Choosing The Right Roofer For The Job
No matter how much you spend on roofing materials, the project will only turn out well if you hire a great contractor. Finding a good contractor is the hardest part of home renovation projects for most homeowners. Nevertheless, its essential to find an honest, trustworthy professional contractor.
Talk to friends and family members to find a great local contractor. By asking for word-of-mouth referrals, youre less likely to end up dealing with an unscrupulous service provider.
Youre also more likely to find a trustworthy service provider if you stick to contractors in your community. Also, local contractors are familiar with municipal regulations. They also have established relationships with local suppliers and laborers.
As you search for a contractor, look for a service provider with a manufacturers designation. This accreditation indicates that a service provider has exceptional skills.
Resultantly, a brand is willing to stake its name on the credibility of that particular contractor. GAF, for instance, only awards the top 2% of roofing contractors in each market the status of Master Elite Contractor.
You should also check with the Better Business Bureau . The BBB keeps a record of consumer reviews about local service providers.
The organization also sponsors an accreditation program. A business must maintain fair and ethical business practices for an A+ rating with the BBB.
What Are The 3 Types Of Asphalt Shingles
The three types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. While 3-tab used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today.
Luxury style shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price. Continue reading to learn how the types of asphalt shingles match up on key factors such as cost, warranties, and lifespan.
What Are Luxury Shingles
Also known as premium shingles, these are the highest quality type of asphalt shingles. Standing out due to appearance and functionality, these laminated asphalt shingles offer premium weather protection while giving a beautiful look to your home. They are functional, dimensional, come in plenty of color options, and are by far the most durable asphalt shingle option. They offer the most realistic interpretation of wood shake and slate roofing while being far more affordable than those roofing types. Their main cons are weightthey are double the weight of 3-tab shinglesand cost.
The advantage of that extra weight? Extra strength against tears and impact. Thats helpful if you live in a tornado, hurricane, or hail-prone region. This premium asphalt shingle roof type can last 25-30 years and you can expect them to be the most expensive asphalt shingle.
Whats there to love about luxury asphalt shingles? Multi-Dimensional appearance maximum durability more affordable than slate or cedar alternatives.
You May Like: How Safe Is The Shingles Vaccine
Who Should Get The Shingles Vaccine
At this time, Shingrix is recommended for healthy adults who are 50 years of age or older. Individuals should receive the vaccine whether or not they recall having had chickenpox, as data shows that more than 99% of Americans over 40 years of age have had chickenpox, even if they do not remember having had it. Shingrix is also recommended for individuals who have already received the Zostavax vaccine, as Shingrix has demonstrated superior efficacy and longer-lasting protection.
Shingrix is not indicated for the prevention of primary varicella infection. The CDC recommends the varicella vaccine for healthy people who do not have evidence of immunity to varicella, including children, adolescents, and adults.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
What Are Complications Of Shingles
Though shingles often resolve without any major problems, several potential complications can arise from shingles.
- Postherpetic neuralgia : This is the most common complication of shingles. PHN is characterized by persistent pain and discomfort in the area affected by shingles. The pain can last for months to several years after the rash has cleared up. This complication is thought to occur because of damage to the affected nerves. The pain can sometimes be severe and difficult to control, and the likelihood of developing postherpetic neuralgia increases with age.
- This chronic post-herpetic pain can sometimes lead to depression and disability.
- In people 60 years of age and older with shingles, postherpetic neuralgia will develop in approximately 15%-25% of cases. It rarely occurs in people under 40 years of age.
- Timely treatment with antiviral medication during a shingles outbreak may help reduce the incidence of developing postherpetic neuralgia.
- If postherpetic neuralgia develops, there are various treatment options available including topical creams such as capsaicin , topical anesthetic lidocaine patches , and antiseizure medications such as gabapentin , pregabalin , tricyclic antidepressant medications, and opioid pain medications.
- Intrathecal glucocorticoid injections may be useful for select patients with postherpetic neuralgia who do not respond to conventional medications and treatment measures.
Also Check: How Do I Treat Shingles At Home
Certainteed Fiberglass & More
Ceilings, gypsum, inspiration, trim, railing, decking, fence, siding, and roofing are just a few of CertainTeeds many specialties, but the company also offers a wide variety of other external and interior building goods.
In addition to the three basic varieties of asphalt shingles, they also provide a large selection of both color and style for roofing systems.
CertainTeed has got you covered no matter what style or color youre going for. You may get the trendy slate effect with the Grand Manor luxury shingle, which comes in eight different hues.
When getting an entire roof system installed with luxury or architectural shingles, you can get CertainTeeds non-prorated enhanced lifetime guarantee if you select a CertainTeed-certified roofing contractor.
A new era of asphalt shingle production began at General Roofing. The firm reorganized, went public, and became known as Certain-teed Products Corporation in 1917. In 1923, CertainTeed started making gypsum wallboards and entered the gypsum plaster business.
Every Roofing Job Is Different
Of course, each contractor has a different way of pricing projects. Therefore, the contractor that you choose will also affect the cost of your project.
On average, a new roof can range anywhere from $6,000 to $17,000. A metal roof may cost between $5,000 to $27,000. Meanwhile, the most popular roofing material asphalt shingles may cost $4,000 to $6,200 for a full installation.
Then, there are high-end roofing installations. A tile roof may cause from $20,500 to $34,000 to install. Meanwhile, a slate roof may cost about $12,300 to $21,000 for a full roof installation.
Don’t Miss: How Long Dies Shingles Last
What Type Of Roof Shingles Are Best
When it comes to asphalt shingles, there are different grades to choose from. There are three grades of asphalt shingles to choose from, which are 3 tab shingles, architectural shingles, and impact resistant shingles. 3 tab shingles are asphalt shingles that are manufactured as three separate tabs. They are the most affordable out of the three asphalt roof shingles. Architectural shingles are roof shingles that are made of two or three pieces of tabs that are laminated together to give the shingle more dimensional, which is why they are sometimes called laminate or dimensional shingles. They are a more high-end shingle than 3 tab shingles. Impact resistant shingles are asphalt roof shingles that have a Class 4 rating this type of shingle has a rating of UL 2218, so they can withstand large hail at high speeds and wind speeds of up to 110 miles per hour. So out of the three what asphalt shingles are the best? To determine which is the best for you and your home, its important to look at all of them individually.
How Well Does Zostavax Work
Zostavax®, the shingles vaccine, reduced the risk of shingles by 51% and the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia by 67% based on a large study of more than 38,000 adults aged 60 years or older. Protection from shingles vaccine lasts about 5 years.
While the vaccine was most effective in people 60 through 69 years old, it also provides some protection for people 70 years old and older.
Adults vaccinated before age 60 years might not be protected later in life when the risk for shingles and its complications are greatest.
You May Like: How Many Doses Of The Shingles Vaccine Are Needed
Composite Or Composition Shingles
Composition shingles is an older term for all asphalt shingles in general. Asphalt shingles are called composition shingles because they contain more than one type of material, unlike shingles made from wood or slate, for example.
These materials include the asphalt and the fillers, the fiberglass or cellulosic reinforcement mat, and the protective granules. In contrast, a cedar shingle is simply cedar.
Synthetic composite shingles are made out of various polymers and often contain recycled material. These composite shingles started to become popular in the 1990s, and synthetic shingle manufacturers referred to their products as composite shingles .
The terms composite shingles and composition shingles started to become a little confusing around this time.
The term composition shingles for asphalt shingles is becoming outdated, and most roofing manufacturers have stopped using it, preferring to simply call their products asphalt shingles.
When you hear composite shingles today, it means synthetic composite shingles. If you hear composition shingles, it probably means asphalt shingles.
Can Roof Shingles Be Stained
There are a few different things that can cause stains on a roof.
- Sometimes in areas where the air is overly humid, the moisture can cause some roofing materials to cling to dirt and other particles in the air, creating stains.
- Algae and moss are also common problems in some areas, leaving a variety of colored streaks.
- Mold and mildew will create stains.
- Tree limbs hanging over rooftops can also drop sap, causing unsightly streaks on roofs.
- Metal roofs can sometimes show stains caused by rust.
- Soot from fireplaces can collect on certain areas of the roof, causing dark stains.
Recommended Reading: Does Shingles Give You A Headache
Herpes Zoster In People Who Received Varicella Vaccine
Although herpes zoster has always been uncommon among children, the rate of herpes zoster in U.S. children has been declining since the routine varicella vaccination program started. Varicella vaccine contains live attenuated VZV, which causes latent infection.
- Children who have been vaccinated against varicella have lower rates of herpes zoster compared to children who had natural infection with varicella. The reason for this is that vaccinated children are less likely to become infected with wild-type VZV, and the risk of reactivation of vaccine-strain VZV appears lower compared with reactivation of wild-type VZV.
- The number of older adults who have received varicella vaccine since it was licensed in 1995 is quite small. There is very little information on the risk of herpes zoster in people who got varicella vaccine as adults.
CDC continues to study the epidemiology of herpes zoster among adults and children and to monitor the effects of the U.S. varicella and herpes zoster vaccination programs.
How Long The 3 Types Of Asphalt Shingles Actually Last
You learned the lifespan of each of the types of asphalt shingles earlier in this article. But will your asphalt shingle roof actually live that long?
As long as your asphalt roof is properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, its going to get as close as possible to the manufacturers specified lifespan. While these 2 factors are crucial to every roofs life, they arent the only things that affect how long your asphalt roof will live.
To learn more about what affects the life of your asphalt shingle roof, read this article on how long you can expect your asphalt roof to last.
Read Also: Does Walgreens Give Shingle Shots
Types Of Asphalt Shingles:
Many different colors, sizes, and types of asphalt shingles are now available to fit various housing demands and climates.
The different asphalt shingles are made of a mixture of materials, including granules, fiberglass, asphalt, sealants, and release film, making them perfect for many homeowners needing a new roof.
The different options may seem quite overwhelming however, asphalt shingles are affordable, durable and available in various incredible styles and colors, making them an excellent choice for almost any home.
There are three significant asphalt shingles for roofs presently dimensional shingles, strip shingles, and luxury shingles. It is critical to comprehend the differences between each type of asphalt roofing shingle so that you can select the best product for your home for many years to come.
Wood Shingles & Shakes
Wood shingles, or shakes, are cut from blocks of wood that have been milled into thin, even pieces. Wood shakes are made from split logs that have been hand-cut or sawn into thick, uneven pieces.
Cedar is a popular manufacturing choice for wood shakes in Western Canada. Wood shingles and shakes add a rustic look to your homes exterior.
Wood Shingles Pros:
Wood is a renewable resource, making this one of the most eco-friendly roofing materials.
Wood shingles and shakes can last up to 30 years with proper maintenance.
This type of roofing material provides good insulation for your home.
Wood Shingles Cons:
Wood shakes are at risk of termites in certain regions.
They require more maintenance than other types of roofing shingles. Youll need to treat them regularly to prevent rot and insect damage.
Wood is a flammable material, so your home is at a higher risk for fire if you have a wood shake or wood shingle roof.
You May Like: What Happens When You Get Shingles
Are Asphalt Shingles The Right Choice
Asphalt shingle is an excellent choice for homeowners who want a budget-friendly yet reliable and efficient material for upgrading their roof. They are available in various designs and shapes that you can explore to find the perfect fit for your home. Asphalt shingles are fire-resistant and can be treated to resist algae growth and give your home some coolness.
Are There Any Home Remedies For Shingles
Care for the skin rash can be provided at home, and this can offer some symptom relief.
- Topical calamine lotion can be applied to the rash in order to decrease itching.
- Cool wet compresses against the painful rash can sometimes be soothing, and for some individuals, a compress with aluminum acetate solution may also be helpful.
- For some, colloidal oatmeal baths may also provide relief from the itching.
- It is important to maintain good personal hygiene, avoid scratching the rash, wear loose-fitting clothes, and try to keep the affected area clean in order to prevent secondary bacterial infection of the skin.
- The rash should be covered to decrease the risk of transmissibility should you come into contact with susceptible individuals.
Read Also: What Shingles Rash Looks Like
What Is The Contagious Period For Shingles
The virus that causes shingles, the varicella-zoster virus, can be transmitted from person to person by direct contact with the fluid from the active blistering rash. Therefore, susceptible individuals should avoid contact with people who have active shingles, especially pregnant women who have never had chickenpox and immunocompromised individuals. It cannot be transmitted by coughing or sneezing, and it is not contagious before the blisters appear. Once the shingles rash has dried and developed crusting, it generally is not considered to be contagious.
There are a few important points to consider when discussing the varicella-zoster virus and transmissibility.
- If an individual who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine comes in direct contact with the fluid from the shingles rash, they may go on to develop chickenpox, but they will not immediately develop shingles.
- It is possible, however, for them to develop shingles later in life, just as it is with others who have previously been exposed to the virus and developed chickenpox.
- Also, if you have previously been exposed to the varicella-zoster virus and you have had chickenpox, you will not contract the virus from others with shingles.
You Have Options All About Different Types Of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles come in two main types: three-tab and architectural .
When shopping around for a new roof youve probably heard the term asphalt shingles thrown around a lot, leading you to believe its just one thing. In reality, asphalt shingles is a blanket term for two different kinds of shingles, three-tab and architectural. Even within those two categories, there are various options of style and color. Keep reading to learn the differences between types of asphalt shingles, and then find a professional who can help you find the right shingles for your house, and install them!
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Shingles If You Had The Chickenpox Vaccine
Different Types Of Roof Shingles You Can Choose To Replace On Your Home
The integrity of your roof is important for a number of different reasons. Without a solid roof, rain and snow can infiltrate your home, causing damage to a level where repairs are too expensive to even consider.
When you choose the right type of roof shingles, you are making a solid investment in your home and, in the spirit of keeping you informed, were going to study the topic in-depth and tell you everything you need to know about roof shingles.
Other Types Of Shingles
You may also hear the terms hip and ridge shingles and starter strips. These shingles match the overall style and construction of the main shingle that your roofing professional installs on your roof. However, they are specially shaped or designed to make installation easier.
In order to install shingles on the hips and ridges of a roof, professional roofers used to have to take a shingle and cut it into strips, then line the strips up and down the hips and ridges. This became a challenge when thicker laminate shingles became standard, as they were harder to cut and harder to bend over the ridge. To make things easier for roofers, manufacturers invented hip and ridge shingles in matching colors that dont need to be cut to be installed.
Starter strips or starter shingles are the first shingles that your professional roofer applies on the roof. Starter strips provide a solid sealant strip to bond the first course of main shingles to the roof. This sealant protects the roof substrate where there are gaps, joints or cutouts in the first course of shingles. They may also act as guides to ensure the roofer achieves the correct pattern on the rest of the roof.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Spread Shingles