There are several types of roof shingles out there, but only one is truly the best. And at Parish Roofing Solutions, we use only the best roof shingle type.
Deciding to replace your roof is already a big decision. Now you have to start figuring out what kind of materials you want to use. Shingles are the most visible part of your roof, and they are very important for keeping the rain and weather out of your home. So, it’s important to make sure you choose the best shingles for your house and budget. But, with roof shingle types like asphalt, wood, metal, and tile shingles, how do you know what type of shingles are the best?
At Parish Roofing Solutions, we have the experience and expertise to help you decide exactly what you want and which shingles are best for the roofing on your house. Here’s a look at some of the pros and cons of different types of shingles, and what we recommend to our clients when they’re ready to put a new roof on their home.
There are so many different materials and colors for roof shingles on the market today, the choices can be overwhelming. While there are plenty of roof shingle material types out there to choose from, not all of them are practical or desirable. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the options, and our recommendation for which one is almost always the best choice.
Wooden shingles have been around for a very long time. They can give your home a unique, rustic look. While good wooden shingles can be just as wind resistant as other options, they have a slew of problems that can bring down their promised life expectancy.
Because they are made from organic material - wood - they are at high risk from insects that are looking for a quick meal or place to nest. They are also prone to rot and can act put your home at higher risk of a bad fire. Because of these issues, roofs with wooden shingles require a lot more time, energy, and money to keep them in good shape.
Some people have a romantic idea about a tin or metal roof. While there may be some charm and nostalgia for the sound of rain beating against the metal, there is a reason people largely stopped using them.
While metal may seem to be a very durable material - and to some extent it is - it still has to connect to the under layers of your roof. Unfortunately, metal likes to expand and contract with the temperature, causing strain on the screws, washers, and other parts of your roof that will significantly reduce how many years you’ll be able to get out of it. That’s an even bigger problem because metal is much more expensive than other types of roofing materials, so you don’t want to invest in something that won’t last.
Tile shingles can be a better option than either wood or metal, since they are more durable, require less maintenance, and are more resistant to pests. However, they are very expensive, and they don’t hold up against impacts that might come from debris falling or being blown into them during storms. Because of this, they come with the risk that they won’t last as long as you expect, and you’ll be having to spend more money to fix or replace them.
When you’re picking your roofing materials, you want something that will be durable to withstand the elements and wear and tear that Mother Nature puts on it. You want it to be low maintenance and affordable. With all of that in mind, we have found that nothing can compare to asphalt roofing shingles. But even then, there are multiple asphalt roof shingle types. So, what are the different types of asphalt shingles? It really comes down to two:
3-tab shingles are the cheapest choice out there. Like all asphalt shingles, they are durable and low maintenance. However, 3-tabs are a good example of, “you get what you pay for.” While they are able to use the benefits of asphalt to get a good bang for the buck and keep your roof sealed, they have some serious flaws.
Most only have a wind rating of 50-60 miles per hour. As long as the wind doesn’t go over that speed, they should be OK, or at least that’s the theory. In reality, that’s true for newly installed roofs, but as the shingles age, they begin to wear and tear, and they won’t be able to withstand winds that high anymore.
This is one of the reasons why 3-tabs are usually used on new homes - they are a cheap way for a builder to get a decent roof on since they don’t have to worry about the long-term quality of the roof.
However, when you own the house yourself, you want to balance the cost today with the lifetime cost of maintenance, repair, and eventual replacement. While 3-tab shingles are good for the short term, they’ll end up costing you a lot more over the long run, than if you just buy the next level up.
These are the gold standard for balancing cost, durability, and longevity. Architectural or laminate shingles are a higher quality asphalt shingle with wind ratings that start at 130 miles per hour. Again, that’s important, because, as the roof ages, it will maintain its ability to withstand the beating that nature puts on it through the year. At Parish Roofing Solutions, we’ve worked with a lot of materials and tried a lot of different types of shingles over the years, and this is the one we always recommend.
But even when looking at this type of shingle, there are differences in quality between brands and between roofers. The key to a good Architectural shingle is the quality of the asphalt used to make it. We recommend always using US-made shingles that come with a standard lifetime warranty so that you know that the asphalt used is good quality. Brands like GAF, Owens Coming, Atlas, and CertainTeed are always good choices and give you a nice selection of options.
Even with the best shingles, a roof is only going to be as good as its installation. That’s why it’s important to always choose a roofer who has the experience and expertise to make sure your home is secure and taken care of. At Parish Roofing Solutions, we’ll make sure that your new asphalt shingles are optimally installed to give you the most years out of your roof, extending its life and saving you money. So, call or reach out today, and get a FREE estimate!
When you need your roof repaired, Parish Roofing Solutions is the company to call! That’s because we know that roof repair is more than just construction – it’s about protecting your home and family from the harsh power of the elements. And according to our amazing clients, we’re the best roofing company around.
Just because there is a problem with your roof, it does not mean that it needs to be replaced.
Our roof replacement services include a total roofing system replacement.
We handle all manner of hail damage, and inclement weather restoration.
Our commercial roofers are experienced with both industrial and retail roof repair solutions.
Parish Roofing Solutions provides the highest-quality roofing to North Texas families and businesses, protecting their most precious investment in a sustainable, permanent way.
We take pride in serving our customers and the local community.
Parish Roofing Solutions serves the entire DFW area, from Fort Worth to McKinney. Your roof helps protect your home from the most recurring form of damage, Texas weather, and it deserves special attention. You can count on Parish Roofing Solutions to get the job done right.
