When looking at purchasing new materials for your roof, there are lots of options on the market to choose from. Knowing how to choose is vital before purchasing. Depending on where you are in the country your needs for your asphalt shingles will change.
Choosing The Best Asphalt Shingles
When choosing or finding replacement materials for your roof you should take your time choosing to make sure that what you choose will be a long-lasting and sustainable choice. Asphalt shingles are one of the most common materials to use on your roof but there are lots of variants on the market today.
Here are four key factors to keep in mind when you are choosing which asphalt shingles will be best for you:
- Budget
- Weather conditions
- Aesthetics
- Grade
Budget
Looking at your budget before starting to shop for materials is the best place to start. When it comes to roofing materials, the most expensive option may not be the best for you. The best asphalt shingles will very much depend on your climate and which grade you are after.
Weather Conditions
When choosing which asphalt shingles are for you, knowing what will suit your roof best will be dependent on what kind of climate you live in. Based on what kind of climate you live in, can affect what color and grade of asphalt shingles you will be able to go for. For example, If you live in a very hot climate, choosing a lighter color of asphalt shingles will help reflect the heat whereas darker colored asphalt shingles will help store the heat if you live in a colder climate.
Aesthetics
Matching the aesthetics of your roof will be an important factor, especially if you are repairing your roof rather than fully replacing it. When you are looking at the different grades of asphalt shingles, you will have a larger selection of choices such as different colors and styles as the grade of the asphalt shingles gets higher.
Grade
There are various different grades available when it comes to asphalt shingles. The higher the grade gets, the better quality the asphalt shingles will be. If you are looking at asphalt shingles in a high grade, you may find you have a larger choice of styles and colors. With this choice unfortunately comes an increase in cost.
The Different Types of Asphalt Shingles
There are a variety of different types of asphalt shingles, but to summarize these types they all fit within three main quality categories. No matter what quality (grade) of asphalt shingles you decide to choose, all asphalt shingles are fire resistant and UV protective, meaning there is no risk to safely through your choice. Here are the different types of asphalt shingles available on the market:
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles are categorized as the lowest quality type of asphalt shingles, but even though this sounds basic, 3-tab asphalt shingles are still fantastic to use. 3-tab shingles are one of the more affordable choices and traditional types of asphalt shingles to use on your roof. Using 3-tab asphalt shingles on your roof will create one layer which can give a sophisticated appearance to your home. The 3-tab shingles are easier to fit as they are the lightest in weight compared to other types of asphalt shingles on the market. Although they are manually easier to fit, the 3-tab asphalt shingles need to be placed to create a seamless look which can make fitting this type of material time-consuming. Due to this added time, even though the 3-tab shingles are cheaper in materials, you may find that the fitting price is larger. The 3-tab shingles will last your roof up to 20 years before they will need replacing.
Dimensional Asphalt Shingles
Dimensional asphalt shingles are better quality than the 3-tab shingles and are available to purchase to be suitable for various different budgets. The dimensional asphalt shingles also come in a variety of colors and styles, making this roofing material a more customizable option for your roof. When dimensional asphalt shingles are applied to your roof, they are laid down in multiple layers, giving added protection to your home. The most common reason why dimensional asphalt shingles are popular is due to their durability and how easy they are to fit. If you live in a colder climate that is prone to weather conditions such as snow, hail, wind, and rain storms then choosing dimensional asphalt shingles will be a better choice than 3-tab shingles as they will protect from these kinds of weather conditions better. When comparing how long-lasting the dimensional asphalt shingles are, the average years they last can range from 20-50 years.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles
As you can most likely guess from the title, the luxury asphalt shingles are the best quality. The luxury asphalt shingles are designed aesthetically to replicate the look of slate and tiles. Luxury asphalt shingles can be made from various materials such as clay or slate. When choosing what color or style you would like for your roof, luxury asphalt shingles will have the most variants for you to choose from. The luxury asphalt shingles are ideal for extreme weather conditions and are lighter in weight making them easier to fit. With luxury quality to your asphalt shingles comes a higher price
Assess What You Need For Your Roof Before Choosing
When choosing which asphalt shingles are best for you, it is important that you look through the checklist of what you would like your roof to do. If you live in a demanding type of climate then purchasing a better grade will be better for your roof long term. At RGB Construction, our dependable team has the knowledge and experience you need to get your roof in tip-top shape. We clean gutters, repair damage, and much more. Plus, if we spot any additional trouble areas, we will let you know and provide solutions. Call us today to schedule your free consultation or an appointment at 856-264-9093.
