Which Shingle Type is Best for Your Home?
It is important to understand what your roof is made of because it is the main thing that protects you from the harsh elements of Mother Nature. There are many different options when it comes to shingle types, and understanding which is the best choice for your home is crucial to keeping your home properly insulated and protected. Before you start thinking about replacing your roof, make sure to review our tips on whether you need to repair or replace your roof and signs your roof is bad. After you’ve figured that out, consider which of these three shingle types is right for your home.
Asphalt Shingles
Starting with the most affordable option, asphalt shingles are definitely the most budget-friendly. With an average cost of only $100 to $150 per shingle, choosing asphalt shingles is going to be best for your wallet, and they are also come in several different sizes, colors, and styles. You’ll also see that many of them meet Energy Star standards, which can save you money on your energy bills.
The downside to this shingle type is that they don’t last as long as some of the other options, especially in places where the climate tends to fluctuate suddenly. With sudden temperature changes they can crack easily, and even in temperate climates they can crack because they are made from a weaker material.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are more expensive than their asphalt relatives, with a typical cost of about $400 to $700 per shingle. But they are more environmentally friendly than other types of shingles and more durable — they usually lasting between 30 and 50 years. They’re also more energy-efficient, and they’re available in aesthetically pleasing cedar and redwood. Cedar and redwood also have natural bug repellent, so these shingle types are good for areas with lots of insects.
The biggest drawback to having wood shingles is that they are more susceptible to fire than other shingle types. In addition, the install process is a lot harder than others, so you need to make sure you have an experienced contractor on hand to do it right. And although cedar and redwood repel most insects, these wood shingles are not immune to termites, so you have to monitor your roof carefully.
Slate Shingles
The biggest benefit to choosing slate shingles is that they will last a long time — typically 80 to 100 years. The cost will vary greatly depending on the style, with a range of about $200 to $650 per tile, with installation adding significantly. This shingle type is ideal for cold and wet climates, as slate has excellent water- and damage-resistance properties.
The downside to slate shingles is mostly a matter of. Not only can they be expensive to install, but if they do happen to break or crack, then they are expensive to repair as well. Slate shingles are also extremely heavy, and they usually require a slate tile specialist to install and repair.
Contact Marcotte General Contracting for Your Roof Repair and Replacement Needs
If you’re unsure about whether you need your roof repaired or which shingle type you’d like to replace with, talk to one of our friendly professional contractors today by calling 219-595-2642 or sending us a message online. Even though we are based in Dyer, IN, we are available nationwide to help you with your contracting needs.
