Choosing the Right Shingle for Your Home

One of the more costly home maintenance expenses is roof replacement. Tiling your roof with durable shingles will be well worth the cost, as it will save you a good deal of money in the long run. But how durable is durable enough? When picking your shingles, there are many factors to consider, including appearance, wind resistance, and how long you plan to stay in the home. Several roofing options are available and it can be difficult to know what is best. One basic guideline is that shingle weight, thickness and wind resistance increase with the length of manufacturers warranty (as well as price), making a 50 year shingle much more durable than a 20 year shingle. The year indicates length of manufacturers warranty offered. Metal, tile, and slate roofing are alternatives to the asphalt shingle.

20 Year, 30 Year, 40 Year, or 50 Year Asphalt Shingles

One of the least expensive shingles available is the 3-tab composition shingle. These are relatively easy to install and come in 3 foot strips with 1 foot tabs separated by grooves. The 3-tab will lay flat on a roof, adding essentially no dimension. It can be expected to withstand winds up to 60 mph and typically comes with a 20 year manufacturers warranty.

A 30 year architectural or dimensional grade shingle will be slightly thicker, adding some depth to the appearance of your roof. This type of shingle will withstand winds up to 70 mph. You may want to consider adding a stain guard finish to prevent mildew and algae stains from appearing.

40 year shingles can withstand 80 mph winds and come with a 40 year manufacturers warranty. Some people argue that this warranty is not worth the money, as the majority of homeowners do not occupy a house for 40 years.

The 50 year shingle is the highest rated in wind, leak and impact resistance, typically able to withstand winds up to 90 mph. They often come with a stain guard standard and are the thickest available asphalt shingle.

It is important to consider what environmental factors threaten the life of your roof. If you live in an area with frequent winds, wind resistance will be important. However, you may find there is little value in selecting a more expensive roof if wind or ice are not real concerns. Many manufacturers can afford to offer warranties up to 50 years, as the majority of homes will change hands several times within those years. While a more durable shingle costs less over time, if you plan on moving within a few years of replacing your roof, the more expensive shingles will probably not pay back on sale. Even if you do plan to stay in your home for awhile, few homeowners will actually call a supplier after that amount of time has passed. Keep in mind the real value of an extended warranty and long-lasting roof, and make your decision from there.

Double Layer Shingles

Laying new shingles directly on top of an old roof is both time and cost efficient on the front end. However, there are definite negatives to consider before taking this route. For starters, removing and retailing the roof down the road will be more costly, as twice the work will be involved. In addition, if your home has an attic, the double layer of shingles will trap more heat, as they act as extra insulation. In the event the roof is not properly laid, it will deteriorate quickly and require costly repairs. Both the cost and time saved in double layering shingles will eventually catch up to the homeowner, so think carefully before using this method on your roof.

Selecting a Contractor

Always get several bids, as roofing costs can vary widely. Of course, you want to select a quality roofer which will be worth some extra cost. Poorly installed shingles can leak, crack, or deteriorate and lead to expensive damages to your roof and home. Make sure the cost of removing waste and old shingles is included in the estimate. You can expect a roofer to clean up old nails, strip or repaint vent casings, repaint ridge vents and replace felting.

There is a difference between a manufacturer's warranty and a contractor's individual guarantee policy. Make sure that you understand both before selecting your shingles and hiring a contractor.

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