How To Pick the Most Suitable Shingles For Your Roof

The kind of roofing material you choose will determine how long the roof lasts and what kind of value you get out of it. Shingles are probably the most commonly used roofing material these days and with good reason. They are durable and inexpensive, but there are many different kinds of shingles. Knowing which one to use can make a big difference in your roof.

Types of Shingles

Most types of shingles are asphalt ones, but even among them there are two main varieties- 3-tab and laminate.

3-tab shingles are the most common, and they are flat tabs that come in a uniform size and shape. They are not as light as laminated shingles, and while the prices are roughly the same, 3-tab shingles don’t tend to last as long as laminate shingles.

Laminated shingles, or architectural shingles, as they are sometimes called, are made from asphalt as well. They use a slightly heavy base mat, though, and they are made up of several layers. You’ll find these in a variety of sizes and shapes, and that can make them stand out and give your roof more texture.

We typically recommend laminate shingles, in most cases, but there will be exceptions and times where 3-tab shingles will be better suited to your needs. Be sure to talk to your roofer about what is best for you and your roof.

Features For Your Roof

You’ll also want to factor in how the shingles will look on your roof. Consider how they fit into the rest of the neighborhood and your own house. You can choose different colors based on what finished look you want to go for. You can also pick from dimensional shingles or flat ones, depending on how you want your roof to appear.

Your shingles can protect your home against algae, but not all shingles will offer this feature. Many of them have built in guards that keep them from becoming discolored due to algae growth. Ask your roofer for this feature, if you think it will be a problem in your area.

Shingles can also have fire projections built in. A Class A fire rating is the best way to prevent your shingles from catching fire, and that should be the standard that every roofer uses who works on your home or business.

You should also bear in mind any environmental effects that may be relevant to your home. You know where you live and how close you are to the sea or how often you get severe weather. You want shingles that can stand up to salt corrosion and inclement weather and that are suitable for your area. Talk to your roofer about your concerns and ensure that you get shingles that are disengaged to work well in your area. It is worth it to pay a bit more for some extra features in your shingles rather than to get cheap ones that twill need to be replaced shortly.

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