What Are the Top Things to Know About Roof Shingles?

With the vast majority of American homes using asphalt shingles as their roofing material of choice, it’s important to know what kind of investment you’re making with these roof shingles.

Many factors influence what type of material people choose for their roof, including cost and durability. Although cost-effective, asphalt shingles may need to be replaced more often than less conventional tile or slate shingles, depending on a few factors.

So what are the top things to know about roof shingles? We have your pick of important information here!

Cheap Doesn’t Make the Cut

Did you know that the cheapest asphalt roof shingles are the most prone to damage? When it comes to roofing materials, you get what you pay for. These cheaper materials may begin to show wear as soon as 5 years after installation and may need to be replaced after just 10 years.

Cheap just doesn’t make the cut when it comes to roof shingles for your home. Your roofing contractor will give you a quote based on the surface area of your roof as well as the cost of your shingles and the labor that goes into it.

Even if you’re wooed by an attractively low price quoted for your shingles, you aren’t going to want to replace your roof just a decade later because weather took its toll on your low-quality material choice.

Granule Condition Is Important

If you’re choosing asphalt roof shingles, the granules that are applied to these products are important. They help protect your shingles against the elements. When your granules begin to show wear and end up in your gutters, the aging process of your roof will be accelerated.

Granules may be lost for a variety of reasons, including from extreme weather such as storms and ice, but walking on the roof, having moss growing on your roof, and improper ventilation can all damage your granules.

When it comes to shingles, the condition of the granules is important and something you should pay attention to when inspecting your roof.

Your Home’s Location Matters

When trying to decide on roof shingles, consider the location of your house. The climate in your neck of the woods will absolutely impact your shingle of choice.

For instance, if your house is located in a humid area, your shingles may show signs of algae growth (think of those dark streaks you see on people’s roofs). You may want to choose algae-resistant shingles that have special granules to stop this growth.

If your house gets a lot of sun and is in a hot climate, dark roof shingles shouldn’t be your first choice. A lighter color will help energy efficiency because they’ll be less likely to absorb heat and also less prone to damage from curing. Your contractor can help you make the best choice!

What the Warranty Means

No matter what type of roof shingles you choose, you should have both a manufacturer’s warranty on the materials as well as a contractor’s warranty on the labor performed.

The manufacturer’s warranty may be anywhere from 20 years or more, but your roof is not guaranteed to last for that long. It’s important that you read the information regarding your roofing warranty carefully. Odds are the warranty will not cover everything and the coverage won’t last past 10-15 years.

Your contractor’s warranty may not be any longer than one or two years, although the best roofing contractors will offer a 5-year warranty for your peace of mind when it comes to your roof shingles. A proper installation will protect your roof in the long run.

There are many factors that affect the warranty of your roofing materials, so be sure to read the fine print and talk with your contractor about what to expect.

Regardless of what type of roof shingles you choose, be informed about your choice. Remember that the cheapest materials won’t hold up well over time. Always consider the location of your home when choosing shingles, and inspect the condition of your granules regularly. Know what your warranty means for both the contractor and the manufacturer.

What type of shingles are you considering for your home? Keep these things in mind when making your choice for a beautiful and long-lasting roof!