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Pros and Cons of Top Roofing Shingles

by Carolyn Lynch Roof Crafters Local Trusted Roofer

The first step to ensure that you choose the best roofing shingles for your roof is to know and understand the various types of shingles available on the market. Each type of roofing material has its advantages and drawbacks. In this article, we are going to discuss the most popular options so that you can choose the best one to fit your needs, budget, and style preferences. Let’s get started.

1. Asphalt Shingles 

Advantages:

  • Affordable
  • Easy to replace and install 
  • Looks stunning and suits almost all architectural styles  

Drawbacks:

  • If not installed properly, asphalt shingles are prone to wind uplift 
  • Can develop cracks over time especially in absence of regular maintenance 

2. Slate Shingles

Advantages:

  • Premium aesthetic appeal 
  • Exceptional longevity 
  • Perfectly complements Victorian-style homes

Drawbacks:

  • Slate tiles are Heavier than most other materials  
  • Higher labor cost
  • Slate tiles are Difficult to install 

3. Wood Shingles

Advantages:

  • Affordable than slate
  • Rustic visual appeal
  • Lightweight

Drawbacks:

  • Susceptible to water drainage

4. Metal Roof Shingles

Advantages:

  • Available in multiple options: steel, copper, tin, and aluminum
  • Modern And Feature-Rich
  • Exceptionally long lifespan

Drawbacks:

  • Expensive

5. Tile Shingles

Advantages:

  • Can Help reduce energy costs by blocking heat
  • Very Long lifespan
  • Pest resistant

Drawbacks:

  • Heavier than most other options

6. Rubber Shingles

Advantages:

  • Need minimal maintenance
  • Long-lasting
  • Eco friendly
  • Easy to repair

Drawbacks:

  • Complicated Installation process 

Choosing the Right Shingles for Your Roof 

When it comes to choosing the most suitable roofing material for you, here are a few things you need to keep in mind.

Lifespan

Different roofing materials come with different lifespans. Let’s look at the lifespan of some common roofing types.

Asphalt shingles: 20-30 years

Fiber Cement: 20-25 years

Wood Shake: 20-40 years

Metal roofing: 40-70 years

Tile: Around 50 -60years

Slate: 80- 100 years

Cost

When it comes to home improvement projects, most homeowners focus on the cost. If you’re on a tight budget, asphalt shingles are a great option for you. However, getting a new roof is not just about the cost of materials, but it also includes labor and installation costs.  If your budget is higher and you are looking for a long-lasting and maintenance-free roofing system, go for metal roofing. 

Climate

If your area experiences moderate weather throughout the year, you need not have to worry about the impact of harsh elements on your roofing system. However, most homeowners live in areas that receive extreme weather conditions during certain times of the year. If you fall into the second category, you need to choose something more resilient like clay tiles that can withstand such extreme conditions. 

Get In Touch with the Leading Roofing Experts

If you’re looking for top-quality roofing contractor Covington, Louisiana, repairs, or replacements services in Louisiana, you can count on the expertise of Magnolia Roofing. Call us at 985-200-4463 in Mandeville, Covington, Madison, Folsom, and Slidell, LA today and schedule a FREE consultation right away.