When building a home or replacing the roof on your current home it is essential to know what your options are.
Roofing shingles remain the most popular materials used on roofs.
There are several reasons for this.
They are pretty cost efficient; of course this depends of the type of shingle used.
Most shingles are fire resistant and easy to install.
Another reason is shingles last at least 15 years, and typically, most people don't even live in the same place for 15 years.
There are three different types of shingles we will discuss here.
Along with the different types, we will also go over price ranges, the lifespan, durability and pros and cons of each type.
The most popular type of shingle used on roofs is the asphalt.
It's also the least expensive, pricing around $15 to $25 per square.
They are also fairly easy to install.
Asphalt shingles are lightweight and come in a variety of styles and colors.
These are fire resistant and can last up to 30 years with proper care.
Although asphalt shingles are the most popular, they do not come without a few disadvantages.
They can be severely damaged in high winds such as hurricane force winds or tornadoes.
Ones made with asphalt are also vulnerable to mold unless they are specially treated.
Compared to others, asphalt shingles do not last very long.
Slate (or stone) shingles are rapidly becoming more and more popular.
They add a natural feel and depth to any home.
Slate shingles come in many different colors and styles.
Using these shingles, you can create a distinctive look to your home.
A major plus to these is that they are very durable and tend to last more than 100 years.
With all the pros to the slate shingles there has to be some drawbacks as well.
Slate shingles are very heavy and the rafters of the home may have to be reinforced to keep the roof from caving in.
These also need to be installed by professionals and can break easily.
Stone shingles are also very expensive, pricing about $850 per 100 square feet.
Wood shingles, better known as shakes, are constructed of various types of treated wood.
The most popular wood used in making wood shakes is cedar but they are also made from pine and spruce.
Wood shakes are easy to install and go great with any home.
They are also rather easy to repair compared to other types.
If treated properly, wood shakes tend to last at least 50 years.
Wood shakes have a few cons that sometimes can out-weigh the pros.
Ones made of wood are not fire proof.
And in many places, this along is enough to cause your insurance rates to go up.
These tend to be on the more expensive side, but not nearly as expensive as slate shingles.
They price around $250 per 100 square feet.
If not maintained properly, wood shakes tend to rot and splinter along with molding and mildewing.
Clearly there are many options when choosing what type of roof you want.
Most people chose asphalt because of the price, but if you can afford it, the best to go with would have to be slate roofing shingles.
If you are not experienced in roofing, you should hire someone who is.
This is to help you from having to hire someone to fix problems in the long run.