Trying to figure out the different roofing types, roof designs and styles, and which roofing materials work best for your home can be overwhelming. There are many varieties to pick from depending on your roof type, the look you want, and your budget. Below, we take a look at the different types of roofing materials, designs and styles.
Roofs may seem like a basic part of home construction, but there is a lot to know about them! There are a number of different types of roof shingles you can have on your home, and they range in cost, durability, lifespan, and the potential effect on your insurance premium.
What are Asphalt Shingles Made out of?
There are two basic ways that asphalt shingles are manufactured.
Fiberglass. Fiberglass base mat coated with the asphalt and then ceramic granules. Architectural shingles are typically made in this fashion, making them more fire resistant and incredibly durable for the cost.
Organic base-mat. Rather than using a fiberglass base-mat, this method uses an organic material, such as felt paper, which is soaked in asphalt. They are then coated in an additional layer of asphalt, which the ceramic granules are then embedded into. While they are considered to be more malleable than their fiberglass counterparts, they are heavier and can become deformed over the years.
Architectural Shingles vs. Three-Tab Shingles
Asphalt shingles are made up of fiberglass layered between asphalt & ceramic covered granules. The result is a water-resistant coating that can deflect UV light. While this is the basic composition of asphalt shingles, there are some variations to consider.
Two of the most common varieties are architectural & three-tab shingles. If you’re a new homeowner or renovating your home roof on a budget, these are the two options that may be worth your while. Here is a breakdown of the pros & cons of each shingle style.
Durability
Three-tab shingles are relatively thin as they’re built of a single layer of materials. Architectural shingles, on the other side, have two asphalt shingles stripes laminated together. This layering creates a shingle that is better suited to hold up against the elements.
On average, the three-tab shingle comes with a warranty of almost 20, 25, or 30 years. Architectural shingles have minimum warranties of about 30 years. In general, three-tab shingles have the life expectancy & can only handle winds up to 60 mph as opposed to its counterpart’s tolerance for 130 mph gusts.
Durability Winner: Architectural Shingles
Versatility
While a house roof serves a practical purpose, it can also be a great opportunity to add a personal touch on your property. That is why homeowners want to explore a wide range of aesthetic options when it comes to roofing materials. The three-tab shingle doesn’t provide much flexibility in this regard. It comes in one shape & size and has a flat complexion.
However, the layered effect of the architectural shingle leaves room for diverse shapes & sizes. Homeowners can choose from different dimensional looks as well as colors & textures. The versatility of architectural shingles is an attractive feature of this option.
Versatility Winner: Architectural Shingles
Price
The architectural shingles are the all-around superior product, which is why more homeowners are picking it over the three-tab option. When it comes to cost, architectural shingles typically runs $35-$45 per bundle. Three-tab shingles cost an average of $25 -$30 per bundle.
On the surface, the architectural shingles are 40-50 percent more expensive. Still, it is a better investment, because the life expectancy of the three-tab shingles is, at best, half that of architectural shingles. Homeowners who spend less initially end up shelling out much more to install and replace three-tab options.
Price Winner: Architectural Shingles
Popular Roofing Exhaust Vents
Off Ridge Vents
Off ridge vents are advantageous when the actual ridge line of the roof is small. This can happen with complex roofs and homes that do not have one long, continuous ridge line for a traditional ridge vent to run across. Adding an off-ridge vent or two to these types of roofs can provide an added punch of ventilation to areas that don’t have enough.
Though they sound similar in name, an off-ridge vent is only similar to a ridge vent because they both sit close to the crest of your roof. In fact, “off ridge vents” are much more similar to box vents than they are to ridge vents!
Overall, off ridge vents are not a very popular style of vent and not one we recommend when compared to other, more effective exhaust roofing vents. Off ridge vents are not as effective as full ridge vents because they are much smaller and do not sit as high on the roof. Their size prohibits them from expelling a large amount of hot air and their location restricts their ability to vent the absolute hottest air, like a ridge vent.
Box Vents
Box vents are similar to off-ridge vents but are a much more popular venting solution.
One of the main similarities to an off-ridge vent is that the first step for installation is cutting a hole in the roof for the vent to sit over. Another similarity is that box vents are generally installed in bunches across the roof in order to add extra ventilation. Just one or two box vents is not nearly enough to vent your entire roof!
The design of a box vent is more square than it’s off-ridge counterpart, hence the name; box vent. There are a wide range of sizes available to match what’s needed for your space. The most common sized box vent on the market today is 18 inches by 18 inches.
Benefits of Hiring Professional Roofing Contractors
Expertise
Professional roofers have been in the industry for many years and have worked on different types of roofing projects for different clients. This means that they can deliver excellent results without any mistakes. They will ensure that your roof remains safe and undamaged for a long time. They will carry out new installations or repairs with perfection using the right products and techniques.
Cost-effective
Hiring a roofing contractor to install a new roof or repair a damaged roof is quite cost-effective. These professionals will get roofing materials at a much lower cost than you because they have built long-term relationships with suppliers. In addition, they have the right tools needed to complete the work depending on the roof situation. If you calculate the expenses of purchasing the needed tools and materials, you will find that the cost will be much higher.
Quality material
The main benefit of hiring roofing expects is the fact that they provide quality materials. This will ensure that the roofing services or repairs last for a very long time. Roofing specialists know the materials that are of premium quality and those that suit your specific roof. In addition, they have access to quality materials at wholesale costs.
Offer warranty
Expert roofers will offer a warranty on both materials and labor that they have used. This will give the homeowner peace of mind because the repair or new installation is protected irrespective of what happens after the project is complete. If there are any issues with the roof within the given time frame, it will be inspected and the problem will be resolved without extra charges.
Hiring a professional roof replacement expert is more beneficial than doing it on your own. Roofing contractors will have access to the right supplies, materials, and equipment to carry out the job successfully.
In addition, they are able to overcome any issue or challenges that they can detect after carrying out a detailed roof inspection. Therefore, if you want the best services in the industry, you should hire an experienced and licensed roofing contractor.