Roofing Shingles - Making The Right Choice For Your Home
July 11, 2008 – 1:20 amIf it’s time to get a new roof, perhaps the biggest decision you make will be what type of roofing shingles you use. Don’t think you are simply limited to what you already use, there are plenty of choices out there to give you the look and durability you want. Of course you also want to stay within your budget, and if you plan on installing it yourself, you need something relatively easy to work with as well. True there are other options besides shingles, but this clearly remains the most popular choice. So what kind should you get?
There are primarily three types of shingles to choose from. And each of them has pluses and minuses. All have different costs, lifespans and looks. The good news is that all are durable, and will probably last as long as you live in your home.
Asphalt shingles are the ones you’ll see on most roofs. And at $15 to $25 dollars a square, they are also the least expensive option. Installation is not too difficult as long as you know the proper procedure. The fact that they are fairly lightweight makes the installation even easier. And matching your home is no problem since asphalt comes in a number of different colors and styles. Also on the plus side is that these are fire resistant and with proper care, they will last up to 30 years.
So what are the drawbacks? Well they can be damaged by high winds. So if you live in an area where hurricanes or tornadoes are common, this could be a problem. And unless specially treated, asphalt shingles can also be vulnerable to mold. And although they will last up to 30 years, that’s not very long compared to other types of shingles.
And while asphalt is still the most popular, slate shingles are gaining in popularity. If you want your home to have a more natural feel, this could be the option for you. Again you’ll find a wide range of styles and colors to match your home, and you can get a look different from anyone else in the neighborhood. When it comes to durability, slate (or stone) shingles are tough to beat. They can last more than 100 years, so you’ll probably never need another roof.
So why choose anything else? Well for starters, slate shingles are extremely heavy. That means not every home can handle them. Many houses will need to have the rafters reinforced just to keep the roof from caving in. That weight also means that very few people will be able to install this roof by themselves. They will also break easily, so it’s best to have a professional do the job for you. And when you look at the cost, slate is out of range for most people. You’ll find these shingles will cost around $850 for 100 square feet.
Many people think the third option on our list looks the best. Wood or shake shingles can be absolutely beautiful. Treated cedar is the most popular, but you can also get these shingles in pine or spruce. In addition to looking good, shake roofs are not too difficult to install. And they will last about 50 years if treated properly.
There are two major problems with shake roofs. The first is that they are not fireproof, and that can be dangerous. The second is cost related and also related to the danger. Having a wood roof can make your insurance costs go up tremendously. It’s a good idea to check with your insurance company to see the difference before installing shake shingles. You’ll also find shake roofs more expensive than asphalt, though not as costly as slate. In many cases you’ll probably be paying about $250 per 100 square feet. Wood roofs also require more maintenance or they will splinter, mold or rot.
Before you make a decision on your roofing shingles, carefully weigh the pros and cons of each of your choices. Don’t be afraid to ask neighbors, family members and friends for recommendations as well. And unless you are experienced, we always recommend hiring a professional to install your roof for you. It may end up being cheaper in the long run, since you won’t have to call someone in to make costly repairs.
Tags: Home Improvement