Year in and year out, your roof works hard to protect you from the harsh Nevada sun, rain, snow, hail, and nearly everything else that falls down from the sky. Sometimes, just a few roof shingles get banged up or torn off, in which case a quick repair job will do the trick.
However, in other instances, you need to reshingle your roof, if not have your entire roof replaced. In these cases, knowing a bit about roof shingles will help you make the right roofing decision, so here’s a primer from your friendly neighborhood roof specialists at D&D Roofing.
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles consist of a base layered with waterproofing asphalt. When it comes to installation and material costs, asphalt shingles are the most budget-friendly, which is why they’re the most popular shingles used in new home construction and roof replacements. Let’s take a look at the three major types of asphalt shingles:
3-tab asphalt shingles
Among all types of shingles, 3-tab shingles are the most affordable, but they are among those that wear out the quickest. They only last 15 to 20 years.
Architectural shingles
Also known as dimensional shingles, architectural shingles feature a sculpted, contoured design. They are more expensive to install than 3-tab asphalt shingles, but they last between 30 and 50 years.
Fiberglass shingles
Fiberglass shingles are woven fiberglass base mats that are coated with asphalt and UV-blocking ceramic granules. These shingles are strong, highly durable, and do not warp, making them excellent roofing materials. They are the most expensive of asphalt shingles because of their premium construction and features.
When we think of American dream homes, we usually imagine them with shingled roofs.
Metal shingles
Metal shingles look incredible, have some of the longest life spans among shingle types, and are lightweight, making them perfect for homes that can’t support heavy roofs. Among the most common metals used are aluminum, copper, steel, tin, and zinc.
Aluminum shingles
Aluminum shingles are durable, fire retardant, and do not rust. Their surfaces reflect heat out of houses during the summer, and reflect heat back into the house during the winter, making your house energy efficient.
However, these shingles make a lot of noise when hit, especially by rain, so your roof will need soundproofing. Aluminum also dents easily, so hail storms will ruin the roof’s sleek appearance. They also lose their sheen over time, so they need to be restored occasionally.
Copper shingles
Copper shingles are among the most resilient roofing materials. They don’t rust, resist corrosion, never need any pretreatments, nor require maintenance and repairs. These are fire resistant, withstand the harshest of weather, and age gracefully by forming a green patina that further protects the metal from corrosion. It’s not uncommon for houses to undergo many renovations but still have their copper roofs unchanged. All of these premium features mean that copper shingles fetch premium prices, too.
Steel shingles
Steel shingles are mostly similar to aluminum shingles, save for a few differences. Firstly, steel shingles are usually more affordable. Secondly, steel shingles are generally not advisable for houses that are close to the coastline due to the high risk of corrosion. Finally, steel is harder than aluminum, so it resists denting caused by hail and falling branches or other heavy debris.
Tin shingles
Tin shingles are old-fashioned roofing materials that were popular status symbols among wealthy Americans a few centuries ago. For added elegance, these shingles can be embossed without diminishing their considerable durability.
Zinc shingles
Zinc as a roofing material is popular in Europe, but not so much in America. Zinc shingles are the second most resilient shingle type. Like copper shingles, zinc shingles require little to no maintenance, develop a protective patina, and fetch a pretty penny. Unlike copper, the patina that forms on zinc may have tonal inconsistencies that can affect a house’s aesthetics.
Wood shakes and shingles
Wooden roofing comes in two types, namely shakes and shingles. Both are derived from split wood and are similar in size, but while shingles are cut consistently by machine, shakes are handmade for a more rustic look. Either type can last from 15 to 50 years, depending on the wood used and how it was treated prior to installation.
For new roof or reshingling projects, turn to D&D Roofing, Nevada’s most trusted roofing specialists. Tell us about your roofing needs today.