Asphalt shingle roofing is a suitable roof for nearly any type of home. If your old roof needs to be replaced, you'll have a number of options in styles and colors when you choose asphalt shingles. Here's a look at three basic categories of asphalt shingles and how to know which one to choose for your home.
1. Strip Shingles Are The Most Affordable
Strip shingles are also known as three-tab shingles, and these are very common, especially on older homes and newly built budget homes. They are the most affordable type of asphalt shingle roofing. They don't last as long as higher-quality shingles, but if you have a tight budget, they are a good choice, and they should still protect your home for a couple of decades.
Strip shingles come in different colors, so you can match the trim or shutters on your house for enhanced curb appeal. These are the thinnest asphalt shingles, so they may not survive large hail and strong winds, but they protect your home from rain and typical storms.
2. Dimensional Shingles Are More Attractive
Dimensional shingles are also known as architectural shingles. These have a dimensional appearance that makes the shingles look like wood shakes. These are thicker than strip shingles so they are more durable and have a longer lifespan. These shingles are becoming more popular and are often used on new construction homes and for roof replacements.
If you're looking for a more durable roof and one that has a more attractive appearance, then dimensional shingles might be a good choice for you even though you'll pay more to have them installed.
3. Luxury Shingles Have The Highest Quality
The most expensive asphalt shingles are the luxury shingles. These are thicker and more durable, but because of their thickness, they can also be heavy. Luxury shingles have a unique shape. Their shapes and colors are designed to make the shingles look like slate or shakes.
If you have a historic home, you might want luxury shingles that match the period of the house. However, you can choose luxury shingles for any home when you want a unique look for your roof and the best protection that asphalt shingles can provide against wind resistance and hail.
Your budget usually plays a big role in the type of roof you buy, but you also want to consider your climate. Paying more for roofing that stands up to hail and wind is often worth it so you have fewer repair bills and a longer life for the roof. To learn more about asphalt shingle roofing, contact a roofer.
