There are many different types of shingles to consider when choosing a roof for your home. The three most common are cedar, metal, and asphalt. It’s important to understand the pros and cons of each with different factors such as affordability, energy-efficiency, durability, and more. Every house is different, so be sure to choose the shingle type that is best for your home and needs.
Cedar
These are the best shingles for the environment and they’re also some of the most aesthetically pleasing. Some manufacturers even try to mimic the look of shingles made from wood because those made from cedar are so beautiful to look at. This type will reduce energy costs more than any other because of its ability to insulate the attic while circulating air underneath.
On the other hand, they have a short life span and need to be replaced every 20 - 30 years. While cedar shingles by themselves are affordable, the installation process is extensive and requires a professional to do the job. This makes them more pricey overall. They are also hard to maintain, often needing to be replaced, rather than just repaired. Lastly, this type is highly flammable and can be a fire hazard.
Metal
Metal shingles are great for steep or flat rooflines. If you need a roof that will hold up for years without much wear and tear from the weather, this type will do just that as they have been known to last over 50 years. You don’t have to worry about the shingles splitting, rotting, warping, or cracking. They are good at keeping your home nice and cool during hot days because the metal will reflect the sun. This type can be recycled and can be installed over an existing roof.
Some things to watch out for with these shingles are the price and the noise. The initial installation can cost a pretty penny and professional help is recommended for a metal roof. Also, because it is made of metal, it can be quite noisy during rain or hail. These shingles have a specific look and their appearance isn’t for everyone. Be sure to take a look at examples before deciding on this type for your home.
Asphalt
When it comes to asphalt shingles, they are the most commonly used and the most affordable to homeowners. Their low-maintenance and easy installation make them the least expensive option. They are lightweight as well as fire-resistant. This type can last 30 years or longer if protective treatments are done during installation. Aesthetically, there are many different sizes, colors, and styles to choose from, leaving you with almost endless possibilities. They can have cool-roof technology added to help lower energy bills and reduce heat absorption. You can even save money if your roof meets Energy Star standards by receiving rebates. While they weren’t always environmentally friendly, there have been positive changes made. Now, they are becoming recyclable and you can even layer asphalt shingles on top of old ones.
On the downside, these shingles don’t last as long and are prone to weather damage. If you have a flat roof, you will want to rethink this option. They are meant to be installed on roofs that have a steep slope.
Do you need help choosing shingles for your home?
Price Roofing has been serving the Amarillo area for over 40 years. In that time, we have received the 2020 BBB Torch Award for Ethics. Our company may be small, but our dedication to the job is big. We want to give you the best result each and every time. Take a look at our Portfolio to see some of our previous work and Testimonials to read what other customers have said about us. If you have any questions, please feel free to Contact Us via email or give us a call at (806) 353-3389 for a free estimate.