Roof Shingles – Basic Types
Shingles present a protective barrier to a property, they help people keep their homes properly insulated and, sometimes, they can even increase the overall value of the property. If you’re into renovating your home or you’re building a new house, knowing basic things about the quality shingles can be really helpful. I’ve asked best experts specialized in GAF roofing Dearborn Michigan can offer to tell us more about basic types of roof shingles. Here’s what I’ve found out!
Asphalt Shingles are rather affordable and probably among the most popular types. Some asphalt shingles include organic and fiberglass shingles and they can differ in color, size and style. Shingles made from asphalt commonly meet Energy Star standards, so installing them can help people save on energy bills. When it comes to cons of asphalt shingles, they are not really suitable for areas where temperature can suddenly fluctuate, because some of them could crack in those situations. Also, if roofs have steep slopes, asphalt shingles cannot be used on them.
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles are made from layers of waterproof coating and a fiberglass base mat. These shingles are lightweight, resistant to UV rays and fire, very durable and rather affordable (compared to other roofing options).
Organic Asphalt Shingles are made with paper, rags and recycled cardboard, as well as wood chips. They were considered heavier than fiberglass shingles and not as durable, rather affordable and waterproof. Nevertheless, organic shingles are prone to saturation and moisture, which can lead to rather dangerous problems, especially if you live in an area with a lot of freezing temperatures or/and high humidity. These weather conditions can cause degrading and braking of the shingles long before their life expectancy (approx. 20 years). Because of this problem, most homeowners opt for replacing organic asphalt shingles with fiberglass ones.
Wood Shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, yet cheaper than tile shingles. They are the most environmentally friendly type of shingles, very energy-efficient, durable and can last up to 50 years. Nevertheless, wood shingles aren’t fire resistant and the installation process could be quite complicated. Also, with wood shingles, it’s necessary to take measures that will keep the roof from mold and termites. Although some wood shingles can be repaired, they usually call for the replacement.
Metal Roofing is perfect option for flat or steep roofline. Whether it’s made with solid or constructed metal, metal roofing is enduring and durable. In case it’s from a low-galvanized metal, this type of roofing can be rather affordable. Aluminum, zinc, tin and copper are other types of metal that can be included in metal roofing. With proper care and maintenance, metal roof can last for up to 50 years. However, one of the drawbacks is the fact that it’s noisy whenever there’s rain or hail. Some metal roofing repairs include rust patches or holes, moisture and/or leaks, curled up edges and seams, as well as loose nails.
Slate Shingles have probably the best damage and water resistance properties of all shingle types and that’s perfect for freezing winter temperatures. Slate shingles come in red, green, gray and black color. However, slate shingles can be rather costly, heavy (for some homes that cannot handle their weight) and not as affordable to repairs (not too many companies specialize in this shingle material type).
Tile Shingles can be seen on homes that feature Mediterranean or colonial Spanish style, they can last for 80 years and are visually stunning. However, tile shingles are probably the most pricey. If you want to replace your roof with tile shingles, it’s crucial to examine the structure of your home; they might be too heavy for your home. The cost of installation is also rather high.