How to Select Roofing Shingles
There are many things to consider when selecting roofing shingles for your home. This expensive, long-term investment will enhance the value of your home. The right roofing shingles also will enhance your home's appearance. Careful consideration of shingle types, styles, colors, designs and guarantees offered by the roofing manufacturer and the roofing contractor will ensure that the money invested is well spent. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Roofing shingle samples available at most home centers or contractor supply stores.
Instructions
-
-
1
Take any future plans for painting, siding or landscape changes into consideration when selecting shingles. The shingles are not easy to change once your roof is complete.
-
2
Select a type of shingle. There are slate, laminated, wood shake, asphalt with fiberglass or asphalt with organic mat, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Slate shingles can last up to 100 years. However, this type of roofing shingle is very expensive and installation costs are also costly. Laminated shingles come in a variety of styles and can give the appearance of a more expensive shingle at a lower price. Wood shake shingles add rustic charm, but have the problem of increased maintenance. Roofing shingles made of asphalt make up the majority of the roofing shingle market and are available in a variety of colors, styles and compositions such as fiberglass and organic mat.
-
-
3
Choose a color that compliments your house. If you are unsure which color of roofing shingles will work well with your house, spend time looking through contractor magazines or online for homes of a similar color and see which colors you like best for your home.
-
4
Choose a design that works well with the architectural style of your house. There are numerous designs available such as standard three tab, dimensional and a wide range of edge cuts and thicknesses. Consider the architectural style of your home and landscaping when choosing a design that will complement your home.
-
5
Select a guarantee that works within your budget. Most shingles carry a 25- to 50-year guarantee. However, guarantees are subjective to conditions specified by the roofing manufacturer. Be sure to read the fine print in any advertisements.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If choosing to go to a roofing dealer to make your decision, take a picture of your house with you to compare colors. Take a few pictures that have a variety of lighting such as bright sun and overcast days to help decide on the right color to compliment the color of your home in a variety of lighting situations.
