Shingled roofs cover 80% of American homes coast to coast. The majority of Americans trust this material to protect their families, their precious belongings and maintain the integrity of their home altogether. However, what do you really know about this material? Are you aware of why exactly is has become so popular in our nation? What are its advantages or disadvantages? This article will provide you with some basic information regarding shingled roofs so that you can make an informed decision when it comes time to replace or support your existing roof.
- Protecting your home with a shingled roof is a durable choice.
When you start thinking about the vast array of conditions that a roof is up against your respect for the material will inevitably grow. A roof must protect against beating heat, intense wind, heavy rain, possibly ice and snow, animals big and small, insects, trees etc. Luckily, shingles provide an extensive range of protection. This is not a delicate material, likely to be easily cracked or destroyed. Shingles are designed to go the distance and remain strong against fierce weather threats.
One thing to be aware of however, is that not all shingles are created equally. There is a quality spectrum, or a grade system when it comes to selecting shingles. It is important that before you make a selection, do not just worry about color. Be informed about the types of conditions that your shingles will need to withstand in your area, and be sure that you select the appropriate grade. All grades of shingles should include class A fire protection, but things like wind resistance ratings will vary.
- Shingles are not only long-lasting, but also cost effective.
A roof is such a vital component of your home, that you do not want to just take the cheap way out. However, with shingles you do not have to compromise quality for cost. Shingles are long-lasting and relatively inexpensive when compared with the alternative materials such as wood, slate, or tile. Shingles are a much simpler material to work with, so installation is not as expensive.
However, even at the lower cost of a shingled roof, this still is no minor purchase. Roofs are a very serious investment, so a warranty is strongly recommended. Warranty specifications vary depending on the selected quality, but make sure that you are aware of exactly what your warranty covers and for how long. Ask about options for an extended warranty to lengthen your coverage.
- Most shingles are fully recyclable.
If you are a person inclined to protect the earth from filling its landfills with unnecessary waste, then a shingled roof makes even more sense for you. Replacing a roof requires the disposal of an incredibly large amount of material. So it is important that you are informed about exactly what type of contribution you are making with this large amount of waste. Luckily, most shingles are 100% recyclable, so this is a very eco-friendly option. If this is of great importance to you, do not hesitate to ask your contractor exactly where the old material will be recycled, just to be sure.