Best Roofing Materials For Homes 202: Material Costs Plus Pros & Cons
This comprehensive guide to roofing materials is all the research youll need to evaluate the top choices for residential re-roofing and new construction projects in 2022.
What to Expect: In this guide, well cover the following most common roofing options: asphalt shingles, cedar wood shingles and shakes, metal shingles and standing seam metal roofs, concrete, clay, and fiber-cement tiles, natural stone and faux slate/synthetic shingles, and the latest BiPV solar tile options.
For each material, we cover the following topics:
- An overview including how the roofing is made
- Pros and cons including maintenance, repair, durability, options, home styles they work with and more
- Cost for materials and installation
- Choosing your roofing material: The bottom line summaries of each type
- How to save money on a new roof
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.
Why You Want The Best Roof Shingles
Roof Performance: The best roof shingles perform better. High winds, hailstorms, constant sunthe best roof shingles can handle whatever the environment throws at them.
They will be less likely to develop leaks, leaks that can seriously damage your house and the things in it. They will also be less likely to develop other common roof issues that will cost you money to repair.
Roof Longevity: The best roof shingles last longer, often much longer. They will be less likely to fail prematurely or unexpectedly, meaning that you wont have to deal with the headache of having your roof replaced again for a very long time.
Life-Cycle Cost: The best roof shingles will cost you less in the long run. Whole-life cost is the total cost of ownership over the life of an asset.
Life-cycle cost analysis is an established asset management technique and it typically shows that using high quality roofing materials reduces the total lifetime cost of a roof by reducing required maintenance and repairs as well extending the useful life of the roof.
You typically end up getting more use out of your roof per dollar spent on the initial roof installation than you would for cheaper materials.
Insurance Discounts: The best roofing shingles can save you money on your homeowners insurance. Discounts for a new roof installed with highly-rated performance shingles from a top shingle manufacturer may help you save up to 20% on your homeowners insurance policy premiums.
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The Best Roofing Shingle Brands
We looked into finding the best asphalt roofing shingle brands, and these are some that made the top ten lists according to Home Advisor.com, RoofMaxx and Roofing Insights.
This list has a wide variety of shingle options, both in style and in price point. Many of these brands appeared on multiple lists with different shingle styles featured.
Factors That Make A Roof Susceptible To Wind Damage
Several key factors make a roof susceptible to wind damage. If you identify with any of these factors, installing impact resistant shingles may be a good choice for you.
Factor No. 1 Local Weather
The most obvious factor is the weather you experience in your region. If you live in a location thats prone to high winds, hurricanes, storms, or tornadoes, youre likely to experience wind-related damage with regular shingles.
Constant exposure to high winds can also weaken shingle bonds, meaning that even if your roof survives a storm, it can cause issues in the long run.
Did you know? Florida experiences more hurricanes and tropical storms than any other state. The Florida Keys, Southeast Florida, and the Florida Panhandle are all particularly vulnerable due to the states coastal location. Other vulnerable areas include the Central Gulf Coast and much of south and central Texas.
Factor No. 2 Installation Errors
A contractor who installs your roof shingles incorrectly leaves them vulnerable to wind damage.
For example: Misplaced nails could create gaps for wind to enter and poor sealing can lead to wind, water, and debris getting into gaps, causing long-term damage.
Factor No. 3 Roof Shape
Your roofs shape affects its aerodynamic properties.
Generally speaking, high-pitched gable roofs are more prone to damage because they are inefficient at directing wind away.
Factor No. 4 Age
The older a roof gets, the more its subjected to wear and tear.
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Types Of Roof Shingles
There are three types of roof shingles: organic shingles, fiberglass shingles, and asphalt shingles.
Organic Roof Shingles These include cedar shake and slate roofs. They are more expensive than other types of roof shingles, but they last a long time sometimes as much as 100 years.
Fiberglass Roof Shingles Fiberglass shingles are more affordable than organic shingles. These are made of fiberglass or plastic fibers that are molded into the shape of a shingle. They last about 40 years.
Asphalt Roof Shingles These are the most common type of roof shingles. They are usually made from treated wood, paper, or fiberglass. These last about 20 years.
See How Your New Roof Will Look
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt are the most popular shingles in the U.S. because theyre affordable to buy, install, and maintain. They are made from a sturdy fiberglass base, coated with waterproof asphalt and tiny granules of ceramic-coated mineral.
The asphalt shingles you look at will fall into one of three main categories: 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles. While these types mostly differ in look, some may offer better durability as well.
A 3-tab shingle is the simplest type of roofing shingle. Sometimes called strip shingle, theyre built from a single layer of asphalt, which makes them lie flat right against the roof.
An architectural shingle, also known as dimensional or laminate shingle are manufactured with multiple layers of asphalt fused on top of each other. The result is a richer, multidimensional quality that looks a bit like wood or slate roofing. Timberline was actually the first laminate shingle, invented in 1967.
A designer shingle, often called a premium or luxury shingle typically offers highest-end multidimensional designs, premium protection from weathering, and maximum energy efficiency. Designer shingles take on the most realistic look of old-world roofing materials.
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What Is A 3 Tab Shingle
Also known as strip shingles, 3-tab asphalt shingles get their name from the way they are cut and installed. They are the most basic form of shingle, made out of a single layer of asphalt and cut into strips. They appear flat, offering a type of slate look to your roof upon installation. 3-tab shingles are lightweight since they are made from a single strip, so they are more affordable than many other asphalt shingle types and competing roofing materials. The downside to 3-tab shingles is their limited aesthetic options and they have the potential to blow off easier than other asphalt shingles types.
Generally, the expected lifespan of a 3-tab shingle roof is 18-20 years. When considering cost, some 3-tab shingle roofing can be as cheap as $0.90 per square foot of roofing material.
Pros 3-tab shingles are affordable and can last a couple decades in the right conditions.Cons Fewer aesthetic options, potential blow-off issues and a shorter lifespan.
What Are Dimensional Shingles
Also known as architectural shingles or laminate shingles, this is the most common asphalt shingle. During manufacturing, they are given two or more layers to create a thicker, multi-dimensional appearance to the final roof. They can be designed to replicate natural slate or wood shake aesthetics so could potentially boost the curb appeal to your home. One disadvantage of dimensional shingles is that they are heavier than 3-tab shingles, so they add more weight to your roof. However, they tend to be more durable due to their double layers.
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association reports that dimensional asphalt shingles are the most popular asphalt shingle used today. Fine Home Building Magazine Issue 214reports that dimensional asphalt shingles accounted for nearly three-quarters of all asphalt roofing sales in 2010. Everything points to that trend continuing through 2017.
You can expect most dimensional shingle roofs to come with a 30-year manufacturer warranty. When installed properly, you can expect your dimensional shingle roof to last 25-28 years. They tend to cost about 20 percent more than 3-tab shingles at about $3-$5 per square foot installed.
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Q: Is The New Shingles Vaccine Really Better Than The Old One
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The previously released vaccine, Zostavax®, reduces the risk of shingles by over 50 percent. The now-preferred Shingrix vaccine series reduces the risk by over 90 percent.
The blistering shingles rash is very painful. Its most common complication is called post-herpetic neuralgia . PHN may last long after shingles has resolved, causing inflammation of the nerves, and is often even more painful.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Shingrix for healthy adults 50 years and older. For those who have received Zostavax, the CDC recommends waiting at least eight weeks before getting Shingrix.
Scheduled two to six months apart, Shingrix is given as a series of two shots.
Speak with your doctors office about shingles prevention. If for any reason youre not able to receive the Shingrixseries, the CDC recommends the Zostavax vaccine.
Although Shingrix costs more than Zostavax, its greater protection rate more than offsets the extra expense.
How To Choose The Best Roofing Shingles
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing shingles for your roofing project. Most likely, your budget is one of the largest factors. Accordingly, you want the best price on roofing shingles as well as the best value.
Typically, it can cost from $5,000 to $28,000 to replace a residential roof. Factors such as the square footage, your choice of shingle and local labor costs all influence the total price of installation.
For example, the average American home is around 2,000 square feet. Imagine that you have a 2,000 square-foot home. In that case, a new roof may cost between $7,700 and $60,500, including labor.
Across the United States, the cost to install a roof varies. On average, however, a new roof costs about seven dollars per square foot. This price usually includes all the various services involved in the installation, such as
- Construction waste disposal
- Two layers of old roof removal
If you have special requirements, this will also affect the price of your roofing installation. The complexity of your roof will also contribute to the cost of the project.
The underlayment will also affect the cost of your roof. Also, the slope of your roof plays into how much it will cost to have your new roof installed.
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Popular Roof Shingles In Wisconsin: Asphalt
While many roofing materials are in use today, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most homeowners. They are the most popular home roofing material, with over 70% of new construction, repair, and replacement projects using them. Asphalt shingle roofs are durable and reliable a single shingle has a life expectancy of approximately 20 to 30 years.
There are many types of asphalt shingles, but not all can withstand the heat of humid summers or the winters of Wisconsin. Certain brands provide more durability in extreme weather conditions, and some come with warranties that protect homeowners from premature wear and tear.
Other Types Of Roofing Shingles
If youre required to install non-asphalt roofing materials because of local building codes or HOA rules, then you may need to consider the following roofing options for your home. If building codes, HOA rules, or other compliance factors are not an issue, then the aesthetics or look of most of these non-asphalt roofing materials can be achieved using architectural roofing shingles in specific designs and colors.
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Iko Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Royal Sovereign
Royal Sovereign shingles have strong wind resistance, the highest fire-resistance rating, and excellent durability. The shingles look upscale but are affordable for those on a budget. Their shingles have Color Lock Ceramic Firing, which helps to maintain the color, and are made with Advanced Protection Shingle Technology to reduce the number of natural resources needed for production.
Timberline Ultra HD
Timberline Ultra HD shingles are architecturally stylish, affordable and feature a dimensional wood-shake appearance. DuraGrip adhesive reduces the chances of blow-off. GAF shingles have StainGuard protection to reduce the amount of staining from blue-green algae. Timberline Ultra HD shingles are Good Housekeeping rated and have a wind rating of 130 mph.
What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Shingrix
Studies show that Shingrix is safe. The vaccine helps your body create a strong defense against shingles. As a result, you are likely to have temporary side effects from getting the shots. The side effects might affect your ability to do normal daily activities for 2 to 3 days.
Most people got a sore arm with mild or moderate pain after getting Shingrix, and some also had redness and swelling where they got the shot. Some people felt tired, had muscle pain, a headache, shivering, fever, stomach pain, or nausea. Some people who got Shingrix experienced side effects that prevented them from doing regular activities. Symptoms went away on their own in about 2 to 3 days. Side effects were more common in younger people.
You might have a reaction to the first or second dose of Shingrix, or both doses. If you experience side effects, you may choose to take over-the-counter pain medicine such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Guillain-Barré syndrome , a serious nervous system disorder, has been reported very rarely after Shingrix. There is also a very small increased risk of GBS after having shingles.
If you experience side effects from Shingrix, you should report them to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System . Your doctor might file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS websiteexternal icon, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
If you have any questions about side effects from Shingrix, talk with your doctor.
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What Are The Best Roofing Shingles
Once you have an idea of the type of roof shingles that will work best for your project, you need to know where to get them from. Several shingle manufacturers provide excellent products to suit your needs.
Shingle No. 1 CertainTeed Grand Manor Shingles
Founded in 1904, CertainTeed is one of the United States oldest and most established asphalt shingle manufacturing companies.
It offers several types of asphalt shingles, though theyre all characterized by a heavyweight style that results in more asphalt used per shingle than in most other brands.
CertainTeed shingles weigh between 200 and 460 pounds per square, with most other brands weighing between 150 and 260 pounds. This increase in asphalt volume means the companys shingles are stronger and more capable of dealing with the elements.
Grand Manor shingles have Class A fire certification and weigh approximately 400 pounds per square. They provide five layers of coverage, making them ideal for homes in windy areas or locations that experience a lot of storms.
The company also offers an extended warranty that lasts for the lifetime of the shingles. You can also transfer this warranty to a new owner, though the warranty only transfers once before it is voided.
The shingles come in three color options and emulate the look of natural slate, though they use more cost-effective asphalt.
Shingle No. 2 GAF Woodland Shingles
Shingle No. 3 Atlas StormMaster Slate
Shingle No. 4 Owens Corning Oakridge Roof Shingles
Best Roof Shingles For Your Home
The best shingles will protect your roof for decades, will not brank your bank with maintenance issues and will elevate the curb appeal of your house.
When choosing roof shingles, you must consider the type of shingle youre getting, the cost, and your homes needs.
To get started on your roof replacement project, contact your local roofing pros for FREE ESTIMATES!
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Final Verdict: What Is The Best Roofing Material
Our rating of asphalt shingles as the best overall roofing material is based on a cross-section of overall utility and installation prices. Aside from that, it is a fairly easy type of roofing to conduct maintenance on for most homeowners without professional assistance although well always recommend hiring a roofer.
Each material weve reviewed has its own positives and drawbacks, which will make them more or less suited for your home and needs. Be sure to consider your options carefully and to review the deciding factors weve outlined before making a decision.
Best Asphalt Shingles For Your Home
Reroofing your home? Here are the best asphalt shingles, rated by a pro roofer. Includes 7 categories, with tips.
When choosing your new roof, you cant go wrong with asphalt shingles. Theyre affordable and look great.But price shouldnt be your only consideration.
In this guide, we rate the best asphalt shingles for your home, rated by category, based on our experience as pro roofers.
Now, lets review the asphalt shingles we recommend most, by looking at how they rate in these categories:
For quality you can trust, look at shingles from the industrys top-tier manufacturers:
Other manufacturers stand out in specific categories, but for consistent quality in multiple categories, you cant go wrong with one of these three companies.
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