Asphalt roof shingles are an excellent choice for a new roof. They’re durable, relatively affordable, and easy to install. But not all asphalt shingles are created equal. Some are thicker or heavier than others, while others come with a textured or colored finish than other materials.
All of these factors point to one thing only deciding that you will install an asphalt roof will not be enough. There is much more to it. To improve your roof, we have created a list of things you need to check to buy the best roofing shingles.
If you want to know more about asphalt shingles in general before making a final decision on your next home improvement project, read on!
Things You Need To Consider Before Buying Asphalt Shingles
The better the quality of the roofing material you buy, the better will be your roofing system. This is why choosing the right roofing material is important. So here are some things that you need to look at in a shingle.
Asphalt Shingle Style
Asphalt roof shingles are available in various styles and quality. Each style is differentiated on the basis of its composition, durability, and standard. The most common type of asphalt shingles are as follows:
3 Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are one of the oldest styles of asphalt roof shingles on the market today. They are also one of the most affordable options for homeowners. They have a single strip (layer) that gives a tab-like appearance.
Architectural Shingles
These are of better quality and have 2 layers instead of one. This gives architectural styles greater resistance against weather conditions like hail storms. They give a dimensional appearance.
Luxury Shingles
These are the most expensive of the lot, but also offer greater protection. These are of premium quality and come with high wind and impact resistance.
Durability
Why do you need a good roof? The answer is obviously to protect you and your home from the forces of nature. Your roof will be able to do so only if it is durable enough. You need to get asphalt roof shingles that can withstand the weather conditions prevalent in your area.
Look out for the following:
Wind Resistance
Winds can deteriorate the condition of your shingle. Strong winds or storms can cause your shingles to get uplifted and sometimes be blown off from your home’s roof.
This is why you need to buy a shingle that offers good wind resistance and matches the weather conditions of your area.
For example, if you live in an area that is prone to storms such as New Jersey, then you need high wind rating asphalt roof shingles. Nowadays many shingles offered by prime manufacturers offer great wind resistance.
Impact Resistance
Asphalt shingles are also classified on the basis of their impact resistance. Impact resistance is the ability of asphalt roof shingles to resist damage from hail, bird droppings, and other debris that strikes them. This can be measured by how much force it takes to break a sample of shingles. The higher this value is, the more impact-resistant the shingles are and the more the chances that they can withstand hail without much damage.
UL performs tests and gives the impact rating to the shingles. The testing is done by dropping a weight onto the material from various heights and angles. A UL rating ranges from 1 to 4 where class 4 rating is considered the highest. Thus if a shingle is class 4 rated then it is the most durable of the lot.
Algae Resistance
Though this factor may not seem as important as the other factors listed above, it still needs to be considered. This is because algae or mold growth has become a serious issue when it comes to your roof.
The shingles that are Algae resistant are made with a special formula that makes them resistant to algae growth, which means that they’ll last longer and require less maintenance than other types of shingles. This saves you time and money on repairs and upkeep, which is important.
Warranty Of The Shingle
A shingle’s warranty is a good thing to know about before you buy it. When you decide to buy a roofing shingle then it is advisable to go for an asphalt roof shingle with a warranty.
If the roofing material comes with a warranty then it will help to give you a sense of peace, as you can trust the quality. Also, a warranty is important as when something goes wrong or your roof starts to leak, you don’t have to worry about the cost of repairs because it’s covered by the warranty.
This can be of two types: Warranty by the manufacturer and the contractor.
Check the following things:
- How long a warranty the manufacturer is offering
- What does the warranty cover? (labor, material)
- Installers warranty
Choose a contractor that can offer enhanced warranties.
Color Of The Shingle
While deciding on the right shingle, one thing will definitely come into play, this is the color of the asphalt shingles. So does roof shingle color matter? The answer is yes.
Not just the performance, but how your roof looks is also important. A beautiful roof can help you a lot in increasing your property’s curb appeal. The right shingle color is important because it not only has a big impact on the look of your home but can also affect how much money you spend on energy bills.
There are a variety of colors available in shingles, and more and more are being added to make sure your home looks great. Here are a few things to consider.
- Choose colors that can complement your home’s exterior setting. Try to get contrasting colors. For example, if you have dark siding, choose a light roof.
- Check your neighborhood for ideas
- Take into account the climate needs. A lighter color roof shingle will help in reflecting the sunlight, whereas darker shades absorb heat
Why Choose Northkit Roofing For Shingle Roof Installation?
Asphalt shingles are a great choice for homeowners. They provide low-maintenance protection from the elements and last a long time, while also being affordable.
If you want to get rid of mediocre asphalt roof shingles and want something that can really help your home then be sure to contact Northkit Roofing. Here’s why:
- We are a team of highly skilled roofing professionals that have been installing shingle roofs for many years.
- We are a GAF-certified roofing contractor. We have also attained Atlas Pro certification.
- This means that we can offer expert installation and enhanced warranties for your roofing shingles (only a few contractors have that privilege!)
- We are BBB accredited
Contact us now at (973) 396-7416 to make sure you get the best asphalt shingles.
