Maybe you had damage to your roof and you’re getting it replaced, or maybe you just want to give your home a facelift so you’re going to get a new roof. Whatever the reason for your new roof, there are a lot of decisions you need to make when it comes to choosing your shingles. There are different types, and each at a different price point, with different lifespans, and each has its own pros and cons. So when you’re ready to make the investment you need to be knowledgeable and understand what the shingles can do for your roof. As your local roofing experts, Farha is here to help you explore different varieties of shingles.
The most popular choice for homeowners is asphalt shingles. These shingles are made of an organic, or fiberglass-based material coated with asphalt and then covered in granules. This helps protect against the elements like hail and falling tree branches. There are two different types of asphalt shingles, architectural shingles, and three-tab asphalt shingles.
Architectural Shingles
These shingles are more durable than three-tab shingles. They give your roof a multidimensional, textured appearance, and are made to resemble wood shake or slate shingles. Since they are thicker and more durable these shingles can last up to 50 years, but do come at a higher price point.
Three-tab Shingles
They can also be called strip shingles, and they have three distinct tabs that create a uniform look across the roof. They are the most traditional and basic roofing material, and while it is one of the most cost-effective roofs, it will have a shorter lifespan of about 20 years.
Depending on the climate of where your home is located will affect how long your roof will last, but typically, if your roof is well maintained, your gutters a clean, and you remove debris, and moss, and make repairs your asphalt roof should last between 15-30 years on average.
Tile shingles are made from clay, terracotta, and slate. While these are mainly seen on Mediterranean or Spanish style houses, these tile shingles require very little maintenance, but it’s important to remove debris and inspect your roof for damage regularly. Some of the material options for tile shingles include:
- Concrete
- Clay
- Terracotta
- Composite
- Metal
- Slate
Wood shingles have two different options. There are wood shakes that are typically made of white cedar and each piece looks different from the rest, and there are wood shingles made from a variety of different trees like redwood, treated pine, or cypress, and are more uniform. These types of roofs can last 20-30 years, but to get that lifespan they must have regular maintenance. Wood shingles can also crack, leak, break down, and grow algae if not cared for properly. However, they are energy-efficient, wind-resistant, and impact-resistant. But they are also expensive, high maintenance, and vulnerable to fire, insects, and moisture.
Synthetic or composite shingles are made by mixing a variety of materials like plastic, wood, asphalt, and laminate. They are made to mimic traditional roofing materials like wood, asphalt, or slate, and require less maintenance than other roofing materials. If cared for and cleaned properly, these roofs can last up to 50 years, and they can be very cost-effective depending on the material grade.
Our Award-winning roofing experts at Farha are here for you if you have questions about what type of shingle is best for your home. Not all types of shingles are great for each climate. If you’re in a hotter climate you’ll want to invest in a different roof than someone in a colder climate. If you have questions about what type of roof to get, need a free roof inspection, or are interested in our maintenance program, call us today. We’re happy to help you with all of your roofing projects and needs.
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