About Shingle Roofs
Everything You Need to Know About a Shingle Roof
When most people think of a standard home roof, they likely picture a dark-colored roof with rectangular pieces layered over each other in an upward slant. This is because asphalt shingle roofs are the most common roofing type across the United States.
Whether you’re interested in a shingle roof replacement or balancing the pros and cons of several roofing types to make a final decision for your new home build, Harford Roofing & Exteriors is here to provide you with everything you need to know about a shingle roof.
Understanding Shingle Roofs
Although there is much to learn about a shingle roof, the basics of a shingle roof include a roof made from flat, rectangular pieces of composite, asphalt, or another roofing material, layered from the base of the roof toward the top to achieve a full coverage installation.
Shingle Roofs Are Design Flexible
Asphalt shingle roofs became popular at the start of the 20th century. At this time, asphalt shingles came in two colors: black or green. However, with the advancement of technology, today’s shingle roofs are design flexible as they are available in an array of colors and textures.
Homeowners have the option to choose between classic black shingles, warm neutrals, or modern pops of color with red, green, and blue shingles available. There are also a variety of textures to choose from to enhance the aesthetic value of your shingle roof, with shingles that resemble wood, slate, or tile. These shingle textures add curb appeal, and they also make the shingle roof safe and less demanding in terms of maintenance.
The Two Dominant Types of Asphalt Shingles
There are many types of asphalt shingles. However, the two most commonly seen types are architectural and three-tab asphalt shingles. A three-tab asphalt shingle roof includes shingle pieces that give off the appearance of three separate pieces even though they are connected. Three-tab shingles lay flat against the shingle roof and are a popular design choice.
Architectural shingle roof installations do not have the same uniform appearance as three-tab and provide a dimensional and unique look. Architectural shingle roof costs are slightly higher than three-tab shingle roof costs, but the durability and longevity of these shingles makes them a cost-effective option for homeowners looking for a resilient shingle roof installation.
Shingle Roofing is Lightweight
When determining whether a shingle roof replacement is right for you, it’s important to recognize the lightweight advantages of the material. Certain homes may not have the ability to support heavy materials, depending on the age of the home or the type of construction, which means that tiles or slate may be damaging to your home. A shingle roof is suitable for almost any home, as they are lightweight and can accommodate most types of homes.
Shingle Roof Costs
When determining your budget for your shingle roof replacement or installation, you’ll be pleased to discovered how affordable a shingle roof can be. Shingle roof materials are created in bulk by most manufacturers, allowing them to be offered at a lower price point than competing materials, such as slate or tile. The average cost of shingles runs anywhere between two to four dollars per square foot.
Shingle Roofs Offer Easy Installation
Shingle roof installation requires less expertise and training, which reduces the cost of a shingle roof. Furthermore, due to their relatively simple installation process, a shingle roof replacement or installation can be performed much faster than other types of roofing applications, offering less disturbance to your property.
Lifespan of Shingle Roofs
Shingle roof costs and installation offer an array of benefits, but the advantages don’t stop there. A shingle roof lifespan ranges between 10 and 30 years depending on the maintenance and the climate in your area. This is appealing for homeowners who don’t want to invest in a shingle roof replacement anytime soon.
Learn More About Choosing a Shingle Roof for Your Home in Bel Air, Maryland
If you have more questions regarding shingle roof replacement, or simply want to better understand the shingle roof installation process, Harford Roofing & Exteriors is here to accommodate you. Contact our trusted roofing specialists today to have your shingle roof questions and concerns answered by experienced professionals!