What Am I Looking for in an Asphalt Shingle?

Are all asphalt shingles created equally? The answer is no, not exactly. Yes, they’re mostly asphalt type composition made in strips that you lay down on the roof deck and attach with nails. But what should you really be looking for? How do you make a decision on which roofing shingles to buy or which ones to have your roofing contractor install?

Price

Why not tackle one of the most obvious topics right away since price is frequently a concern to anyone purchasing roofing materials. When you’re looking for an asphalt shingle, price can sometimes become a secondary factor because there is really not a wide range between the most expensive and the least expensive asphalt shingles. Price is largely determined by composition, i.e. what it costs to manufacture a given shingle variety. Composition will also come to bear on warranties, etc. which figure in to price as well.

A standard three-tab fiberglass shingle is simple to produce, has fewer layers of material so it will be less expensive than say, a high wind resistant shingle which is heavier because it is produced with more layers of material. The wind resistant shingle may also have a designer look and more complicated cuts in the manufacturing process. The consumer pays more for the manufacturing and for the warranty that comes with the heavier shingle.

Appearance

Of course everyone wants their home to look good. Since the roof is one of the most visible surfaces on the home and it probably goes longest without being changed or updated, it’s important to select shingles which have an appearance you appreciate.

There are many types of architectural or dimensional shingles available today which give the appearance of other roofing materials such as slate or wood texture shakes. However even on very high end homes, sometimes a standard three tab in a stunning color is selected because it fits very well with the style of the home.

Function / Special Features

It’s a given that asphalt shingles should protect you from the elements by keeping the inside of the home dry and free from intrusion by the elements. But what else should asphalt shingles do?

Some architectural or dimensional shingle designs provide protection from high winds and wind-driven rain because of their weight and laminated construction. Other light colored shingles attract less heat. Some specialty shingles also contain copper roofing granules that ad protection against algae streaks and stains over the long life period of the shingle. Interlocking shingles provide fewer opportunities for intrusion by unwanted materials.

What you want in an asphalt shingle should be determined by what you need. A great place to begin learning about asphalt shingle styles, colors and features as well as how a variety of shingle types have worked for homeowners is www.SelectYourRoof.com. At SelectYourRoof.com you can also make choices for your own residential roof project and contact a local contractor to assist you.