Your roof is one of the most remarkable features of your home — it can even account for up to 40% of your house’s visual exterior. Because it’s such an important element of your house, it pays to take some time in choosing what kind of roof shingles to use.
But picking the right shingle materials can be daunting, as there are dozens of options in the market. If you’re about to build your dream home or are keen on roof renovation or replacement, consider the following factors to help you narrow down your options.
Cost of shingles and their installation
Cost plays a big role in determining what kind of roof shingles you should purchase. If you’re working with a limited budget, luxurious roofing materials such as metal shingles and clay tiles are out of the question. These materials are relatively expensive and so is their installation cost.
There is a perfect roof shingles option for every budget.
Luckily, there is a perfect type of roof shingles for every budget. Asphalt or composite shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available. Their price, together with their durability and longevity, makes them a very popular roofing material in Nevada and across the United States.
Weight of the shingles
The dead load of your roof pertains to the entire weight of the roof structure, which is generally equal to how much your roof can carry. Exceeding the dead load might cause your roof to collapse, so always consider the heaviness of shingle materials, which can range anywhere from 250 to 1,000 pounds per square foot.
The average dead load of a roof is around 15 pounds per square foot, so if you have a smaller home, you should go for lighter roof shingles like three-tab asphalt. Those with bigger homes may opt to use heavier roof shingles like architectural asphalt and slate.
Roof slope
The slope of your roof refers to the angle of its inclination from the base of the roof frame — and some roof shingles are simply not made for certain types of slopes. Heavier roof shingles like slate or clay tiles, for example, may not be suitable for roofs with steep slopes because gravity can pull them down easily.
Weather conditions in your area
Consider what kind of roofing material can best withstand the weather conditions in your area. Homeowners living in hot states can benefit from the cooling effects of terracotta tiles, ceramic shingles, or concrete roofs. Those who live in cold climates can count on extremely durable materials like slate or metal roof shingles to protect them from snow and heavy rains. What’s more, residents in areas that frequently experience heavy winds shouldn’t use roof shingles made of lightweight materials.
Aesthetics of your home and your neighborhood
Your roof should complement your house. If your house is brick red, for instance, don't use terra-cotta tiles because they will only amplify the bright color of your exterior walls. Instead, choose shingle materials in dark brown, black, or grey, as these will balance the red and draw the eye upward toward any special roof details, like gables or dormers.
It’s also a good idea to choose shingles that will match the overall atmosphere of your neighborhood. Unless you want your house to stick out like a sore thumb, pick roof shingles that are similar to what your neighbors’ houses have.
Or, if you want, you can choose roof shingles that belong in the same palette as your environment. Pick brown- or gray-colored shingles if you live in a commercial area, and choose subdued green or blue roofing tiles if you reside near a body of water.
The perfect roof will not only add to your house’s curb appeal but will also enhance its value if you choose to resell it. If you’re still undecided on which roof shingles to use, our experts at D&D Roofing and Sheet Metal, Inc., Inc. can help you pick the best ones for your property. Schedule your FREE assessment today.