There are dozens of different asphalt shingle styles, cuts, and varieties. You have plenty of material to choose from but how can you whittle your list down to a more manageable situation? Let’s learn nine tips on choosing asphalt shingles.
- Environmental Factors
Environmental factors play the largest role in your shingle’s lifespan. You must choose a shingle that matches your environment, or you’ll replace your roof every few years. Lots of hail? Choose an impact resistant shingle. Is it cold? Choose a thick shingle.
- Sun Exposure
How much sun is your home exposed to? If you live in a high-sun state you might be better off with a cool, reflective, or light-colored roof. Energy-star certified shingles are the best at dealing with high sun exposure.
- Color
You can match the trim on your home or complement its paint color. Grab sample boards or use new software to see what your home would look like with several different colors. The roof might be up there for multiple decades, you better like the color.
- Cut
What type of cut you’d like can help narrow your shingle options. You’ll need 3-tabs for a uniform cut, dimensional shingles for more variety, and a luxury shingle if you want to mimic the sawed-off look of wood shake.
- Depth
The thicker the shingle is the more depth it provides. Triple-laminate asphalt shingles are among the thickest which means they create the most depth and shadows. Depth is necessary for regal style homes.
- Warranty
There are several different shingle warranties, but you must choose a shingle with the right warranty for your house. Look into upgraded warranties for more confidence in your roof’s lifespan. Warranties have lots of fine print so take your time when researching them.
- Brand
Like any other products shingle brands range in quality. Talk to your local roofer about different brands of shingles, what they like to install, and why. Many shingle brands are comparable but there are differences.
- HOA
If you’re in an HOA double-check on what type of roof materials you can install. Your HOA might have a pre-approved list which can drastically shorten your shingle search.
- What Can Your Roofer Do?
Here’s the truth – most major shingle brands are comparable. They all have their drawbacks and benefits, but one major brand is not head and shoulders above the rest. Rather than reviewing brands, ask your local roofer what they’re certified to install. Choosing a certified roofer to install your shingle will give the best overall product.
Use these tips and the help of your local roofing contractor to choose your perfect shingle. The above tips are helpful but it takes a roofers’ local knowledge to be certain you picked right.
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