Roof types buying guide

For most homeowners, the material their new roof is made from is one of their last considerations. That can be a huge mistake! Different types of roof shingles offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these differences before deciding will help you find the right type of roof for your home and budget. This post explores the most common roofing shingles available to homeowners today.

Tips when choosing roofing shingles for your home

The color and texture of your roofing shingles

There always is a color that goes great with your home, whether it is an earthy beige or an earthy green, there are colors you must try out. However, if you do not have enough colors in your collection, do not worry because the experts can always recommend what type of roofing shingle is best for any roofing application. For instance, as seen on Technonicol website, the texture of your roofing shingles can make or break the look you want for your home. Most people like the wood look, but there are other choices.

The architectural details of your home

Every home has some unique detail, whether in the window, door casings, or even a little column you put on your porch. When picking out roofing shingles for your home, you must consider how those details will be presented to the outside world.

The way you want your roofing shingle to blend with other elements of your home.

Your roofing shingle will be part of your home’s overall design. Many different materials can be used to make up your roofing shingles, but other elements are also in your home. For example, if you want your roofing shingle to blend with the color of the bricks in your house, you will most likely have a wood texture on them. If you want the wood texture to match the color of the siding on your house, it will most likely have an earth tone.

The cost of your options

You cannot go wrong with buying material that is made from recycled materials and uses at least 50% post-consumer waste content. You should also try and use eco-friendly materials. For example, if you are looking for a wood look on your roofing shingles, you can use cedar shingles made from pressure-treated wood lumber that has been recycled or harvested from old-growth forests. Since there is less raw material to go through, and the necessity for land clearing is also reduced, construction and labor costs are also less.

Types of roofing shingles

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are an intriguing way to go if you are looking for an inexpensive solution to your roofing needs. Asphalt is a lightweight material that comes in sheets and is easy to install. They come in various colors and styles while also being easy to install. If you are looking for something that will last 10-15 years and not hurt the budget, then asphalt shingles are an excellent option for any homeowner to consider.

You should know that asphalt shingles are not environmentally friendly. Asphalt shingles will emit greenhouse gases contributing to air pollution and global warming. They also require a lot of energy in the production process, making them less green than other materials available.

Slate Roofs

Slate roofs are a good alternative to asphalt roofs due to their green properties. The slate includes a natural material that comes from quarries and can last up to 50 years or more when installed properly. It is also an extremely durable material that can survive harsh weather and natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes without any issues whatsoever, making it a great option for homeowners looking for protection in storm-ravaged areas.

Slate roofs are not as energy efficient as other options on this list, but they are still relatively eco-friendly. Slate is a natural resource with its environmental concerns due to the mining process. However, it can be recycled easily and replaced with a similar slate product in no time.

You should know that slate roofs get hot during the summer and must be replaced regularly. For this reason, slate roofs are considered more costly than other shingles on this list.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are ideal if you want the industry’s most eco-friendly roofing material available today. Metal roofs are lightweight materials that come in sheets and can last over 50 years when installed properly. That means you can sell your home in its original condition to help boost its value on the market if you ever decide to move.

Metal roofs are also highly energy efficient and can protect your home from strong winds and other harsh weather conditions. They also look more attractive than asphalt or slate roofs, making them an excellent choice for homeowners looking for a unique roof design.

Metal roofs are not perfect, however. They tend to be costly and need a lot of maintenance to keep them looking new. They also cannot be repaired easily and must be replaced when damaged.

Fiberglass Shingles

These shingles are some of the most popular because they are highly versatile and come in various colors, allowing homeowners to match their roofs to their home’s exteriors. They are also highly long-lasting and available in thicknesses ranging from 3/8 to 3 inches with UV resistance that protects against fading and cracking. These shingles are ideal for homeowners with a little more to spend.

Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs are the third most environmentally friendly roofing material on this list, making them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious homeowners who want something green on the roof of their home that will last a long time. Clay tile roofs are a relatively durable material that offers a lasting design that can improve the appearance of any home. Further, they are lightweight and easy to install, so they will not put a significant dent in your budget. Clay tile roofs are not perfect, however. They cannot survive strong winds or hail, making them the worst option for homeowners in storm-prone areas. Their appearance is also not very attractive to those who dislike traditional or artistic designs on their home’s roof.

As you can see, numerous roofing shingle options are available to homeowners. No matter your budget or the style of your home, there is a shingle that will work well on your roofline and provide the right amount of protection. If you want the perfect roof for your home, it is vital to keep your budget in mind and ensure that you look at all your options before making a decision. That can help you get the right shingle for your needs without breaking the bank!

If you are looking for the best all-around roofing material for your home, go with the one that will offer you the most benefits.