When it comes to new roof installations, it’s always a good idea to invest in quality materials that ensure your roof withstands the elements and performs well year after year.
Given that asphalt roofs are among the most common and affordable options on the market, it’s good to know how to identify a top-quality asphalt shingle for your new roof. Price isn’t necessarily the most important indicator of quality, either.
Selecting Roof Shingles
To get the most for your money, make sure that you consider life span, durability, weather resistance and quality when you select your new roof shingles.
- Color: There are thousands of options on the market so start by checking your homeowner’s association regulations. Look for roof shingles that complement your siding or brick. Remember, light roofing colors typically make a structure seem larger and more contemporary, while darker colors can make a building feel cozier and more traditional.
- Style: Shingles come in a variety of styles, depending on your budget and taste. Large format shingles cover more area in less time, but they don’t add dimension to your home’s roof. Laminated or “architectural” shingles offer a more in-depth, custom look. Strip roof shingles can also provide texture, since they can be layered to add depth to your roof’s surface.
- Quality and durability: Life span, sturdiness and weather resistance are all important considerations when you’re replacing a shingle roof. Choose roofing shingles with a lengthy, comprehensive manufacturer’s warranty since high-quality shingles come with warranties of up to 25 years or more.
Residential Roofing Installation: How to Choose Asphalt Shingles
The two most important things to look for in a quality asphalt shingle are its performance characteristics and its warranty.
Choosing Asphalt Shingle – Performance Characteristics
Performance characteristics include metrics like weight, wind resistance, and the level of ventilation the shingle allows. Generally speaking, heavier shingles are more durable, and will also tend to cost more.
Shingles with higher levels of wind resistance withstand the elements better. While you may look at a given shingle and wonder whether you really need one with 110 mile-per-hour wind resistance, remember that the hardier overall construction means it will outperform other shingles in normal weather conditions as well.
With residential roofing, you need to be aware of local building codes when choosing asphalt shingles, as some municipalities have ordinances that require homeowners installing shingle roofs to meet specific ventilation criteria. If you’re unsure about local regulations, call your municipal housing authority.
Choosing Asphalt Shingles – Warranty Details
When it comes to the shingle’s warranty, longer is definitely better. Asphalt shingles with shorter warranties are quite simply not expected to hold up for as long as better-built shingles with longer coverage duration, so while they tend to be cheaper, you may also have to replace them sooner.
As a consumer, you should also know the difference between manufacturer’s & contractor’s warranty. A manufacturer’s warranty covers the materials used to build your roof, while the contractor’s warranty covers the installation and workmanship.
Looking for asphalt shingle installation contractor?
Of course, the very best shingles on the market won’t help you much if you don’t choose the right roofing contractor to install them so finding quality contractor is key.
At All Roofing Solutions, we serve residential and commercial customers throughout Delaware and southeastern Pennsylvania, and we’ve earned an excellent reputation for quality and customer satisfaction. Family owned and operated since 1998, we are proud to be a team of experienced roofers who are committed to helping you with your next roofing project.
If you need a quality Delaware roofing contractor, call 302-725-ROOF (7663) in Delaware or 610-551-ROOF (7663) in Pennsylvania
to request your FREE estimate! And don’t forget to ask about our discount of $400 off any complete roofing job!