roofing choices

If you are faced with choosing a new roofing material for your home, you may be overwhelmed by the sheer volume of choices out there. From asphalt and fiberglass shingles to slate and cedar shingles, we will go over the advantages of each.

Asphalt Shingles

This is the most common roofing material for American homes. Known for their affordability, asphalt shingles can last up to 20 years, maybe as long as 25 to 30 years if they are maintained well. Asphalt shingles also offer versatile color choices, they’re easy to install and they fit most budgets.

Fiberglass Shingles

Sometimes, shingles are available with a fiberglass base rather than asphalt base. Featuring an exceptional range of design styles, this type of shingle is manufactured in a wide variety of colors. Plus, you can choose from a plethora of designs that can replicate the look of natural materials such as wood shake and slate but without the high cost. The result? You get an aesthetically pleasing product, no matter what kind of architectural style your home embodies.

Cedar Shingles

Cedar wood, a low density material that offers minimal shrinkage, can easily maintain its original dimensions in humid condition. It lies flat, remains straight, and holds fastenings securely, lasting much longer than other materials like asphalt. Because it has natural preservatives that ensures it is resistant to UV rays, moisture and insect damage, cedar roofing is great for varied climatic conditions. It’s wind resistant, less susceptible to moss growth, and may be factory treated to become fire- and fungus-resistant.

Cedar also happens to be known as one of the world’s toughest woods, so you know it’s a naturally durable roofing material. As such, this is a smart investment for your home, although you will pay more for it.

Composite Slate Roofing Shingles

Composite slate shingles are made of a material resembling real slate, but at a much cheaper price. They weigh about the same as asphalt, which means composite slate can usually be installed without additional roofing support. It may be pricier than other options but you won’t pay nearly as much as you would for true slate.

Architectural Shingles

Sometimes called dimensional shingles, these are comprised of two asphalt shingle strips laminated together to make a single shingle. They come in varying widths, with slightly different shades of color to give you a more dimensional appearance. Here are some of the benefits associated with architectural shingles over their counterpart, 3-tab:

  • Higher wind resistance (up to 130 mph)
  • More attractive
  • Better curb appeal
  • Better fire resistance
  • Longer manufacturer warranty
  • Protects against black algae stains
  • Stronger resistance to hail impacts

Installation is easy and the shingles are sturdy and heavy. If you want a high-end roofing system that looks like wood yet works like asphalt, go with architectural shingles. You will get a gorgeous, long-lasting three-dimensional roof that resembles natural wood or slate. Choose this type for its durability, appearance, longevity and beauty.

Contact Hi-Tech Windows and Siding

If you need help choosing which type of roofing material you want for your home, contact us at 855-988-0870.