Roofing Shingles
Roofing shingles are the materials used in the installation of shingle roofs. There are two main types of shingles, wood and asphalt. Wooden shingle installations are more of a niche market these days, reserved for smaller ornamental roofs and large high end construction and remodeling projects. For the vast majority of homeowners, asphalt is the material of choice for its low cost, ready availability, and durability even in inclement weather. A typical asphalt roof installed properly can be expected to last 20 to 30 years depending on the grade of the materials and the climate in the local area.
Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Asphalt shingle products come in three main varieties: fiberglass asphalt, organic asphalt, and laminated organic asphalt. Each has its own specific properties and certain companies specialize in the manufacture of one or another but not all three in many cases. Different roofers might tell you different things about which products are the best to use, but something we can all agree upon is that proper roof preparation and installation are essential regardless of what shingle type is used.
In tear off jobs, the old roof is removed by stripping off all of the old roofing shingles, underlayment, drip edge, and any valley metal or other accessories. Everything is removed even if it is still functionally adequate because this is the only way to accurately and with any certainty tell whether the roof sheathing needs replacement anywhere along the roof of the home. Once the tear off has been completed, a visual inspection can be done. Often the roofer has a suspicion going in one way or the other, and looks especially in certain locations to see if there is any rot or water damage.
Roofing a House
If there are any damaged areas, the affected sheathing is removed and replaced and the roof decking is fully prepared for the replacement roofing. New drip edge is installed along the eaves. Then ice and water shield is installed across the eaves, lapping onto the top of the drip edge. Ice and water shield should also be applied up the gables, and drip edge installed there are well. Then the roofing shingles, pipe boots, and any other accessories are installed. The process somewhat varies according to the pitch of the roof and other factors; but generally the principles guiding the installation are the same: allowing water to flow freely from top to bottom without leaking is the key.
Choosing Replacement Shingles
One of the most challenging parts of a project for some homeowners is the decision on which roofing shingles to use. There are many great brands, each with multiple colors and designs to choose from - which means there are many potential questions about roofing shingles that you may have. This should not be stressful. Make the process simpler by doing your homework. Get some quotes on a few brands of shingles you're interested in, ask around with the roofing companies you're in contact with about the shingles they prefer, and read up on their performance online. Get insight into wind resistance and other such performance measures to select the best roofing shingles for the money.
Roofing is a major undertaking. Make sure the shingles you choose hold up to the abuse of Mother Nature. Get roofing products made by a well known national manufacturer. And make sure they are rated to handle the kind of weather you get in your home area. Find the best prices by getting quotes using the form at the top of this page. Contact us to gather some prices from leading contractors and get with the company offering the best roofing shingles and the lowest price for materials and installation.
