Ultimate Guide to Roof Shingles

If you notice your roof showing signs of wear and tear, it might be time to consider installing a new one. However, the task of installing or repairing a new roof may seem daunting, especially if this is your first roof replacement. With so many roofing options available, narrowing down your best choice can be tricky. Shingles are the most popular roofing material because they’re lightweight, efficient and cost-effective. With various colors and styles available, you will be sure to find the right set of shingles for your house. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about installing a new shingle roof.

What Are Roof Shingles?

Shingles are roofing materials used to construct the top layer of a roof. Flat and rectangular, they overlap one another across the top of a house and provide the first layer of protection to your home. Shingles lay from the bottom edge of a roof to the top corner. They are available in a variety of colors, textures and styles. Shingles act as a barrier between your house and the outside elements. They can protect your home from water damage due to rain, snow and other storms. Additionally, shingles provide an additional aesthetic feature for your house. When replacing your roof, you can select from a variety of styles to choose the best kind for your safety and personal preferences. Shingles also affect energy efficiency as they can impact the amount of hot and cold air that enters your house. Lighter-colored shingles may help deflect heat from your home, while darker colors absorb the warmth from the sun.

Types of Roof Shingles and Materials

Roof shingles come in a variety of options. From colors and textures to longevity and price, there are many factors to consider when selecting your best option. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of roof shingles and materials.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roof shingles are one of the most popular options in use today. Durable, inexpensive and aesthetically pleasing, these shingles are a classic option for any home. They come in a variety of colors, so if you have a specific color scheme in mind, asphalt shingles offer many options. In addition, they provide strong protection against fire, water, ice and snow. Due to their popularity, ease of installation and simple repairs, asphalt shingle roofs are a great choice for most homeowners. There are two different types of asphalt shingles:

•  3-Tab Roofing Shingles: These shingles have three distinct tabs of equal size. When they spread across the roof, they create a symmetrical pattern.
• Architectural Roofing Shingles: These consist of two layers laminated together to create a two-dimensional look. Because the shingles are thicker, they provide more protection against the wind and often last longer.

Your home might be perfect for an installation of a new asphalt shingle roof.

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles are another viable roof shingle option. They are extremely heavy-duty, lasting upwards of 50 years before needing replacements. If you experience extreme weather, from hailstorms to scorching sun, metal shingles can protect your home. Their durable material sustains strong winds from storms, too. Here are more advantages of metal shingles for your home:

• They fight against heat: In the long summer months of the southern U.S., metal shingles fight against the heat. The metal materials reflect sunbeams, reducing the amount of heat that enters the home.
• They’re fire-resistant: Metal shingles prevent fire damage to your home due to their flame-resistant capabilities.
• They’re unlikely to leak: Roofers install metal shingles at a certain rise above the roof. In turn, the shingles are very unlikely to gather and leak water into your house.

Wooden Shingles

Next, wooden shingles can offer many great benefits for your home, and they attract many homeowners due to their natural aesthetic. Additionally, they’re also easy to install and very durable, lasting up to five or six decades before needing replacements. Wooden roofs and shingles usually consist of these wood types:

• California redwood
• Western red cedar
• Atlantic white cedar
• Pine

Wood roofs require a little more maintenance than asphalt or metal materials. Periodically, you should check the wood for moss growth or wood decay, but their durability and attractiveness make wooden shingles a great option for roof installations.

How Are Shingles Added to a Roof?

After you select your shingle material, it’s time to get ready for the installation. A roof installation may seem like a huge production, but professional roofers can make the process practically seamless. While some homeowners may think they can perform a do-it-yourself roof replacement, you should always rely on a professional roofing service. When you hire a professional roofing service, they will:

1. Remove current shingles: Before installing the new ones, installers use a roof shovel to get rid of the existing shingles, nails and underlayment. Also, they clean any debris or excess off the roof.
2. Put down drip and leak barriers: Installers place these barriers on the edges of the roof to protect it from potential leaks.
3. Place the underlayment: Next, workers place the underlayment tightly across the roof.
4. Install starter shingles: The first shingles, called starter shingles, lay across the edges of the roof. They align with the drip barrier.
5. Lay the rest of the shingles: Then, the rest of the shingles fit tightly against each other. Installers start at one side of the roof and work their way to the ridges. Installers use nails and manufacturer instructions to lay the shingles. They ensure the materials fit the roof space and accommodate for any pipes and vents.
6. Finish laying shingles: After installing shingles to one ridge, crews repeat the process for all other sides of the roof. They trim previously applied shingles and overlap new rounds until they cover the entire roof.
7. Clean up roofing area: Finally, a professional service will be sure to clean any debris or trash off the roof and surrounding areas. However, after the crews leave, it’s still a good idea to watch out for stray nails or hidden sharp debris in the area surrounding your home.

Why Shingles Are the Best Roofing Material

Shingles provide many advantages for roofs, making them the best roof material. Their affordability and durability set them apart from other roofing options. Other key benefits include:

• Easy installation and repair
• Longevity
• Aesthetic look
• Variety of colors and textures
• Range of pricing for most lifestyles

Overall, shingles are excellent selections for new roofs and roof repairs. With the many options for roof replacements on the market, shingles offer premium protection and style.