Types Of Roofing Shingles

When it’s time to have a new roof installed, one of the first decisions you and your roofing contractor will make is what materials to use. Homeowners are often surprised by the wide variety of roof shingles available, each with different benefits, disadvantages, and costs. Here are the popular type of roofing shingles.

Asphalt shingles

There are 2 main kinds of asphalt shingles: fiberglass and organic shingles. Organic shingles are from waste paper that has been soaked in the asphalt to make it waterproof. Then an adhesive layer is applied into which the ceramic granulate is incorporated. Fiberglass shingles are similar to organic shingles, but they also have a fiberglass base layer to reinforce the shingles. Both types of asphalt shingles are exceptionally durable and are great for roofing materials in areas with high winds. Asphalt shingles are also relatively inexpensive and are the most popular type of shingles in most places.

Metal shingles

Metal shingles are generally designed to look like cedar or slate shingles but are much more durable. Metal shingles require very little maintenance but can last up to 50 years. Another advantage of metal shingles is that they can be installed on an existing roof, saving owners a considerable amount of money, as no demolition is required (a somewhat laborious and time-consuming task). However, metal shingles also tend to be more expensive than other shingles; and are even more challenging to install.

Wooden shingles

They are sometimes known as shakes, and wooden shingles are made of cut wood. They are light and easy to install for easy repairs and replacements. Not only are wooden shingles an attractive roofing material, but they also improve the insulation in your home; however, wood shingles are not as fire-resistant as other types of shingles and are more prone to rot, splitting, or mold.

Roofing tiles

Roof tiles can be made of various materials, from clay or plastic to slate or concrete. Moreover, these roofing materials are available in multiple sizes and styles, including flat slabs, Roman slabs, and interlocking slabs. Depending on your personal preferences, all roof tiles offer an excellent weather barrier. Moreover, the roof tiles are fire-resistant and easy to maintain. However, roof tiles can be pretty heavy and therefore not suitable for all roofs.

Slate shingles

Slate is becoming a popular design feature in the interior and exterior of homes. Today, slate roofs offer a striking appearance while providing excellent protection against the weather and fire. Slate is expensive, requires expert installation, and can also be too heavy for some roofs; however, slate boards are also very durable and offer a longer life than wood or asphalt shingles.

Picking the Right Type of Roof Shingles

Now that you know more about the different types of roof shingles available, given the cost, durability, and safety of these roof shingles, you will be better informed about what type of shingles would be best for your house. Choose the one that best suits your home’s location and your budget and, most importantly, the one that suits your tastes and makes the roof look beautiful.

Choosing the right shingles for a home is essential and requires some time and research. Many different types of shingles are available on the market today, making it difficult to consider each one before selecting the most suitable shingle roof for your needs.

As an owner, you want to find shingles that are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and durable. Don’t forget to check the shingles’ total finish because you want your house to look attractive, which also helps increase your home’s value. However, as with other building materials, there are pros and cons. When you buy shingles, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the asphalt shingles. But in recent years, other materials have become just as popular.

The primary role of roof shingles is protection. Installed at an angle, they overlap each other and therefore seal the house from the water that will leak inside. It also leads water to gutters at the edges of the roof. Roof shingles help keep other items out of the house, such as debris while keeping the house at a comfortable temperature.

Another use for shingles is the floor on buildings. However, if you are thinking of using cedar shingles, keep in mind that they cost about five times more than asphalt shingles. Some roofing experts say that cedar shingles need to be treated with a layer of sealant every five years to protect them and improve their appearance. As the roof becomes slippery after application, only professionals should do so.

Roof shingles appeared in the late 17th and 18th centuries and have initially been a wooden material made of logs. They were handmade and shaped to look like feathers. With the turn of the century and the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, shingles were mass-produced with wood-cutting machines. As a result, the shingles area was more uniform and of better quality. Also, they were more accessible and easier to install.

Choosing the right shingles means taking into account the negative aspects of each type. If you are not doing the job yourself, it is good to include the installation price when buying shingles. If you work alone, don’t forget to find out if the type of shingles you buy is easy to install or requires professional installation.

Then you want to compare the price of the shingles with the estimated lifespan. It may not be that expensive when you find out how long it should take. It also means that it will not need constant repairs, frequent replacement, or maintenance. Some materials rot quickly, some need painting, while others require less maintenance but need to be replaced frequently. If you are interested in green options, they are available as well.

Finding that perfect shingle roof means knowing what you want and what you are willing to spend. It also means researching to find the right option to ease your needs. Call the local roof and ask about the prices and maintenance of the shingles you select.

Learn How to Replace Roof Shingles When Damaged

In principle, there are two ways to replace roof shingles. The first is to do it yourself and the second is to hire a roofing contractor.

Because many people can’t get up or can’t get up on their roof, the best way to replace the roof shingles is to contact several local roofing contractors and get offers from them for replacement work. If you receive at least three offers, you can see what each will charge, and you will be able to choose the one that best suits your needs. This is how you can replace the roof shingles if you let someone else do it for you.

Repairing your roof can be a costly business if you decide to hire a roofing contractor, although it is difficult to do it independently. If you plan to avoid paying a professional for the job, keep in mind that you may be doing more damage than you started, so if you can work with someone who has an idea of what they are doing. The first part of the job involves removing the shingles you are about to replace. It is recommended to do it when it is warm outside because they will be easier to work with.

If you plan to replace the roof shingles yourself, you will need to have a few things at hand. What you will need is a ladder that will reach the roof safely. The ladder should also be very sturdy as it will support your weight and need to be sturdy enough to hold you in place.

Then it would be best if you didn’t do it alone. Have someone help you. This is very important, especially if the staircase is blowing while you are on the roof.

You will need some replacement shingles. This time replace those roofing shingles with three primary tabs, so you have a few at hand and hand when you’re up on the roof. Try to get these roofing shingles in color similar to the one you are currently replacing. It looks better.

You will also need a small bar or use the fixing part of the nail hammer. You will remove nails from damaged shingles and maybe the ones above them.

Bring some roof cement on the ladder with you or in your pocket so you can spread some of it on the replacement shingle roof and also on any other nearby shingles that you picked up when you replaced the lousy shingle.

You may want to put cement on the ends of the nails you have replaced so that they do not leak into the roof around them.

You will also need some roofing nails so that you can replace the nails you removed.

Carefully remove the damaged roofing shingles by pulling your nails. Then slide a cemented replacement shingle roof up below the one above it. This is how the roof shingles are replaced. Be careful and remember that it is almost always better to call a professional.