In the world of roofing, there are many roofing materials to choose from. Some materials are better suited for specific climates, and others will work well in any environment.
Primarily, the majority of residential homes in the United States have shingles. Shingles are common for a few reasons. For starters, they’re available in different formats, and the various styles will look great on a vintage or modern home. If you’re not familiar with shingles, here’s what you’ll find at a typical supply outlet.
Breaking Down the Starting Lineup
Shingles can be made of asphalt, metal, or wood. Asphalt shingles are the standard in the residential roofing industry. They’re strong, appealing, and water resistant. Asphalt shingles are also fairly easy to manufacture. Each shingle consists of various fillers and different mineral fibers.
Metal shingles are stronger than asphalt shingles. However, all metal shingles are not created equal. The strongest varieties are made of steel, and they have a zinc coating. There are also companies that make metal shingles out of more common metals like copper or aluminum.
As for wood shingles, they have a rustic look that stands out. Most shingles in this category are made of cedar or some other type of hard wood.
Why Shingles Are Popular
First, shingles are designed to be lightweight. Because of this, they’re easy to install on an existing roof. There are never any risks because the materials will never weigh a roof or its foundation down.
Second, shingles are never boring or bland. No matter what kind of home you have, you can enhance it with suitable shingles. If you have a sophisticated home, you can upgrade it with brand-new architectural asphalt shingles. You could even give an old home a more modern look with metal shingles.
Finally, shingles are worth the costs because they’re energy efficient. The key is the underlayment; this particular component is designed to absorb heat. In addition to the underlayment, the color of a group of shingles also plays a key role. Certain colors will help control the temperature of a roof, and this can translate to lower energy costs.