Why You Should Care about the Type of Shingles that a Contractor Uses on your Roof

Take a walk in your neighborhood and you will discover that most of your neighbors have installed roof shingles—and for the right reasons. Shingles are low-maintenance, cost-effective, and quite easy to install. In today’s world, they offer a plethora of choices—different colors, styles, and textures. Whether your roof needs replacing or you are building a new building from the ground up, you will find the right roof shingles ideal for your needs. Let’s talk about the specific type of shingle to choose from in this guide. Why should it matter? Well, because the choice will have a direct impact on the following areas.

1, Budget considerations

There are many types of roof shingles available in the market today. Asphalt, the most popular material, is also the most affordable option. The cost of asphalt roof shingle ranges between $180 (strip shingles) and $400 (laminated shingles) per square. Luxury asphalt roof shingles follow closely (cost $300-$600 per square). The most expensive option is the concrete tile roof. Here, you will cough out $450 – $575 per square. Clay tile, wood shake, and wood shingle fall somewhere in between luxury asphalt and concrete tile roof shingles.

If you are on a budget, you might want to choose the type that will fit in it. When budgeting, consider the cost of labor and installation alongside the material cost itself. In addition, account for the square footage that the shingles will cover. For large roof area coverage, consider opting for cheaper materials.

2, Inside temperature of the house

Secondly, the type of shingle your contractor uses has a direct impact on how warm or cold your house will be. If you live in warm climates, the best roofing type to install is metal shingles. Metal is highly reflective and is known as a “cool roofing” material. It can dramatically increase the energy efficiency of your roof. Other awesome roof shingle types for warm climates include slate roof tile, clay, and rubber. If you live in a cold area, fiberglass asphalt shingles are the most ideal. Slate is impermeable to heat, cold, and snow and thus perfect for any climate whatsoever. Synthetic and cedar shingles are the two leading options for harsh conditions such as snow and ice.

3, Durability

Durability is also largely affected by the type of shingle installed. Sadly, asphalt is the low-ranking material on this front. However, this doesn’t mean that it will fade away in a year or two. The average lifespan of asphalt shingles is 20 years. Not too shabby, right? It just doesn’t compare to slate, tile, and clay shingle types that can stick around for seven decades to a century (even 2) in a good condition. Metal shingles and wood shakes have lifespans of 50 years and 30-40 respectively.

4, The curb appeal of your home

Creating an attractive home is entirely dependent on personal preference. Some people have a knack for materials such as wood and clay while others are okay with the appearance of asphalt. Those who take their home as a major source of pride can consider a diamond shingle to grab the attention of visitors. This uses natural steel diamonds, copper diamonds, natural steel diamonds, and exotic zinc diamonds and looks insanely expensive and beautiful.

5, Degree of maintenance

The beauty with shingles is that they generally don’t require a high level of maintenance. However, some will curl and crack over time. Others will get damaged as a result of fungi, mold, and algae. In regard to maintenance, asphalt and luxury seem to be the low-maintenance options in the market. Clay roof and concrete tile shingle are also completely maintenance-free. On the other hand, any type of wood shingle will develop a soft grey patina wand that will need replacement. As you choose the shingles, keep in mind the maintenance required in the long-term.

Choosing the right type of shingles for your roof has a ripple effect on your budget, esthetics, house temperature, durability, and maintenance. Consequently, it is extremely important that you choose the best contractor that will help you to make an informed decision. nextwaveroofing.com has been around the block for years and has the experience and expertise to choose the right roof shingle for your needs.