Roofing Shingles - Three Choices To Get The Job Done
If it’s time to get a new roof, perhaps the biggest decision you make will be what type of roofing shingles you use. Don’t think you are simply limited to what you already use, there are plenty of choices out there to give you the look and durability you want. Of course you also want to stay within your budget, and if you plan on installing it yourself, you need something relatively easy to work with as well. True there are other options besides shingles, but this clearly remains the most popular choice. So what kind should you get?
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.
The most popular choice for homeowners remains asphalt shingles, and it’s easy to see why. Consider that these are the least expensive ($15 to $25 per square), they are fire resistant, and come in many different styles and colors, and you’ll quickly understand why if you drive down any neighborhood street, you’ll find the majority of the homes are roofed in asphalt. As an added bonus, because they are lightweight and flexible, asphalt shingles are also the easiest to install. And durability is not a problem either, as these will last up to 30 years with proper care.
But that doesn’t mean these are the perfect shingles for everyone. Do you live in a high wind area where tornadoes and hurricanes are commonplace? If so you might want to look at other alternatives, since these shingles will be damaged by high winds. And make sure they are specially treated since they can also be vulnerable to mold as well. And even though they can last up to 30 years, other shingle types will last much longer.
And while asphalt is still the most popular, slate shingles are gaining in popularity. If you want your home to have a more natural feel, this could be the option for you. Again you’ll find a wide range of styles and colors to match your home, and you can get a look different from anyone else in the neighborhood. When it comes to durability, slate (or stone) shingles are tough to beat. They can last more than 100 years, so you’ll probably never need another roof.
So why choose anything else? Well for starters, slate shingles are extremely heavy. That means not every home can handle them. Many houses will need to have the rafters reinforced just to keep the roof from caving in. That weight also means that very few people will be able to install this roof by themselves. They will also break easily, so it’s best to have a professional do the job for you. And when you look at the cost, slate is out of range for most people. You’ll find these shingles will cost around $850 for 100 square feet.
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.
There are two major problems with shake roofs. The first is that they are not fireproof, and that can be dangerous. The second is cost related and also related to the danger. Having a wood roof can make your insurance costs go up tremendously. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see the difference before installing shake shingles. You’ll also find shake roofs more expensive than asphalt, though not as costly as slate. In many cases you’ll probably be paying about $250 per 100 square feet. Wood roofs also require more maintenance or they will splinter, mold or rot.
Obviously there are pros and cons with all your roofing choices. Again asphalt remains the most popular because it can look great, last a long time, and is comparatively inexpensive. If money is no object, slate is a great choice. But no matter what you decide, if you don’t know much about roofing it’s best to have it professionally installed. You may end up saving money by not having to hire someone to come in later and fix any problems.