shingle Types to Consider
In addition to asphalt, wood, and metal shingles, you may also want to consider slate, clay, concrete, and composite shingles. If you need help determining which shingle type is right for your home, the best course of action is to sit down with roofing experts. Experts can go over the pros and cons and price points with you.
Get All the Information You Need from Capital Roofing
At Capital Roofing, our friendly, experienced team is happy to answer all your questions. We will help you make the best shingles choice for your unique home. Our customer service and expertise are second to none. From the first call to our office, you’ll know we care about providing the best roofing services. Contact Capital Roofing online now to learn more about the different types of roofing shingles or to request a free estimate.
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