Roofing is an important component of any structure. It protects the building, its occupants or items in it from weather and other external elements. That is why a homeowner, you should be careful in choosing the type of shingles you will use for your roof. Below are four common types of shingle roofing to help you make a wise decision.
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4 Popular Types of Shingle Roofing
1. Asphalt Shingles
These are the most prevalent kind of shingles used today in roofing. They are made from a mat covered with asphalt, with granules that safeguard the shingles from damage by weather elements. However, these granules soften and fall off with time, leaving the mat and nail heads exposed to damage. Asphalt shingles work best in areas with consistent weather and asphalt shingles can be used to re-roof your home or get a roof over your existing roof.
1. Advantages
The following are the selling points of these shingles;
i. They are accessible in a wide range of colors and styles making it easy for homeowners to find a design that fits their homes.
ii. They are relatively cheap
iii. They are easy to repair
iv. They are highly resistant to fire
2. Disadvantages
With all the useful features these kinds of shingles come with, it has several drawbacks.
i. They have a short lifetime of between 15 and 30 years at maximum
ii. They do scar in hot climates
ii. Making and getting rid of this type of shingles affects the environment negatively
iii. Can develop mold and moss
2. Slate Roof
This is one of the high-end types of shingles you will find in the market. It has a good insulation capacity making a good choice for people living in areas that experience very cold months. They are made out of sedimentary rocks which makes them natural and safe for the environment. Each set of slates gets a unique texture and design which makes this type of shingles roofing attractive. These shingles are heavy and weigh approximately 3 times more than asphalt for every square foot. If you are well financially, slate is a strong and durable type of shingles to choose.
Advantages
i. Highly durable where it can last for up to 150 years when properly installed
ii. Resistance to fire which protects a structure from destruction by external fire
iii. Environmental friendly since it doesn’t require regular replacement
iv. Gives a building an attractive look courtesy of their unique design and texture
Disadvantages
i. Expensive
ii. Can break easily during installation
iii. Difficult to repair since matching the old tiles with new ones is hard. They may be carved from a different block of slate.
3. Wood Shake Shingles
This is another common type of roofing shingles you will find in the market. They are made from pine, cider or spruce. They are attractive and good insulators. Their reddish brown color fades with time where they turn to grayish brown. They are textured on the front and smooth on the rear. They should not be installed directly to each other since they expand with time.
They have a lifespan of about 25 to 30 years, but this can be prolonged by treating them before installation. A professional contractor knows about this, and that’s why you should never try installation on your own.
Advantages
i. Installation can be done over existing asphalt shingles. This saves the costs of removal and dumping.
ii. Great for adding natural rustic looks to homes
iii. Offers the roof with excellent breathability
iv. Their insulating capability saves on energy bills
Disadvantages
i. Requires high maintenance to ensure they last for long
ii. They are not in fire resistance
iii. Highly vulnerable to rotting, splitting, and mold.
4. Concrete Shingles
These are shingles made from concrete poured into molds. This makes them flexible and can be designed according to your preference regarding sizes and shapes. They can be painted the color of your choice after they are made, or the color can be mixed with the material during the making process.
These type of shingles contained asbestos in the past, but nowadays people have realized the dangers it poses to the health dangers. They are now made out of sand and cement.
Advantages
i. Highly resistant to harsh weather conditions like high wind, extreme temperatures and hail
ii. Extremely durable and require very little maintenance
iii. Resistant to fire
iv. Not easily damaged by insects and mold
Disadvantages
i. Can easily be damaged during installation
ii. Very expensive
Conclusion
The above are the most popular types of shingle roofing you will find in the market nowadays. Consider your budget, preferences, climate condition in your area, and maintenance required to choose one that suits you best. Always remember a well-installed roofing system provides security and safety to your family or occupants in your building. Therefore seek the assistance of a contractor for best results.
