If you are a new homeowner and are looking at improving your home for the first time, then the first place you should start is with your roof. The roof is what protects your home from the elements, and is its first line of defense. That’s why it’s so important to keep your roof in good condition.
If you need to replace your roof, you will have to decide what kind of roof you will replace it with. What is a shingle roof? How does it differ from other roofing types? Here is everything that you need to know about this roofing type.
What Is A Shingle Roof?
A shingle roof is a roof that is made up of many different tiles or shingles, which are arranged in a step pattern across the roof deck. As they are placed in that step pattern, that allows water to descend down them like stairs, so it can reach the gutters and be directed away from the house.
While shingles are the most popular way to cover a roof, it is not the only way you can do so. You can also use metal sheets to cover the deck and allow water to run off, or use other materials such as tar and waterproof membranes, which are most typically used for flat roofs.
Shingle roofs are one of the most popular ways of building a roof in the USA right now. There are plenty of reasons why that is, which we will get into below.
Types Of Roof Shingles
When you start looking into shingle roofs, you will see that there are actually multiple types of shingles that you can have. These include the following:
Asphalt shingles: These are the most common shingle types that you will see on modern homes. An asphalt shingle is made by using layers of tar, fiberglass, and granules. These are compressed together to make a shingle that is waterproof and can withstand most of what the elements can throw at them.
You will see there are actually different types of shingles out there too, which are all made with asphalt. The most common type that used to be used was the three tab shingle, but now architectural shingles are becoming much more popular.
Asphalt shingles are also popular because they are a very affordable option, something that’s important when you are trying to replace a roof on a budget.
Clay shingles: Clay shingles are another popular choice, which has been used for thousands of years. They are made simply by firing clay, to create a durable and long-lasting shingle. They have a fantastic look that you will often see on homes in the south of the US, and I know for being able to take pretty much anything the weather can throw at them. They are also highly fire resistant.
If you do consider clay shingles though, you should be aware that they are more expensive than the asphalt shingle version. They are also a lot heavier than other options, so if you do want a clay shingle roof, you may need to have the roof itself reinforced.
Wood shingles: Wood shingles, also known as shakes, are another historical roofing material that is still popular today. Wood is able to dry quickly after being rained on, so if a wood roof is well taken care of, it can protect your home. Of course, they also look great so if you want the best curb appeal for your home, shakes could be what you’re looking for.
With wood though, you will need to keep a close eye on it to keep it in the best condition. Also, you will see that in some states shakes aren’t allowed by government authorities on homes, due to fire risk. That’s something you will need to check before you make your final choice.
Slate shingles: Finally, there are slate shingles or sleep tiles, which are a naturally strong material that is built by hand to create a long-lasting roof. In some cases, they can even last up to 100 years. Again, they also look amazing on lots of homes, so they are a tempting choice.
Like clay shingles, slate is more expensive and heavier than other options, so if you want slate you will need to be ready for this.
Which Shingle Is Right For Your Home?
That’s just a few of the different shingles that are available to homeowners right now. If you are ready to replace your roof, you will then have to decide what kind of shingles you want to re-roof your home with. There are several factors you will need to keep in mind to ensure you pick the right shingle for you.
Cost: Cost is always going to be a big factor when it comes to your roof. Replacing your roof will always be costly, but of course, if you are using quality materials, that roof will last longer. You can go with asphalt shingles which are the cheapest option, or go with more expensive options, such as slate.
Longevity: Another important factor is how long those shingles will last on your roof. All different shingles will have a recommended lifespan, so you will want to keep that in mind along with your budget. For example, asphalt shingles will last about 25 years, well a sleep shingle will last for up to 100.
DIY Vs. Professional Installation
Finally, you will need to look into how your roof will be installed. Some shingles are quite simple to install, and you will find plenty of guides online. However, it is always best to hire an expert to handle it for you. With a good roofer, they will be able to install the roof correctly and ensure that there are no issues later down the line.
So what is a shingle roof? It’s a roof that is made up of several different tiles, which can be made of anything from asphalt to clay and slate. It’s one of the most popular roofing materials available right now, and it’s easy to see why.
