Best Roofing Shingles

“What do I decide?” It’s a tough question for many people, even choosing between two flavors of ice cream can be overwhelming sometimes, so choosing the best roofing material out of several options can seem like an insurmountable obstacle. However, you shouldn’t worry too much- like many choices that you are faced with as a homeowner, choosing the best roofing shingles is a matter of doing research and asking questions to understand your options and make the best choice for you! There are several choices to make but taking your time to understand your options and the lingo associated with each is the best way to go!

Covered Up

Shingles are the most common roofing material for residences, and with good reason, they are durable, come in many styles and colors, and are the most cost-effective option. Additionally, they look elegant, and installation is very simple. Shingles do a great job protecting hundreds of thousands of homes each year, but one con that comes with shingles is they do not usually last as long as other roofing materials. 

If you’ve ever talked to anyone in the roofing business, you’ve likely heard the lament that “shingles aren’t made like they used to be.” In the past 20 years, shingle manufacturers have used less asphalt and more limestone in their shingles which makes them more prone to wearing out when not maintained properly. This can be a sad thing to hear if you’re considering a roof replacement; however, you shouldn’t worry too much because there are still high-quality shingles available for your roof in several styles to suit your home’s exterior perfectly, and regularly maintaining your shingles and restoring them with Greener Shingles can make them last for a very long time!

Raise the Roof

Installing roofing on your home for the first time or replacing it after your original roof has worn out can seem like a stressful process, but it doesn’t have to be! The first thing you should consider when choosing shingles is your budget and shingle lifespan needs. There are a wide array of shingle styles, but some are more expensive than others, and some styles last for much longer, so finding the balance between lifespan and cost is important. After this, choosing colors and other small variations will be a piece of cake!

Generally, when choosing the best style of shingle, you will be choosing between standard 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury (premium) shingles. 3-tab and dimensional shingles are very similar, though 3-tab are the most common and tend to be cheaper while dimensional shingles have a slightly longer lifespan. Luxury shingles are the most expensive, but also last considerably longer than the other options and appear like slate roofing material at a fraction of the price.

Decisions, Decisions

In addition to style, lifespan, and price point, you can choose between organic and fiberglass shingles. Organic shingles typically are made from recycled paper that is saturated in asphalt which is then coated with ceramic and asphalt to make a rugged and durable shingle. Fiberglass shingles contain 40% less asphalt than organic shingles and are lighter and thinner than organic shingles (as well as being more environmentally friendly and cost effective). Choosing between this is a matter of budget and personal choice, but both are high quality and effective roofing options!

Final Thoughts

Choosing shingles doesn’t have to be a hassle and taking a moment to ask your roofing service provider questions about your options can be a great place to start in making sure you understand decisions to be made. Considering your budget, style preferences, and lifespan needs for your roof and presenting these clearly to your roofing professional will help you make the best, most educated decision! If you need help deciding on the best roofing shingles or need any other roofing services, contact Tesson Roofing and Exteriors, LLC today for a free consultation!