There are a few things in life that are certain: death, taxes, and the inevitable need to replace your roofing shingles at some point in time.
It doesn’t matter when or where you purchased your property, a time will come when your home or business will need a new roof. While roof replacements can be viewed as a burden, it is actually a perfect opportunity to upgrade your property. Most home or business owners in the area stick with standard asphalt shingles.
And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with asphalt shingles — seriously, they’re great! — there are many other roof shingles you can install on your property that might better fit your wants and needs.
Most people aren’t familiar with the various types of roofing materials, which is why we’re giving you a beginner’s guide on the topic. Continue reading to learn more!
Different Types of Roofing Shingles
There are many different types of roofing. Today, we’ll focus on the most popular kinds:
1.ASPHALT SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles are the most common and affordable option for homes and businesses across the United States. Most property owners choose asphalt shingles for their roof replacements.
Generally speaking, asphalt roofs last up to three or more decades and work exceptionally well for properties in colder climates that experience snow and ice. They also perform well in other environments, like the southern and west coast states.
Within the asphalt shingle family, you’ll find a couple of different types: standard asphalt and 3-tab shingles (long shingles with cuts to make them look like three separate shingles).
Architectural roofing shingles are considered to be some of the highest quality roofing products available today. They contain additional asphalt layers that contribute to their look and ability to resist water more efficiently. Synthetic asphalt shingles resemble the appearance of a stone or wood shingle but are much more affordable than the real deals.
2.METAL SHINGLES
Metal roofs can increase the value of your home, making it one of the best long-term investments you could make as a property owner. Metal roofing is much more resistant to harsh weather conditions, like ice and snow, and fires. A metal roof can last 50 years or more, which is much longer than other types of roofing materials.
They give homes and businesses an updated and modern look and come in several color and style options. Common metal materials include copper, steel, aluminum, tin, corrugated metal, and more.
Despite their extreme durability and sturdiness, metal shingles and roofs are relatively light, making them perfect for buildings that cannot support heavier shingles, like those made from stone. Most metal shingles come in vertical panels, but there are options out there made to look like tile and other types of shingles.
Metal roofs are an eco-friendly choice and are a great way to go green. They can help increase your property’s energy efficiency by reflecting the sun’s rays. Home and business owners can experience up to 40% savings on their utility bills as a result! Moreover, most metal roofing materials are made from recycled metal and are completely recyclable once it’s time for them to be replaced.
3.WOOD SHINGLES
There are two main types of wooded roofing: wood shingles and wood shakes. Outside of the final appearance of your roof, they are quite similar to one another.
Wood shingles are machine cut for a precise, uniform, and perfect look. While wood shakes are typically cut by hand and sized a bit differently to create a more rustic and organic look.
Besides their appearance, the two function about the same. Depending on your local weather conditions and how the wood is treated before installation, they can last between 15 and 50 or more years.
Due to the risk of fire, wooden roofing materials have become unpopular. However, today’s wood roofing materials are treated with fire retardant, significantly reducing the risk. Wood is also a lighter-weight material that can be installed without additional roof support.
Wood roofs require regular maintenance, more than some other types of roofing materials. They need to be cleaned often and treated with wood preservatives, fungicides, and fire retardants.
4.STONE TILE SHINGLES
Some of the most beautiful roofs are made from slate and other stone shingles. They provide the property with a pleasing, opulent aesthetic and an especially long lifespan.
Stone roofs are extremely durable and resistant to even the harshest of conditions. A stone roof that is properly installed can last between 60 and 150 or more years! Stone tiles are one of the most expensive roofing options. However, their ability to last more than a hundred years makes the investment well worth it.
While individual stone shingles are thin, roofs made from stone tend to be very heavy, as you can imagine. Because of this, additional support may be necessary to support the weight of a stone tile roof, depending on the construction of your property.
5.OTHER TYPES OF SHINGLES
Solar Roofing Shingles — If you have a south-facing roof, you may want to consider solar shingles. These shingles work to generate electricity for your property.
Rubber or PVC Shingles — These shingles are made to look similar to asphalt shingles and are energy efficient, and help lower your bills each month. They are lightweight and easy to install.
Want to Learn More About Various Types of Roofing Shingles? Call We Do Roofing SLC!
If you have questions or want to learn more about the different types of roofing shingles, call the profressionals at We Do Roofing SLC today!
Our trusted and skilled roofing crew is licensed and insured. We are proud to be Salt Lake City’s experts in all things gutters, siding, and roofing jobs. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we are able to handle whatever job you throw our way; whether that’s a simple roof repair or total roof replacement, or something in between, our talented team is here to help.
We are ready to serve homes and commercial buildings in Murray, Salt Lake City, West Jordan, West Valley City, and neighboring cities along the Wasatch Front. Ready to get your quick quote? Contact We Do Roofing SLC now.
