Every homeowner dreads hearing that their house needs a new roof, and they immediately begin stressing about the cost and process. If you are preparing to update your home’s roof, you need to find the right contractor, like A-Rite Construction and Roofing. Once you have secured your contractor, you will need to choose the ideal shingles for your roof. While you may have many options to choose from, there are several factors to consider when choosing asphalt shingles. Continue reading to gain an understanding of asphalt shingles and the considerations that will help you make the right choice.
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are a roofing material made up of singular overlapping elements. The shingles are made with a combination of fiberglass and asphalt, and they have a gritty surface. These surface granules serve an important purpose as they keep the roof cooler by resisting the sun’s strong UV rays. They also provide protection against algae and mold growth. When installed, the overlapping shingles create a tight seal to prevent rain and other water elements from getting beneath the underlayment and causing leaks.
There are different asphalt shingle styles available for homeowners. This includes a variety of colors, so you can blend the new shingles seamlessly into your home’s aesthetic.
Factors To Consider
Installing new shingles on your roof is an investment, so you want to ensure you pick the right shingle style for your home. Here are some of the factors you should consider when choosing asphalt shingles.
Color
Color plays a significant role in determining which asphalt shingles are right for your home. The style you choose should complement your house’s existing siding, as it’s not easy to change the color of your home. Try to find an option that will coordinate with the shutters, siding, and other elements on your home’s exterior.
Many homeowners worry about the energy efficiency of their homes, so it’s worth noting that the shingles’ color does factor into how energy efficient they are. A darker color can help houses located in the Midwest or regions that experience brutally cold winters by capturing the sun’s heat. However, a roof with dark shingles isn’t the best idea if you live in the South. Instead, opting for a light-colored shingle will help keep the heat away, which will also help keep energy bills low.
White shingles are the most effective color for counteracting climate change—but that does not mean you need to purchase stark white shingles. Understanding the difference each shingle color can make will help you decide which shade is right for your house. For instance, a black roof can become 100 degrees warmer than the air temperature, which can noticeably heat up your house, while white shingles will only become 20 degrees warmer. Not to mention, a cooler roof will have a significantly longer lifespan and your utility bills will generally be lower.
Style
There are plenty of asphalt shingle styles for homeowners to choose from. Traditional three-tab has been the most common option for decades, but architectural style has been gaining popularity in the past few years, replicating the dimension and texture of wooden shingles.
You could also consider scalloped shingles, which give the appearance of wood shakes and are perfect for an older, more historic home. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it all comes down to your style preference and what works best for your house. Take the time to go over various designs of interest before you make a decision, and talk with a residential roofing contractor if you’re having trouble deciding. The professionals will guide you through the process and can even point out an option you may not have considered.
Wind Rating
High-wind regions need shingles that will withstand powerful outdoor elements, as these areas may experience hurricanes, tornadoes, and other extreme weather. This factor isn’t something you need to worry about if your region does not encounter strong winds, though.
Keep in mind that wind doesn’t move in a steady, continuous stream; it will swirl in all different directions at various speeds, depending on the temperature, air pressure, and terrain. However, wind acts fairly predictably when it comes into contact with a house. The wind will travel up and over the roof as it hits the sides of the house, creating uplift pressure at the roofline corners and edges. This wind movement makes these roof areas the most susceptible to wind damage. The wind will then move across the roof’s surface and create negative or suction pressure, which could lift the asphalt shingles off the roof.
If wind rating is something you must take into account, it’s worth investing in shingles that are made to withstand powerful winds. To help you find the perfect shingle style for your home, consider the following wind ratings:
- Class A: 60 MPH
- Class D: 90 MPH
- Class F: 110 MPH
- Class G: 120 MPH
- Class H: 150 MPH
Warranty
A new roof is a significant investment in your home. Pay close attention to the warranty provided with each type of asphalt shingle. What does the warranty cover? Is it full coverage or prorated? What is the warranty length? Make sure you consider all the aspects of the warranty before you decide which shingle style is best for your home.
A-Rite Construction works with the best materials and the most reputable companies. These established businesses have incredible warranties that back their high-quality products, and we are proud to offer GAF Premium shingles, as well as Owens Corning!
Choosing the Ideal Asphalt Shingles
After reviewing all of this information, you can feel confident in your decision as you choose the best asphalt shingles for your home. After all, you wouldn’t go out and choose cabinets, a car, or a new refrigerator without finding the best options on the market, so why treat your roof any differently? Take your time sifting through all the available styles and talk with a roofing professional who can guide you through the decision-making process.
