Every homeowner wants an impressive house exterior. Be it the roof, house siding, front door, or the front yard, the choice of materials significantly impacts the curb appeal of a home. But before you make decisions solely based on aesthetic appeals, it is important to consider durability and ease of maintenance.
Many people also factor in the energy efficiency of materials before using them for siding or house roofs. That’s because energy-efficient homes are not only eco-friendly but you get to pay fewer energy bills. This is a brief comparison guide for different types of roof shingles and their pros and cons. The next time you are ready to replace the house roof, stick to this information to make informed decisions.
1. Wood Shingles
Wood has been used as a construction material since earlier times. Its opulence and luxurious appeal make it a perfect choice for houses built in the Great plains. If you have recently installed cedar shakes siding In Rutherford NJ, consider cedar shingles or shakes for your roof to get luxurious curb appeals.
Wood shingles are machine-cut spruce, pine, or cedar. The rustic aesthetics and eco-friendliness are unmatched but these are vulnerable to fire. Fire codes of some states prohibit their use in roofing systems. If properly cared for, wood roof shingles can last for 20-25 years. It costs a lot more than asphalt but is cheaper as compared to composite tiles. When it comes to maintenance, wood shingles can be power washed to remove dust, grime, and mold. Damaged shingles cannot be repaired but need to be replaced.
2. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is the most commonly used material for roofing systems in North America, being most suitable for houses in the Northeast and Northwest. They are sold in multiple sizes and colors. You can choose between thicker, multi-layered “dimensional” variety and single-layered three-tab variety.
Asphalt shingles are popular because they are the least expensive and offer durable safety for about 10-15 years. If you are opting for dimensional shingles, they last twice as long as three-tab and cost half as much. These shingles are flexible and able to withstand the weight of snow, fire-resistant, and moisture-resistant.
Asphalt expands and contracts under the influence of fluctuating temperatures so you have to deal with shingle gravel and bald spots!
3. Metal Shingles
Metals shingles are making their way in the residential roofing industry owing to their energy efficiency, durability, and ease of maintenance. They could be made up of copper, aluminum, steel, or an alloy stamped into a variety of shapes and sizes. As metals reflect light and heat, they keep your house cold in summers and hot in winters.
The best part is that you can enjoy these energy savings for more than 75 years. For those who are living in rain-battered areas, metal roofing is an apt choice. If you can invest the exceptionally high upfront cost for it, enjoy peace of mind as metal offers resistance against pests, rot, moisture, and mold.
4. Slate Shingles
Slate shingles offer elegant aesthetics and the longest lifespan. They have a low propensity for leaks as they offer heat, hail, moisture, and fire resistance. As slate shingles are heavier, they can withstand the weight of snow and hail and last anywhere between 50 to 100 years.
It’s expensive to install and to maintain but worth the cost and efforts. Know that certain roof structures cannot withstand the heavyweight of slate shingles. Consult a reliable roofing professional and structural engineer to see if your house structure can ensure the weight of shingles and additional framing material. Moreover, the installation requires professional expertise.
5. Composite Shingles
As the name suggests, composite shingles are made up of made of polymer, rubber, or plastic. They are sold in a variety of designs, sizes, and colors to convincingly mimic different kinds of natural roofing materials. These shingles are heat-resistant and impact-resistant. Some versions can also protect your house against moss and UV lights.
If you want your composite shingle roof to last longer than 50 years, opt for a Class-A fire rating and Class-4 impact-resistance rating. This a reactively new kind of roofing material so finding a company for quality installation can be a bit tricky. Whereas replacing a damaged shingle is easier as compared to other shingle types. Besides the cost and installation difficulties, these shingles offer less insulation than the materials they mimic.
Hire The Best Roof Installation Contractors For Flawless Results!
Whether you have chosen metal, wood, or asphalt shingles, never compromise on the precision of installation methods. Poor installation can render even the best of the materials less effective against harsh weather. If you want to make the most out of your investment, search for the best shingle roofing companies in Rutherford NJ. Make necessary comparisons to find a company that is professionally competent and offers the best value for your money!
