What Type of Roof Shingles Are Right For Your Home?

The roof is one of the most important parts of any home. It protects the inside of the home from the elements and also adds to the resale value.

Shingles are the most common type of roofing material used on homes in North America, and with good reason. They offer a solid base of protection against the elements and are available in a variety of colors and styles.

Types

Shingles are small segments of building material installed above the underlayment, sheathing, and trusses of the roof to protect your home and enhance its aesthetic appeal. There are several different types of shingles available, each with its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you’d rather hire a roofing expert to get the job done, there are a few key factors to consider when selecting the best type of shingle for your home.

Asphalt shingles, also known as composition or composite shingles, are the most common type of residential roofing product available today. They’re made of a fiberglass or cellulose mat, asphalt, and mineral granules. They’re generally less expensive than shake or wood shingles, and can be environmentally friendly.

These shingles are available in a wide range of colors and styles, and can even be manufactured to mimic the appearance of slate or tile roofing materials. They’re durable and resistant to weather, fire, wind, and rot.

They are also incredibly lightweight, and work well with most homes. However, you should be aware that some roof structures simply can’t support the weight of these shingles, so it’s a good idea to consult with a structural engineer before installing them.

A newcomer to the residential roofing industry, synthetic shingles (also called composite shingles) are made of recycled materials (rubber and plastics), or an engineered polymer. Manufacturers use molds to replicate the look of real cedar shake shingles or slate tiles, and the result is an extremely authentic-looking material that’s durable and resistant to the elements.

There are three main types of shingles available today: strip, architectural and luxury. Each of these shingle types has its own unique characteristics and is suited for certain climates.

Strip shingles, also known as 3-tab shingles, are the original and most basic roofing shingle. They’re typically used by homeowners who are replacing their existing shingles or by builders who manufacture inexpensive homes that feature them.

These shingles are typically less costly than their counterparts and come in a variety of colors and styles. They can also be customized to match the design of your home or neighborhood.

Purpose

Shingles are a type of roofing material that is used to cover the surface of the roof of buildings. They provide a covering that is waterproof, wind-resistant and fire-resistant. They are available in a variety of materials, including asphalt, wood, slate and metal.

There are a wide range of options for roof shingles, and choosing the right one can be difficult. It is important to consider your home’s design, structure and budget when selecting a roofing material. The choice of shingle type can also affect how much you will need to spend for repairs.

Impact-resistant shingles are specially manufactured to resist dents, scratches and other damage from hail. To meet this requirement, a product must pass testing classes that simulate falling hail at high speeds. The product must also be able to withstand high winds of 110 miles per hour or higher.

Composite shingles are an eco-friendly option that combines several types of roofing materials. This makes them more durable than standard shingles and requires less maintenance.

Cedar shingles are another popular choice, particularly for their natural wood look and the fact that they are resistant to rot. They are available in a variety of lengths and can fade from a natural color to a silver-like tone over time.

They are a good option for homeowners who live in moderate climates, where they need to be able to repel water, but do not require as much protection from hail and storms. They are also available in many different shades, so homeowners can choose the perfect color to match their home’s architectural style.

Slate shingles are also an excellent option for homeowners who want to add a rustic touch to their homes. They are a great choice for homeowners who prefer the look of real stone and can be installed one tile at a time.

Metal shingles are strong, affordable and extremely durable. They are available in a variety of colors, and they can also be coated with a protective layer to make them even more resilient against hail.

It is a good idea to select a shingle that is energy efficient, so it will save you money on your energy bills. Every shingle possesses different heat transfer properties that will help control the amount of heat that is absorbed into the interior space.

Missing Shingles

If your roof shingles are missing, they are at risk of damage and may lead to leaks that could cause water damage inside your home. This is why it’s important to take action as soon as possible so that the issue doesn’t become worse.

The shingle itself serves as a first line of defense against the delicate adhesive layers underneath it, and without these shingles to keep your roof sealed, your home is at risk for water infiltration. This can result in major problems with soaked insulation, weakened structural beams and foundation, and even mold within your attic.

Shingles that are damaged or missing may have several reasons for failing, including exposure to extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, hail, and wind. These conditions can make a shingle weaker, loosening the nails that hold it to the roof.

One of the best ways to determine the cause of a shingle’s failure is to inspect it closely after a storm. Look at the shingle’s surface and note whether it is cracked, bruised or otherwise damaged.

Next, look at the shingle’s seams and note if any of them are open. This is a sign that the shingle has been ripped or broken from the roof. It is also a good indicator that water may have penetrated the felt paper underneath the shingle and caused a leak.

In some cases, the damage may be so severe that you will need to replace the entire shingle. In other cases, you can cut the shingle into sections and repair each tab individually.

Once you have the right shingles, use a pry bar to remove the damaged shingles or any remnants still attached. Most shingles have two rows of nails that secure them in place, so lift each of the shingles immediately above the damaged shingle to expose the row of nails.

Repairs

Roof shingles are the outer covering on your home’s roof. They protect it from rain, snow and other weather elements. They are bonded to the roof with a strong adhesive that seals the shingle against water and prevents it from rusting. The adhesive also helps to keep the shingles from falling off.

If your shingles are broken or damaged, a roofing contractor will be able to repair them for you. They can also replace them, if you prefer. However, there are some repairs that you can do yourself to save money.

For example, if a shingle is missing or is split or cracked, you can remove it and re-secure it using the same adhesive used on other shingles. This is a good practice to do on a regular basis, because it extends the life of your roof significantly.

The first step is to remove the shingle, which will require the use of a flat pry bar. To do this, start by sliding the bar under the shingle immediately above it and gently lifting it to free it from the sealer strip. Continue to do this until the entire row of nails is free.

Once the entire row of nails is removed, remove the damaged shingle. Removing a single shingle is fairly easy, but it can be challenging to remove two courses of shingles that are secured together.

Next, re-secure the other loose shingles with the same adhesive used for the damaged shingles. This will help to ensure that they don’t fall off in the future and cause more damage to your home.

After the shingles are re-secured, it is a good idea to add a bead of roof sealant along any shingle that was not originally sealed with an adhesive. This will help to re-seal the shingle and make it waterproof. It will also prevent it from blowing away in a wind storm.