Cool Stuff

There are plenty of options when it comes to getting a new roof, but roofing shingles are still the most popular choice among homeowners. And while this sounds easy enough, there are even more choices that have to be made when it comes to deciding on the type of shingles. You have a budget, so you have to stay within a certain cost. You also want your new roof to last a long time. Of course you want it to look good. And if you plan on doing the job yourself, you need them to be easy to install as well.

What you want to do is look at the good points and bad points of each of the three major shingle types. How long will they last, what do they look like, and how much do they cost?

We’ll start by looking at the most common shingles, ones made from asphalt. These shingles are the lowest cost, but don’t let that scare you. Drive down any neighborhood and you’ll see that the majority of houses are probably roofed in asphalt. Generally these shingles will cost between $15 and $25 dollars per square. And if you have any experience at all, these will also be the easiest to install since they are lightweight and flexible. And if it’s been a while since you put on a new roof, you might be surprised at the number of color and style options now available. Getting the look you want will not be a problem. Add in the fact that they are fire resistant and durable enough to last up to 30 years with proper care, and you can see why these are so popular.

But that doesn’t mean these are the perfect shingles for everyone. Do you live in a high wind area where tornadoes and hurricanes are commonplace? If so you might want to look at other alternatives, since these shingles will be damaged by high winds. And make sure they are specially treated since they can also be vulnerable to mold as well. And even though they can last up to 30 years, other shingle types will last much longer.

And while asphalt is still the most popular, slate shingles are gaining in popularity. If you want your home to have a more natural feel, this could be the option for you. Again you’ll find a wide range of styles and colors to match your home, and you can get a look different from anyone else in the neighborhood. When it comes to durability, slate (or stone) shingles are tough to beat. They can last more than 100 years, so you’ll probably never need another roof.

So why choose anything else? Well for starters, slate shingles are extremely heavy. That means not every home can handle them. Many houses will need to have the rafters reinforced just to keep the roof from caving in. That weight also means that very few people will be able to install this roof by themselves. They will also break easily, so it’s best to have a professional do the job for you. And when you look at the cost, slate is out of range for most people. You’ll find these shingles will cost around $850 for 100 square feet.

Many people think the third option on our list looks the best. Wood or shake shingles can be absolutely beautiful. Treated cedar is the most popular, but you can also get these shingles in pine or spruce. In addition to looking good, shake roofs are not too difficult to install. And they will last about 50 years if treated properly.

But there are problems with shake roofs as well. The biggest one is that they are not fireproof. Not only is this dangerous, it can be expensive. In many places having a wood roof will cause your insurance costs to skyrocket. And while shake is not as expensive as slate, it’s still more expensive than asphalt. Chances are you’ll be paying about $250 per 100 square feet. Shake roofs also need more maintenance. If not maintained properly, the wood will rot, splinter, or mold.

Only you can decide what roofing shingles will be best for your home, so carefully measure the pluses and minuses of each of the options. Asphalt is always a popular choice because it looks good, it will last, and is relatively inexpensive. If money is not a problem, then slate may be just the roof you are looking for. But whatever you choose, we highly recommend using a professional to install it unless you really know what you’re doing. Sure it may cost more up front, but think of the money you’ll save by not having to call someone to repair and fix any problems that may pop up.