All across the world, shingles are considered to be one of the most familiar and widely used materials for residential roofing. Though asphalt shingles have remained the most popular and preferred type for several years, your options are not limited to asphalt alone. There are a lot of other materials used for roofing shingles and your choice depends on your preferences, lifestyle, the design of your home, and, of course, your overall budget for installing and maintaining the shingles.
As shingles protect your home from different elements, maintain proper insulation, and also increase the overall value of your property, it is only wise to spend some time analyzing the different options in front of you and then make your choice. To help you identify the best, most effective, and most affordable shingle material, the following is some vital information from Pennsauken Township roofing and siding contractors.
Asphalt Shingles
The most widely used roofing material, especially on residential roofs, is asphalt shingles. The reasons behind the popularity of this material are that it is highly durable, it can be installed easily and quickly, and it is affordable. Asphalt shingles are available in different colors, sizes, and styles, so finding a type that suits the style of your house will not be a problem. These shingles are available with organic mat core or fiberglass mat core. If you live in an area where cold weather or wind can get extreme, Pennsauken Township roofing and siding contractors suggest that you use organic asphalt shingles for your roofing.
Architectural shingles or laminated shingles are another form of asphalt shingles. These shingles are known for their durability and long life. Laminated asphalt shingles usually come with a 30 or 40 year warranty, which makes them a perfect option for your primary residence.
Wood Shingles
Wood roofing is always considered an attractive option by roofing and siding contractors and homeowners alike. Though wood roofing is available as either wood shingles or wood shakes, shingles happen to be the preferred choice of Pennsauken Township roofing and siding contractors because they come in a uniform shape and have a smooth surface when compared to the highly textured surface of wood shakes.
However, because of their gorgeous appearance, wood shingles are quite expensive not just for purchase, but also in terms of installation and maintenance. Additionally, it is a well-known fact that wood gets ignited easily. And even if your roofing and siding contractor uses fire-retardant chemicals on your wood roofing, it still will not be the most fire-resistant option.
Tile Shingles
If you want your roofing to look stylish and do not worry about cost, tile shingles will probably impress you the most. Available in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and styles, tiles are known to be one of the most visually appealing roofing shingle materials, and the fact that they can last for several centuries is definitely a bonus. If you own a Mediterranean or Spanish-style house in Pennsauken Township, you will be recommended tile shingles for your roofing by the roofing and siding contractors in your area.
Being the most expensive roofing option, tile shingles are expensive to install as well. However, once you have invested in these shingles, you can expect them to last for more than 40 years (sometimes even up to 80 years) with proper maintenance. Tile shingles come with a Class A fire rating, which makes them the safest roofing option.
Metal
When it comes to metal roofing, some commonly used metals include stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Galvanized steel is a widely preferred option among Pennsauken Township roofing and siding contractors. Metal sheets or shingles are usually light in weight and their cost varies based on the type of metal you choose. Metal shingles are known to last long and therefore would be a reliable investment. Metal roofing can also look attractive and is capable of withstanding elements that could damage other roofing materials.
Slate Shingles
Known as the most durable roofing material, slate shingles are another popular option among roofing and siding contractors because they can actually last forever. Their natural look attracts homeowners, and experts in Pennsauken Township suggest that slate shingles are perfect for large houses, especially those spread over 3,000 square feet. When slate shingles are properly installed, you can expect them to last for even 100 years.
Now that you know the different types of roofing shingles available on the market, contact an experienced and reliable roofing and siding contractor in Pennsauken Township to obtain estimates for the ones you would like to compare.