If the roof has crossed the point where repairs and minor changes aren’t going to work, you might need to complete roof replacement. This might sound like a burden, especially from an expense point of view, but roof replacement at the right time can provide a safety cushion against other types of big expenses.
The first thing most people look for while replacing a roof is the design, where the shingles come into the picture. The right type, material, and design of shingles enhance the overall look of your house and keep your home protected from harsh conditions and rough usage.
So, if you have been looking forward to exploring the world of shingles and knowing more about it, then you have come to the right place. In this blog post, we will discuss all you need to know about roof shingles in a detailed manner and help you choose the best type of shingle.
What are shingles?
Shingles are small segments of the building material installed just above the underlayment, trusses, and sheathing of a roof. In layman language, shingles are a type of roof covering that includes overlapping elements.
The elements can be both flat and rectangular, and they are consistently applied from the base of the roof upwards as this type of application provides complete coverage. There are different types of shingles available in the market, and you need to choose from the available options based on your specific need and budget.
What is the primary purpose of using shingles?
The two primary purposes of installing shingles are; protection of the surface from outdoor elements and accentuating the overall look of the top section of the house.
Beautification
Even imagining roofs without shingles is impossible since an underlayment without roof covering is like a car without any paint job. With the right type of roof shingles, you can always amplify the overlook of your house and make it look more appealing.
The shingles market has evolved a lot, and now, you have a long list of shingles to choose from, and therefore, you can easily match the shingles with the specific type of design you already have. The roofing contractors Covington can install any shingle you choose.
Protection
Shingles might be chosen based on their design and look, but they play an essential role in protecting your house and roof. Shingles provide wind resistant and watertight seal that keeps the roof protected from environmental damage. The shingles also provide due protection and thus, without shingles, the roof isn’t going to last even for a single season.
All the metal roofing contractors in Covington pay attention to the details while installing shingles. They know the importance of proper shingle installation for proper roof protection and increasing the roof’s lifespan.
Types of shingles
Asphalt shingles
These types of shingles are made from asphalt reinforced by fiberglass or organic materials. They come in different sizes, and you have many options in the thickness of the asphalt shingles. The best part about asphalt shingles is they are lightweight, economical and you get a lot of options to choose from, but at the same time, they have a short lifespan.
Wood shingles
They are made through machine cuts, and they offer a trim yet natural look to the roof. They are pretty famous because they are an environmental-friendly option and can last 20 to 25 years. They are chosen because they offer a unique look and are durable, but they are also vulnerable to fire and thus prohibit the fire codes in many areas.
Metal shingles
Steel, copper, aluminum, and alloy are the most common materials used for making metal shingles, and these metals are stamped in different sizes and are installed by metal roof contractors. Since metals have better sunlight reflection ability, metal shingles are considered ideal for energy efficiency.
Slate shingles
If you are looking for a shingle that lasts very long, then slate shingles are what you are looking for. They have the longest lifespan among all the shingles mentioned in this list, and in addition to offering a natural look, the risk of leaks is also less in the case of slate shingles. But slate shingles also come with a hefty price tag, and since they are heavyweight, you can’t use them for all the roofs.
Shingles are an essential part of the roof, and therefore, you should know everything possible about shingles for choosing the right one for your roof. You can even get suggestions from metal roof contractors if you are unsure which type of shingle to choose for your roof.