Asphalt shingles are an affordable roofing option that is available in a wide range of colors and styles. These shingles are made from asphalt, which means they can withstand the elements better than other roofing options such as wood or metal. In this blog post, we will discuss what is the best asphalt shingle roof, its benefits, what materials you should look for when buying them, and what to consider before installing them on your home!
What is the Best Asphalt Shingle Brand?
Consumer Reports has put together an extensive report on the best roofing shingle brands. Unlike other reports that only cover a few or even one type of material, Consumer Reports evaluates many different types of asphalt and ranks them based on their durability and price point per square foot. With so much variety to choose from, it can be challenging to decide which brand is right for you- but with this helpful guide, you will narrow your search down in no time! Here are the top 5 best brands for the year 2021:
- Atlas – Pinnacle Pristine
- GAF-Elk – Royal Sovereign
- CertainTeed – XT 25
- Atlas – Storm Master Slate
- Tamko – Heritage
What is the Longest Lasting Asphalt Shingles?
Laminated shingles are the longest-lasting on the market, and there is a variety to choose from. The two categories they come in include dimensional shingles with an architectural pattern like you would find in your standard home) or luxury models, which do more of a good job at approximating appearance as shakes or slate roof tiles. Laminated shingles are made with a fiberglass mat on top of asphalt. They come in numerous colors and styles but cost significantly more than dimensional roofing. Laminated shingle roofs are on the higher end of the price point spectrum but are ideal for areas that experience heavy snowfall and rainfall throughout the year. When shopping for them, you should look for color trends to last 5-10 years or more without being re-painted.
When considering a new asphalt shingles roof, you should consider each material’s longevity and price point. If you are looking for a lower-cost option that covers up to 60 percent more area than slate, then dimensional shingles or wood shakes may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you live in an area where snow is common during the winter months, laminated shingles are your best bet. The reason behind this is because they are reinforced by a fiberglass mat on top of asphalt, creating a strong roof that can withstand harsher weather conditions.
Are There Different Grades of Asphalt Shingles?
You can choose from these three categories of asphalt shingle grades. The first grade, which is what most people will opt for because it’s the cheapest, and what you get when you buy a bundle at Lowe’s or Home Depot) is what we would call ‘commercial grade.’ This means they’re not going to last as long but should still be able to withstand strong winds and heavy rain- just don’t expect them to stand up against hail the size of baseballs!
Next is ‘coarse’ or ‘midgrade,’ which has more fiberglass than commercial grade, giving these roofing materials an increased strength rating. They also have infrared-reflective layers embedded into their surfaces, helping with energy efficiency by reflecting sunlight away from your roof.
Finally is the ‘high end’ or the luxury shingles made of fiberglass and have a much higher strength rating than other grades. These roofs come in what’s known as ‘architectural-grade.’ They also often use a monolithic coating that differs from asphalt shingle because it covers the entire surface, not just the top layer like traditional asphalt materials.
How Do I Choose Asphalt Shingles?
The colors and style of shingles you choose for the roof could have a significant impact on how your house looks, as well as its curb appeal. Whether it’s to increase the resale value or just because that new color was always what they were dreaming of, choosing these features is essential – but hard!
When considering what type of asphalt shingle material would work well on their roofs) homeowners should consider two main factors: where they live (such as if it rains often) and how long they plan on living there. For those who live someplace like New York City, which sees torrential downpours every day from September through June), high-end materials may make more sense because these are made specifically to withstand what the environment throws at them. Here are other factors to consider in choosing the right Asphalt Shingles:
1) Choose What’s Best for You
For example, if you’re a fan of the traditional look that wood shingles give to your roof- but want the durability and affordability that comes with asphalt shingle materials) then what might work well would be what is known as an ‘eco style’ or earth tone color such as browns, tans, greens, etc. The color you choose can also depend on what other colors your house is painted in. If, for example, it’s all reds and browns with a black roof- the best choice might be blue or even green shingles to create contrast while still matching what was already done with that particular style of a paint job!
2) Your Home’s Architectural Style
Are you living in a Victorian-style house or what is known as ‘Tudor’? These homes typically have steep roofs and are made of brick. If this is the case, then what would work best for your roof might be what we refer to as ‘architectural’ style shingles, which look more like shakes than what’s found on most common houses (these use what’s called monolithic coating). On the other hand, those who live in Tudors but want an asphalt shingle roof should opt for something with an architectural pattern instead – these make it easier when using traditional designs.
3) Geographic Location
It is best to consider where your house is located at. For example, what if you live in an area that sees hail storms every year? The best choice for those living in these areas would be known as ‘hail-resistant shingles. These roofs are made to withstand what Mother Nature throws at them, including anything from heavy rain and high winds to hail the size of baseballs!
How Can You Make Shingles Last Longer?
Check Ventilation
You might not even realize your attic is causing you to sweat buckets because the soffits and vents are poorly located or missing. A well-placed exhaust fan will help keep things cool, but if it’s placed incorrectly, then all that hard work can be undone by condensation on roof shingles! Inadequate or badly positioned attic soffit and vent placement could cause problems with moisture buildup in certain areas where water vapor has nowhere else to go, like under rooftop decks. The plywood boards that support roof shingles can start rotting when exposed to too much humidity from inadequate ventilation systems. This means a lot of sweating for anyone living below those roofs as their own home becomes humid, thanks to constant perspiration caused by an attic that’s either too hot or not ventilated enough.
Refrain from Power-Washing Your Shingles
The best way to clean asphalt shingle roofing is by scrubbing it with soap and a brush and then rinsing thoroughly. If you power-wash your roof’s surface instead, this can cause what we call ‘micro scratching’ on the surface of what looks like an asphalt shingle material. These scratches may not be visible, but they’re there nonetheless: these will allow water to seep into what would have been otherwise waterproof surfaces.
Regularly Clean the Gutters
If the asphalt shingle roofing seems to be leaking, there’s a good chance that what’s causing this issue would have been prevented if your gutters were regularly cleaned. The buildup of dirt and tree leaves can cause water from heavy rains or snow meltage to overflow what is typically meant as drainage systems for rainwater. Leading not only to leaks but also loss in what is known as ‘coverage ratio,’ which describes how much surface area is obscured by what we call “gutter guards.”
Fortifying Roof Shakes
In areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or severe thunderstorm-related winds, consider spending extra for this three-stage treatment when you get a new roof. First installers seal decking with special tape or sealant. Next, they use ring shank nails ribboned so that the nail will not be blown up and loosened by wind force. Lastly, they lock down edges of your roof using metal flashing, which is secured tightly in place under protection from inclement weather like an old-fashioned raincoat.
How Long Do 50 Year Shingles Really Last?
An essential concern for many is whether or not a 50-year roof shingle will actually last them the length of their lifetime, which could be over seventy-five years! There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding how long your roof will last with 50-year shingles. Sure, the product label says you can get up to 50 years out of them – but realistically, they’ll only last somewhere between 30 and 40 years if you’re lucky enough for it not to leak in that period (provided regular maintenance).
There’s been some false advertising going around about how long a fifty-year-old roof could really be expected to stay put on top of your house after installation because there is no such thing as an indefinite life span when it comes down to things like this. There’s always wear and tear involved, which means exposing these products to elements leading more quickly towards decay than what would happen otherwise without exposure or contact with some of the more damaging elements to what is asphalt shingle roofing.
What to Look for When Buying Shingles?
There are many different types of shingles on the market, but knowing your options before investing in them is crucial! Asphalt and fiberglass shingle roofs have a lifespan between 20-25 years. The selection process can be confusing because there are so many varieties available for purchase at any given time. Prices vary depending on what type (e.g., asphalt or composite), brand name, color/texture choice(s), and additional features like fire protection or warranties. However, it’s worth noting that higher prices don’t always correlate to better quality products due to grades within each category being vastly varied from one company to the next. They are based upon manufacturing methods and materials used, which will affect how long they last.
What are the Cheapest Roof Shingles?
There are many reasons that people want to replace their roofs, but not everyone can afford the high costs of installation and materials. Fortunately, there is a solution: cheap roof shingles! Cheap roofs offer great value for your money while saving you time on labor because they’re easier to install than other types of tiles or slate. These top-quality products will last as long (if not longer) than any other type of tile and have been used by professionals across America who demand both durability and affordability from their workmanship.
Three-tab Shingles
While these aren’t considered as energy efficient as other types like composite shingles, that doesn’t mean they don’t offer great value for your money! They last approximately 25 years and cost $50-$150 per square, depending on what color you choose, including what brand of shingle you purchase.
Slate Roofing Shingles
This type is what people typically think about when considering slate roofing that’s not going to break the bank. They can last up to 50 years and are usually found in homes where a more lavish style has been desired for quite some time now because these types of roofs have their unique look, which is really what makes them stand out from other options on the market!
Fiberglass Shakes
If your house is located in an area where there are many trees, this might be a good option for you due to how long it lasts given all the natural wear-and-tear it will receive (but with so much change happening from year to year, it’s going to be hard for these types of roofs to make it past 25 years). Fiberglass roofing shingles also come in an assortment of colors which makes them more appealing than other options.
Final Thought
A roof is no small investment, so whether you are building a new one or replacing an old roof, it’s vital that your home lasts as long as possible and withstands the damage of extreme weather. Of course, there are many factors outside of our control, such as the environment where we live and how often they’re exposed to environmental hazards like industrial pollution, which can negatively affect materials used for roofs. One way to make sure this doesn’t happen? Choose high-quality material from reputable brands with proven track records!
