Types Of Roofing Shingles – Pick From Asphalt, Wood, Slate Or Metal
There are many types of roofing shingles to choose from in the roofing market. Literally, thousands of choices are available for a prospective buyer of roof shingles in terms of colors, styles, design, texture and material. Which roofing you pick is a matter of your choice and also more importantly your budget and your needs based on your local climate.
Here we discuss the various types of roofing shingles that are widely used in North America.
Asphalt Shingles – The most popular roofing option of course is asphalt shingles. In fact there is hardly any competition to asphalt with over 80 percent of homes and buildings sporting some type of asphalt roofing shingles. They are so many brands, makes and choices that it is hard not to find what you are looking for. The simplest form of asphalt shingles is the 3-tab shingles which is also the cheapest. It is available in wide choice of colors. When buying asphalt shingles make sure you get the shingles that have long warranty of 30 years or more and have the fire and impact resistance as needed by your local building rules.
Architectural Shingles – These are also asphalt shingles but thicker with more of the asphalt and filler material. It is of better quality and lasts longer because its thicker and of better quality. The costs are naturally higher for these shingles. Also, it has been found that installing architectural shingles is much easier than asphalt as it is more substantial in size.
One more addition to the stable of architectural shingles are the laminates. These are premium asphalt shingles and offer many more choices in texture and color. They have longer warranties too. They can last up to 50 years or more. They are designed to look like natural slate, natural tiles and natural wood. So, if you have an inclination for these but the high prices of natural products are unaffordable then go for there copies in asphalt. They offer the same looks with out the high prices.
Metal Roofing – Previously mainly used in commercial establishments and as roofing for barns and out houses, metal has a come a long way. Properly installed metal roof can last as long as your home and more. It is re-cyclable and hence a green roof. To make metal a more attractive option manufacturers offer metal both in sheets and also in shingles.
Metal shingles have been designed to look like slate, wood and tiles. Like asphalt shingles metal is also available in wide variety of choices, making them an ideal choice for your roof. Though the high initial cost is not to any home owner’s liking still, if you divide its life-span by its cost you will find that metal roof is much cheaper than asphalt or architectural shingles. The one reason why many homeowners shy away from metal is because of their memories of old days when it rained or there was a hail storm the noise was like machine gun firing on their roofs.
The felt and the plywood decking absorb all sound. So, there is absolutely no truth in this. If you want you can add an extra layer of foam under your metal shingles to dampen any sounds.
The other types of roofing shingles include wood, concrete tiles, clay tiles and slate.