Whether you are in the market for a new roof or looking for a more durable material for your current roof, shingle roofing is an excellent choice. Listed below are some important factors to consider, including durability, cost, and environmental impact. In addition to these factors, shingle roofing also provides excellent weather resistance and low maintenance.
Durability
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a roofing material is durability. Asphalt shingles usually last from 15 to 20 years, but heavier models can last for 30 years. Shingle roofing also needs proper maintenance. It should be protected from the sun, and regular cleaning is necessary to prolong the life of your roof. In addition, shingle manufacturers usually offer warranties, which typically last from twenty to forty years.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in the United States, thanks to their affordability and aesthetic appeal. Standard asphalt shingles are expected to last between 15 and 30 years, though you may find that they last longer in warmer climates. If you’re looking to increase the lifespan of your shingle roof, look for one with a high hail rating, which will increase its impact resistance and overall toughness.
Wooden shingles are another option, but be sure to check for cracks before choosing them. They’re much less likely to be fire-resistant than asphalt shingles. Wood shakes last between thirty and fifty years, and are made from fire-resistant cedar or redwood. While they aren’t as durable as asphalt shingles, they are naturally insulators. This means that they’ll be able to protect your house from heat, cold, and wind.
Cost
The cost of shingle roofing can vary widely depending on the type of material and location. It is usually more expensive to install roofs with steeper pitches and more complex ridges and valleys. There are many different types of shingle roofing, including clay, concrete, steel, and polycarbonate.
While many homeowners prefer light-colored shingles in mild climates, those in colder climates should consider installing dark-colored shingles. In some states, these shingles are required to meet specific environmental codes, which require homeowners to install cool-roofing materials. Shingle roofing experts can help clients choose the best type of shingle roof for their home.
Another cost of shingle roofing is the need to replace broken or missing shingles. These damages can penetrate deep into the roofing system. Moreover, the costs of these repairs can be expensive when viewed over the years.
Environmental Impact
Shingle roofing is a common option for homeowners. The use of recycled materials is a great way to reduce the environmental impact of roofing materials. Today, manufacturers of asphalt shingles have established production plants throughout the country. They manufacture shingles for local markets, minimizing the need to ship the materials across the country. Recycling asphalt shingles is also an effective way to reduce the carbon footprint of a home.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common nonrenewable building materials, contributing to the growing piles of waste in landfills. They also introduce pollutants to soil. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), nearly 12 million tons of asphalt shingles were disposed of in landfills in 2015.
Asphalt shingles are non-biodegradable and do not break down quickly. They do not act as a carbon sink, so their main impact is in the transportation and processing to a landfill. This waste amounts to the equivalent of the annual emissions of more than 47 thousand cars and 23,750 homes in the US.
Installation
While installing shingle roofing can be a stressful task, with the right knowledge and information, the process can be much simpler. The first step is to determine how much material you’ll need. Most shingles are sold in packages known as squares, and each square corresponds to a certain area of your roof. You should determine the amount of shingles you’ll need to complete the job, then calculate the number of squares needed to cover the entire roof.
The lifespan of a commercial shingle roofing installation is usually 20-25 years, but it’s important to replace the roof every 80 to 85 years. The longer you wait, the greater the chance of leakage and water damage to structural elements, which could be costly. Shingle roofing can also deteriorate quickly due to severe weather conditions.
One downside to shingle roofing is that the material is not as durable as metal roofing. When installed improperly, shingles can tear or lift off the roof. Moreover, they are very heavy and can contribute to structural problems.
