analysis: How To Choose The Right Type Of Asphalt Shingles

Due to its affordability, durability, and attractiveness, asphalt shingle is the preferred roofing material for many homeowners. However, don’t expect to find a one-size-fits-all asphalt shingle as they differ in size and uses.

To help you decide, here’s a guide on how to choose the right type of asphalt shingles for your home:

1: Understand The Types Of Asphalt Shingles

Notes:

• When picking the asphalt shingle that’s best for your home, you need to know the three types available in the market. They are:

• • Strip or Three-Tab:

    a single-layer asphalt shingle that’s flat and light, making it the most affordable among the three. Since it’s lightweight, it’s also the least durable type.

  • Asphalt Shingle Type   (google images)
    	Strip Shingles	view samples
    	Vinyl Windows	view samples

  • Architectural:

    also called laminate or dimensional, it’s a thicker variety made of two or more layers of asphalt. This asphalt shingle is the most popular because it mimics the look of a natural slate. It’s more durable, but it’s more costly compared to the strip.

  • Asphalt Shingle Type   (google images)
    	Architectural	view samples

  • Luxury or Premium:

    it’s the most expensive type but offers the best functionality, appearance, and strength. Its heavy composition can give your home the utmost weather protection.

  • Asphalt Shingle Type   (google images)
    	Luxury	view samples
    	Premium	view samples

  • 

    image by envato.com

    Of course, finding the right company that will help you with your roof replacement is also imperative to have a lasting roofing system.

    For instance, if you are from Ontario, you may want to look through the services Kingston roofing company offers and see if it fits with your roofing needs.

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Choose the appropriate material

Notes:

• Since roof replacements can be costly and time-consuming, it’s advisable to use materials that are meant to last long. You wouldn’t want to keep on spending on a new roofing system every decade.
• Although there are many materials to consider for your roofing replacement, the most popular is asphalt shingles because, on average, they can last for at least 15 and 30 years.

• • When Cost Becomes an Issue:

    You can go for the three-tab or strip shingle, which is the cheapest one. Strip shingles are light and appropriate for most home structures, but they will need frequent maintenance to make them last for more than ten years.

  • So, if you have the time to regularly care for your roofs, then go for strip shingle.
  • 

    image by twenty20.com

  • When Durability and Longevity Matters:

    The longest-lasting and most durable type of asphalt shingle is the luxury or premium variety. It’s multi-layered and made to last.

  • If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions, choosing luxury shingles would be best. By doing so, you don’t have to worry when there’s heavy rain, snow, or even a heatwave. With proper maintenance, premium shingles can last beyond 30 years.
  • 

    image by 123rf.com

    Spec It Out:

    there is much to choose from when deciding roofing type and style. Grab this roof specification sheet to keep track of what you research and need:

    — get file (pdf): [ roofing specification sheet ]

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  asphalt shingle cutterasphalt shingle removershingle roof spade

Go for value over cost

Notes:

• Cost is a major consideration for many homeowners when it comes to big-ticket home items like roofing. So, those who desperately need to get new roofing tend to gravitate towards the cheapest roofing system available in the market.
• However, aside from the material, there are other ways to save money when replacing your roof. For example, you can save by learning how to replace asphalt shingles on your own or finding a company that will give you a good deal.

• • Focusing On Value:

    Instead of focusing on cost, you should focus on value. As mentioned earlier, strip asphalt shingle is the cheapest.

  • Thus, choosing it may save you money initially, but you’ll need to replace your roof every so often. Ultimately, it may end up hurting your wallet worse than premium shingles.
  • That said, it would make much more sense to choose multi-layered asphalt shingles, which may be dimensional or architectural and premium or luxury shingles.
  • Dimensional shingles are more affordable than premium ones but can last just as long and could provide more value for your money compared to single-layer shingles.
  • 

    image by envato.com

    How to Pay:

    replacing your roof with the right shingles can be very costly. So the question is how to finance it without breading your budget? You can use a refi cash-out or home equity financing.

    Use this loan comparison sheet for comparing lender on long terms and benefits.

    — get file (pdf): [loan comparison sheet]

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Consider design and architecture

Notes:

• When choosing a roofing material, you should also think about aesthetics. Find the right asphalt shingle that will fit the overall design of your home’s exterior.
• Asphalt shingles are ideal for roofs that have steep slopes. So, if you have the same roofing structure, asphalt shingles are your best option.
• The good thing about asphalt shingles is that they come in a variety of colors, styles, shapes, and widths. You’ll surely find one that’s right for your home.

• • For example

    There are multi-layered shingles that provide the texture, dimension, and realistic appearance of wood shingles. These are perfect if you want the most aesthetically pleasing and durable shingle type.

  • In fact, unless you are a roofing expert, you wouldn’t notice the difference between premium asphalt and wood shingles.

  • Asphalt Styles
    	Textured	view samples
    	Dimensional	view ideas
    	Colored	view ideas
    	Wood-Like	view ideas

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Consider sustainability

Notes:

• In the past, asphalt shingles made from wood fiber or recycled wood were widely available. However, they’re no longer produced nowadays since organic types of asphalt shingles were more expensive than the three-tab or fiberglass type.
• More than the cost, it’s also a step in the right direction for environmental protection. Even so, the materials used these days are still considered eco-friendly.

• • Consider the Environmental Impact:

    Asphalt shingles are ideal if you are concerned about the environment and sustainability.

  • For one, if you pick the multi-layered premium shingles, you can expect them to last for a long time, some for more than 50 years. Such longevity translates to more efficient use of materials and resources.
  • It’s also worth noting that asphalt shingles are recyclable. Hence, when you replace them, you’ll know that they won’t just go to a dump site.
  • They can be reused and made into road paving materials, among other things.
  • 

    image by envato.com

    New Roof – Then New Gutters:

    You can spruce up your home by making minor improvements over time, like replacing old gutters with new, updated ones.

    Before choosing a gutter for your commercial building or home, ensure you know the different kinds to widen your choices. Keep in mind that some gutters will look excellent on your building, while others won’t.

    — view post: Kinds of Gutters to Consider for Home Use

• THE BOTTOM LINE

  A good roofing system is a huge investment for your home, thus the materials and workmanship you choose must be right for your needs. If you’ve set your sights on asphalt shingles, carefully check the several types available on the market today.

• Each kind of shingle has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s essential to know what you need before you buy. Remember, your safety and protection against the harsh weather will also depend on your roofing system.

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