So your home needs a new roof and now you have to decide what roofing shingles will work best. If it's been a while since you put on a new roof, you may be surprised at the number of options now available. You want something that's durable, not too expensive, will last a long time, and if you're a do it yourselfer, something that's not too difficult to install. That's why even though there are now a number of choices, shingles remain the most popular option.
Most shingles will generally last at least 15 years. When you think about it, most people don't even live in the same home 15 years, so durability is not a problem. There are typically three types of shingles to choose from. Each has it's own price range, lifespan and look.
We'll start by looking at the most common shingles, ones made from asphalt. These shingles are the lowest cost, but don't let that scare you. Drive down any neighborhood and you'll see that the majority of houses are probably roofed in asphalt. Generally these shingles will cost between $15 and $25 dollars per square. And if you have any experience at all, these will also be the easiest to install since they are lightweight and flexible. And if it's been a while since you put on a new roof, you might be surprised at the number of color and style options now available. Getting the look you want will not be a problem. Add in the fact that they are fire resistant and durable enough to last up to 30 years with proper care, and you can see why these are so popular.
However asphalt shingles also have some drawbacks, especially if you live in a high wind area. You'll find that they can be easily damaged in very windy conditions. If hurricanes or tornadoes are common in your area, it might be a good idea to look at other options. Asphalt shingles are also vulnerable to mold unless they are specially treated. And while they are durable, lasting up to 30 years, they are not nearly as durable as some of your other options.
Those few drawbacks obviously haven't kept asphalt from remaining the most popular, but slate shingles are slowly closing the gap. There are several reasons for this. First of all, slate or stone will give your home a more natural look. And with so many choices available, you'll easily be able to match the existing look of your home and still have it look different from every other home in the neighborhood. But most people who choose slate do so because of its durability. These roofs can last over 100 years. Choose slate now, and chances are you'll never have to worry about putting on a new roof again.
But like all our choices here, there are some drawbacks to using slate. You can start with the cost. These are easily the most expensive shingles, costing in the area of $850 for 100 square feet. They are also so heavy that most home simply aren't equipped to handle them. Chances are the rafters will need to be reinforced unless you want the roof to cave in. That weight plus the fact that they break easily also makes them difficult to install. It's not a job you'll want to do by yourself. You'll almost definitely need to hire a professional.
Your third shingle option is wood or shake. These are made from different types of treated wood. Cedar is the most popular choice for wood shakes, but you can also find them in spruce and pine. Installation is relative easy and shake roofs look great. They will also last about 50 years if treated properly.
But there are problems with shake roofs as well. The biggest one is that they are not fireproof. Not only is this dangerous, it can be expensive. In many places having a wood roof will cause your insurance costs to skyrocket. And while shake is not as expensive as slate, it's still more expensive than asphalt. Chances are you'll be paying about $250 per 100 square feet. Shake roofs also need more maintenance. If not maintained properly, the wood will rot, splinter, or mold.
Only you can decide what roofing shingles will be best for your home, so carefully measure the pluses and minuses of each of the options. Asphalt is always a popular choice because it looks good, it will last, and is relatively inexpensive. If money is not a problem, then slate may be just the roof you are looking for. But whatever you choose, we highly recommend using a professional to install it unless you really know what you're doing. Sure it may cost more up front, but think of the money you'll save by not having to call someone to repair and fix any problems that may pop up.
Author Resource:
If you are replacing an old roof or just constructing a new one, the right roofing material is vital to do the job well. Go to www.Roofing-Information.com to read more about what you'll need, and learn about other choices to put on top of your home. You'll discover why asphalt roofing shingles remain the most popular choice.
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