How to Choose a Perfect Shingle Type

How to Choose a Perfect Shingle Type

Some roofing companies in Arlington, TX are saying, most of us don’t replace our roofs for the fun of it, just because the cost to do so can be overwhelming. But, when the time comes when a roof replacement is warranted, it may be good to know what options are available to you. You may be surprised to learn that roofing shingles aren’t just made from asphalt. There are several different kinds of materials available including those made from asphalt, fiberglass, and even tin.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt_shingle

Asphalt is the most popular material in the United States for the production of roofing shingles. They are so popular because they are inexpensive to make, very easy to install, and even easier to replace. The vast majority of roofers can easily install an asphalt roof, some within a day depending on the size of the home. So finding a reputable roofer to do the work should never be a problem.

But asphalt shingles do have some drawbacks. The first thing you should know is that although they are inexpensive, they don’t last nearly as long as some other roofing options. They also are not as durable as other options, so regular inspection of an asphalt roof is necessary to look for signs of damaged or missing shingles that need to be replaced.

Fiberglass Shingles

fiberglass-shingles

Moving up in expense, fiberglass shingles start where asphalt shingles left off. They are much more fire resistant than asphalt shingles, and they do a better job at reflecting UV rays. Fiberglass shingles on average last about ten years longer than asphalt shingles.

The downside is the expense. They last longer but they also cost twice as much as asphalt.

Tin Shingles

 

Out of the three kinds of shingles discussed here, tin by far lasts the longest: up to fifty years. Tin is an especially attractive option for those who plan on staying in their home for a very long time.

Tin roofs are resilient against the elements such as wind and rain, but not as resistant to hail. It will protect your house adequately, but aesthetically you may notice small dents in the roof surface left by large hail storms.

Metal can be an eco-friendly choice, unlike asphalt, because the material can be recycled once it’s life protecting a home is complete.

So, you may say “Why don’t I see more metal roofs then?” given all of these wonderful attributes metal shingles bring. The most significant setback to metal roof installation is cost. It is considerably more expensive than asphalt or fiberglass shingles to install.

So, before you move forward with replacing your roof, take a few things into consideration. What is your budget? What materials are most aesthetically pleasing? What materials would help resale value on your home? What kind of environment do you live in? What kind of roofs do the roofing companies in your area have the most experience installing? Answer these questions along with any others that come to mind that help you make your decision about what kind of shingles to choose for your next roof.