How Can I Choose the Best Shingles for My Roof?

by Carolyn Lynch Roof Crafters Local Trusted Roofer

Are you about to replace your old roof? If so, you will need to know what the best shingles for your roof are! Indeed, you probably have already wondered about this question. As a homeowner, you will always want to build your roof with the best materials.

Factors in the Natural Environment

The average annual snowfall and rainfall

How suitable specific shingles are for your location will depend on the amount of snow and rain that accumulates on your roof. For instance, wood shingles are better than most asphalt, rubber, or plastic roofs in a dry environment.

Likewise, clay or stone roofs will suffer severe stress under frequent freezing and thawing. But, under less extreme conditions, they would survive for centuries.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand how the weather may affect the useful life of your roofing material.

Issues with dampness and algae growth

Several colors and materials are better to prevent algal development in damper places. So, it is helpful to stroll around the block and observe the homes with the most attractive roofs. You may learn a lot from observing an older roof in your area, as its previous owners likely made similar decisions to yours. Probably, their roof has suffered the same menaces that your roof will.

Strong winds

If you live in an area where strong winds are frequent, think about the possibility that winds can blow your shingles off your roof. Plastic shingles and lightweight metal roof panels are only two examples of shingles that high winds easily blow away. If you live in this area, choose heavier shingles that remain firmly attached to the roof. They are used frequently in coastal locations such as slate or clay tiles.

The temperature ranges

The temperature of your surroundings will be a critical factor in your decision. Clay and stone shingles can have substantial cooling capabilities, making them perfect for warmer climates. So, they can help keep your home cool throughout the summer but possibly less so in areas with harsh winters because of their potential to crack and break.

Shingle color also has a significant impact. Darker shingles absorb more solar heat and hold onto it throughout the day, while lighter shingles reflect more heat away from the house.

Lifestyle Factors to Consider

A roof is a big statement that your home makes to guests. Therefore, it must suit your home’s architectural design and color scheme.

Style

Slate tiles or wood shakes could look out of place on a house with a modern design. You don’t want to buy anything that compromises the design into which you have put so much thought. However, the roof’s color will be noticeable depending on how steep its pitch is.

It may be easier to pull off a muted hue on a flat roof and less noticeable to the eye than a bright one. But, if your roof is higher, you may experiment with a bolder tone.

Community integration

Make sure your neighbors will not disagree with your decision or that it makes your home unfavorably stand out in your community. For instance, an otherwise magnificent roof may appear out of place if it stood out from the other homes in the neighborhood because of an unusual color scheme.

Poor maintenance

Wood, clay, and slate roofs need more frequent care and attention to stay in good condition. Thus, installing these roofs might be a hassle if you are not looking forward to actively maintaining them.

Costs

Investing in some types of roofing materials may have a sense or not, depending on how long you plan on living in your current home.

Some stone roofs may last up to 200 years with good maintenance. But, if you do not intend to pass your home on to your successors, it might not make sense to invest in a roof that will last that long.

For more information, contact Republic Roofing at 901-437-5278. We service areas in Lakeland, Germantown, Bartlett, Memphis, and Collierville, TN.