Are you looking for the best roofing shingles to preserve your property while also giving it a fresh new look? We created this guide to assist you in selecting the best shingles for your roof replacement.
It can be difficult to sort through all of your options if you’re thinking about replacing your roof. Fortunately, you’ve found the ideal location to seek assistance. Three of the most expensive home repairs you may make are a bathroom redesign, a kitchen remodeling, or a new roof. There is a clear correlation between quality and cost in most home renovation projects. When it comes to roofing, this usually means a roof that will last longer.
Choosing a low-cost roofing job is rarely a wise option. You may save money in the short term, but you will pay a high price in the long run.
What Are The Different Shingle Types?
Roofing materials come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Asphalt shingles are among the most cost-effective roofing materials available. They’re the most popular material for roof replacement among homeowners. Asphalt shingles are also popular among new home construction companies.
The most common Shingle types are as follows:
- Asphalt Shingles
- Slate Shingles
- Metal Roof Shingles
- Wood Shingles
- Architectural Shingles
- Solar Shingles
Metal is a less prevalent, but still common, roof material. Metal shingles are fashionable and come in a variety of colors.
Many different types of wood are stacked into thin strips to form wood roof shingles. Wood shakes, on the other hand, are the most sought-after roofing material. They’re made from cedar trees that can be 200 to 300 years old, according to the manufacturer.
Solar shingles are becoming more popular in today’s environmentally conscious world. This roofing material, on the other hand, is still gaining popularity. Another environmentally friendly material that is gaining popularity is composite plastic shingles. Another well-known roofing material is slate shingles. They’re both small, yet their combined weight can be significant. They are, nonetheless, naturally appealing. Another frequent roofing material is rubber shingles. They have the appearance of asphalt but are more expensive.
Tile shingles are among the most long-lasting shingles available. They do, however, necessitate some maintenance. They may begin to shift out of place after roughly ten years. Asphalt shingles are less expensive than high-end materials like slate or tile. Metal shingles are unquestionably more expensive. However, there are some advantages to more expensive roofing materials.
Asphalt shingles, for example, cannot compete in terms of appearance and longevity with slate or tile. Similarly, a metal roof is a more expensive upfront than an asphalt roof. A metal roof, on the other hand, can last up to 60 years. In the meantime, an asphalt roof might only last 20 years.
Despite this, due to their low cost, asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing option. They are, however, thin and made of organic paper. As a result, they deteriorate more quickly than other types of roofing materials.
The Top 10 Best Brands Of Roofing Shingles
With a few recommendations on the best roof shingles on the market, you can limit your roofing material choices. Consumer Reports evaluates a variety of products, including the top roofing shingle brands.
The last time the consumer group reported on roofing materials was ten years ago. Because asphalt roofing shingles are now the most popular option in the United States, the company evaluated them. The thicknesses of various roofing brands are easily distinguishable, according to the survey. According to the survey, certain manufacturers’ shingles are so thick that they are three times more durable than other types. The most significant quality of roofing shingles is their longevity. As a result, Consumer Reports conducted a test that mimicked the load and conditions that asphalt shingles are subjected to overtime.
The consumer group concentrated on the weak points of shingles, as this is where most damage occurs. Various gadgets were utilized to simulate strong hail in order to determine which ones might bend, break, or dent. They also ran a test to evaluate which shingles could withstand the sun’s UV radiation.
According to the analysis, ordinary single-layer asphalt shingles can only withstand winds of up to 60 miles per hour, as well as mild hail and debris hits. Multilayered asphalt shingles, on the other hand, can endure winds of up to 110 miles per hour.
Who Are The Winners?
Consumer Reports applied force on the shingles with well-calibrated equipment. Everything from strong winds to falling trees was simulated in the experiments.
The publication also put the shingles’ thickest areas to the test. This is the point where the shingles meet. The top shingle brands, according to the results of the test, were:
- Atlas – Pinnacle Pristine
- GAF-Elk – Royal Sovereign
- CertainTeed – XT 25
- Atlas – StormMaster Slate
- Tamko – Heritage
- Owens Corning – Oakridge
- Owens Corning – Duration
- Owens Corning – Berkshire Collection
- IKO – Crowne Slate
- IKO – Cambridge
- Interlock – Alunar
- Tesla – Solar
GAF – Elk and CertainTeed – Presidential Shake also made it onto the list.
Which Roofing Shingles Have The Longest Lifespan?
Roof shingles can be quite costly. If you have to replace your roof every few years, you’re not saving money. If you buy the appropriate shingles, though, they may last for the entire time you own your home. It’s critical to employ the correct roofing contractor in addition to selecting the right shingles. The amount of labor required to install various roofing materials varies. As a result, installation labor costs will vary based on the materials you select.
Asphalt Shingles: Asphalt shingle roofing is used by the majority of households and developers in the United States. Depending on the quality, asphalt shingles can endure anywhere from 15 to 40 years. Some of the most expensive asphalt shingles can last up to half a century.
Wood Shingles: Wood shingles are made from natural materials like cedar and yellow pine. They’re a very appealing shingle. They often endure 25 to 30 years.
Wood Shakes: Wood shakes, on the other hand, are thicker than wood shingles. They are more resistant to the elements and the sun’s UV rays. Shakes made of wood could last 35 to 40 years.
Metal Shingles: Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular in locations like the West Coast. Metal roofs are extremely fire resistant. A metal roof can also last up to 75 years.
If you only plan to live in your home for 30 or 40 years, metal roofing is likely to be your sole option for a roof. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, metal roofing materials may eliminate the need for a new roof altogether.
Clay Shingles: In the Southwest, clay roof tiles are highly common. Homeowners across the country, however, like this material because of its beauty and durability. If properly cared for, clay tiles can last for over a decade (10+ years).
How To Select The Most Appropriate Roofing Shingles?
There are several aspects to consider while selecting shingles for your roofing job. One of the most important criteria is most likely your budget. As a result, you want the best pricing as well as the best value on roofing shingles.
A new roof for a home can cost anywhere between $5,000 to $28,000. The entire cost of installation is influenced by factors such as square footage, shingle type, and local labor expenses.
The average American home, for example, is roughly 2,000 square feet. Assume you own a 2,000-square-foot home. A new roof in this example may cost anything from $7,700 to $60,500, including labor. The cost of installing a roof varies across the United States. A new roof, on the other hand, costs roughly $7 per square foot on average. This fee usually includes all of the installation’s numerous services, such as:
- Construction waste disposal
- Dumpster fees
- Installation
- Permit fees
- Roofing materials
- Two layers of old roof removal
- Warranty
If you have any particular requirements, the cost of your roofing installation will be affected as well. The cost of your project will be influenced by the complexity of your roof.
The cost of your roof will also be affected by the underlayment. In addition, the slope of your roof affects the cost of a new roof installation.
Choosing The Best Roofing Contractor For The Job
Of course, each contractor has his or her own method of calculating project costs. As a result, the contractor you hire will have an impact on the cost of your project.
No matter how much you spend on roofing supplies, you can only have a successful project if you select a good contractor. For most homeowners, finding a good contractor is the most difficult aspect of a home improvement endeavor. Nonetheless, finding a skilled contractor that is honest and trustworthy is critical.
Subscribe to Legends Roofing's Blog
Comments