pro tips to help you choose those shingles
Most people would agree that food, clothing and a roof over your head are basic needs. We’re two out of three at our house. The soggy realization that our roof was kaput soaked in a few weeks ago
Look at what you have: Replacing your roof with the type of material you already have is generally safe, since builders typically choose the right material for a home’s architectural style, structural support, color palette and location, he said.
Consider climate: Shingle color can affect your home’s temperature and, depending on your insulation, energy bills. Black attracts and retains heat, making attics hotter. A lighter roof reflects the sun and keeps interiors cooler.
Factor in house colors: Red brick houses look nice with dark brown, deep gray or black shingles. Light gray houses look smart with dark gray roofs. Beige or cream houses work with brown, warm gray or even colored shingles. If you’re planning to change the color of your house, now is a good time to consider the whole palette
Don’t make a statement: Your roof should not be the first feature folks notice. “A roof is meant to be in the background,” Craig said. “A very dark roof will be more pronounced. A light roof will compete with the facade for attention, which is why mid tones are most popular.”
How to Choose High-Quality Asphalt Roof Shingles
A new asphalt shingle roof is a significant investment. To get the most bang for the buck, you’ll want to consider the quality of shingles, the knowledge and skill level of the roofers you intend to hire, and also a few preventative maintenance guidelines. When high-quality asphalt roof shingles are correctly installed and well maintained, they can last for decades.
Though getting the best asphalt roof shingles for your project isn’t too complicated, choosing the right shingles involves more than just considering style and color. Now, we invite you to read on for the best tips on how to select and maintain asphalt shingles
Fiberglass Shingles – Fiberglass shingles are made from a woven fiberglass mat coated with top-and-bottom layers of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. Since these shingles have a higher fire rating (typically Class A, while organic shingles only garner B or C) and are more durable than their organic counterparts, they come with extended warranty. Additionally, today’s manufacturers make available Energy Star certified fiberglass shingles, which keep buildings cooler and reduce air-conditioning costs.
Organic Shingles – Traditionally consisting of cellulose fiber (e.g. recycled waste paper or wood) saturated with asphalt, organic shingles are coated with a mixture of asphalt and mineral fillers. Compared to fiberglass shingles, organic shingles are costlier, heavier, thicker, and less environmentally friendly due to the high asphalt content. Because these shingles absorb more water than fiberglass shingles, they deform more as they age.
Choose the Right Style
One thing good about asphalt roof shingles is that they are made so many colours and styles some even look like other types of roofing materials. Before opting for a particular style,
TIPs for Choosing Your New Asphalt Roof
Taking care of your roof is a very important part of your home maintenance. As a key component of your building envelope, a roof is a system that needs to work together-that includes the underlayment, the flashing and the sheathing and of course the shingles. I always recommend protecting your home from the outside in, and your roof is a big part of that defence system
Your roof can impact the curb appeal of your home, whether you are selling or staying put. When it comes to a house, if the outside looks bad you can guess that the inside probably won’t be any better. The outside can usually tell you how much maintenance was put into the home overall.
A good roofer will fix flashings and soffits and replace missing or sagging shingles—and let you know if your chimney needs repairs. These aren’t expensive fixes, but if your home needs them and you go without, they can scare away buyers.
Research Your Shingle Options
Your roof’s first layer of protection is the shingles. During a rain or windstorm, the shingles are likely to get damaged first. Obviously, your roof protects your home year-round, but in the fall and winter any weak spots in your roof will really be tested. That’s why it is so important to have your roof inspected by a professional on a regular basis.
Research Your Roofing Contractor
The hassle of re-roofing is a headache for everyone. Find a good roofing contractor who doesn’t cut corners. Finding a roofing contractor is no different than hiring a regular contractor. Stay away from “fly-by-nighters,” including contractors offering to do the work for cash.
Roofing Calculator – Estimate your Roofing Costs
A new roof is a costly investment with practical and aesthetic implications – the roof is your home’s most important protection against rain, snow and natures elements. The roof can also significantly impact the appeal of your home in the eyes of potential buyers
Shingles are visibly worn
Are there so many of the colored granules gone that your roof looks like it has bald spots? While the shingles might still be keeping moisture out, a lack of reflective granules allows excess heat into your home, raising the temperature inside your house and increasing your air conditioning costs. Furthermore, once exposed, the underlying asphalt will soon dry out and crack, and then your roof will be susceptible to leaks.
Shingles are cupped and curled
This issue looks bad, but more importantly, it means wind-driven moisture can easily get under the shingles and into your roof deck where it might cause leaks and rot.
Shingles are cracked
The cracked areas aren’t keeping moisture off the deck, and the risk of leaks goes way up.
Your neighbors are getting new roofs
This is more than “keeping up with the Joneses.” When homes built about the same time as yours are being re-roofed, your roof is probably about due.
Tips to Picking the Best Roof Shingles For Your Home
Take the Weather into Considerations
Different types of shingles work best in different weather conditions. It’s therefore imperative to consider the weather in your location when settling on a shingle type
Assess Shingle vs. Structure
Look at your house’s siding and compare the color to the shingle colors available.
You need a shingle that compliments your siding as well as the general environment around your house. The good news is that there are numerous online resources to help you with color pairing. Closer home, you can look around your neighborhood to see how the different shingle types look against different sidings and backgrounds
Have a Budget
The start point should be determining how much you want to spend on the shingles. With this in mind, you can then start looking for shingles that offer you the best worth for your money
Look into Code Regulations
There are different regulations from state to state as pertains to roofing materials. This underscores the need to hire a professional roofing contractor to handle your roofing projects