With so many different types of roofing materials out there, it can be hard to choose which one is best for you home. Below we have provided the top 5 most popular types of roofing shingles, their approximate costs for installation and a little bit of information on their benefits and drawbacks.
Let’s start with the most common shingle:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are, by far, the more popular of shingles used throughout the Pittsburgh Area. With an average installation cost of $1700 to above $8K, these are by far the most cost effective out there.
Asphalt shingles vary in their make, size and colors. Some shingles made of asphalt will also include fiberglass or some form of organic materials. Many of the asphalt shingles out there meet or exceed the Energy Star standards which are deemed appropriate in saving you overall energy costs in your home.
One of the larger concerns for asphalt shingles is their lack of ability to “weather” well in areas where the weather goes through drastic changes. When the weather changes suddenly, there is a good chance that the asphalt shingles will crack. Even in more temperate areas, asphalt is subject to cracking and damage since they are made from a weaker material. Another consideration about asphalt shingles is that they should only be used on roofs that have a steep pitch.
Asphalt shingles may come in weathered looks, slate looks and textured/architectural looks.
If you need to repair an asphalt shingle, it is required that the shingle is lifted and roofing cement is added both below and on top. Asphalt roofing problem may vary from curled corners to small roof leaks from damage. Depending on the damage, the repair may be as simple as a roofing nail or more extensive where metal flashing is added to prevent water from penetrating the roof deck.
2.Fiberglass Shingles
Fiberglass shingles are made from fiberglass and layered with a waterproof coating.They are more lightweight and fire-resistant.Their average install ranges from $3,800 to $8K.
In general Fiberglass Shingles will have a longer warranty and are a bit more durable.They are also not as expensive as some other roofing materials and come with resistance to UV rays.
Fiberglass shingles use a urea-formaldehyde adhesive in the binding process.At the end of the binding process they receive and asphalt blendedcoating that contributes to the waterproofing qualities.
3. Organic Shingles
Organic shingles are organic asphalt shingles that are made with recycled rags, paper, cardboard and wood chips. They vary in price from less expensive to more expensive depending on the manufacturer and the installer.
Like the Fiberglass Shingles, they are considered waterproof, however they are heavier and less durable than the fiberglass.
These types of shingles are also known as “felt mat asphalt shingles”.
Due to their organic nature, the organic shingles are more prone to moisture and saturation problems.In areas of high humidity or an area with a lot of freezing, the shingles degrade and break apart much faster than their standard life expectancies.
4. Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles cost about $3800 to $8k to install and are not made from cutouts like the three tab shingles are.Architectural Shingles contain extra asphalt and have more depth.Roofs with low slopes are not good candidates for these types of shingles because they are more susceptible to rain intrusions due to high wind situations.
5.Tile Shingles
Tile Shingles come in a variety of shapes and can be molded many different ways. The average installation cost of tile shingles vary from $10K to $14K on up.
Tile shingles offer a distinct styling ability for your home and often come in lighter colors which helps to keep your home cooler.
Tile shingles are often seen on homes with a Spanish or Mediterranean influence and are some of the most long lasting roofs around. Some roofs can last upwards of 80 years or more.
Aside from the high cost of the tiles alone, the installation costs of these tiles are also very high. In additions, tile shingles may be too heavy for your roof to hold and all of this has to be assessed prior to installation. Be sure that your home structure is thoroughly inspected by a reputable roofing contractor before committing to installing a tile roof on your home.
Some common problems that may occur with tile shingles are: leaks, cracks, holes and cracked or broken tiles. All of these issue may come with a higher than average repair cost due to the nature of the tile shingle itself.
6.Wood Shingles
Wood shingles can be as affordable as asphalt or as expensive as the tile shingles. Their average install can range from 7k to over 15K.
With the higher install costs, the overall costs are the highest among roofing shingles. These shingles are more environmentally friendly, energy efficient, and can last over 30 years.
The largest and most obvious drawback of the wooden shingles is the ability for it to catch fire over the other types of shingles. Wood shingles are durable, but not as much as other shingles when faced with fire and sparks. In addition, maintenance is higher on a wooden roof due to taking preventative measures that prevent nuisance pests such as termites, mold and carpenter ants.
Some common problems for wood shingles include, cracks, missing/warped shingles, and insect damage. Wood shingles can not be easily replaced so maintenance is essential.
7.Metal Roofing
Becoming more and more popular, metal roofing can vary from $2k to 15K per install. The metal roof is an excellent choice for flat or steep roofs. It is very affordable when made from low-galvanized metal. Other more expensive types might include copper, zinc, aluminum and zinc.
Metal roofs can last over 50 years. One of the major issues with a metal roof is the louder sounds that come when there is a lot of rain or hail. In addition, hail can easily damage lighter metal roofs and cause an aesthetic issue.
Some other issues with metal roofs include, holes, rust, loose nails, leaks and curled up edges or seams.
8.Slate Shingles
Slate shingles cost on average $5k - $23k to install and have been known to last nearly 100 years. Some of the best have the most water and damage resistance of any known shingle out there.
Slate shingles are ideal for frigid winter areas and come in a variety of green, blue, gray and red colors.
With the higher price points and longevity, you can expect slate shingles to be more costly to repair and quite heavy. Homes must be able to carry the weight of the slate in order to have a successful install.
Generally, it is required that you have a slate shingle professional on call for repairs as not all roofing companies repair or replace slate shingles.
When it comes down to it, no matter what shingle you choose from you home, be sure to have it done by an experienced and reputable roofing company. You should ensure that the shingles you choose come with a warranty and that you can properly care for your shingles so that they last you and your home the longest time possible. Get a hold of the best Pittsburgh Roofer, to find out what shingle is best for you. Visit EAS Roofing Today!