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If you take a drive through your neighborhood, or any other residential area nearby, you’re sure to notice that nearly every roof is covered in shingles. So much so that it would be totally normal to wonder, “are all residential roofs made of shingles?”
Although other options are available, roofers and homeowners continue to choose shingle roofing mainly because, compared to other types of residential roofing, it provides the best combination of performance and value.
Shingle roofs are durable, easy-to-install, customizable, and cost-effective, making them the ideal choice for nearly every home.
Quite simple, shingle roofing is the process of installing a shingle roof, which is a roof made out of shingles. Ais a small, rectangular piece of material, usually asphalt but sometimes wood or something else. When stacked next to and on top of one another, they provide a thick wall of protection between the outside elements and your roof underneath.
Damage to flat roofs is different from those standard roofs. You want to watch out for:
The shingle installation process is a relatively straightforward one, though it takes some time to master it. When you decide to install a shingle roof on your home, here’s what will happen:
Remove the old roof — Per most building codes, you can have up to two layers of shingles on your roof at once. If two are already there, they must be stripped away. Even if you only have one, it still may be a good idea to remove the old roof. This is especially true if there are any structural problems suspected with the underlying roof.
Replace or repair the insulation — After the old roof has been ripped up, it’s time to do a full roof inspection. Depending on how old the roof is, and how much damage it’s endured, you may need to replace the insulation and coverboards as well. Just patching a new roof over a damaged structure is only going to create more problems down the line, so use this as an opportunity to get ahead of any longer-term problems.
Layer shingles from the bottom up — With the old shingles removed and roof prepared for shingles, the process starts at the bottom. Shingles are layered on top of one another to seal off the roof underneath and also provide better water drainage. When properly installed, a good shingle roof can last you between 15 and 30 years. Don’t sacrifice the long-term integrity of your roof. Make sure to use only the most trusted and reputable roofers to handle your shingle roofing job.
When properly installed, a good shingle roof can last you between 15 and 30 years. Don’t sacrifice the long-term integrity of your roof. Make sure to use only the most trusted and reputable roofers to handle your shingle roofing job.
Based out of Bloomingdale, Illinois, we service much of the greater Chicago area, as well as additional markets in Texas, Virginia, Florida, and Maryland. This includes but is not limited to:
If you own a business in or near one of these areas, we’re here to help.
The installation process and the final look of your shingle roof might differ based on the type of shingle you use, of which there are two: 3-tab and architectural.
3-TAB
The installation process and the final look of your shingle roof might differ based on the type of shingle you use, of which there are two: 3-tab and architectural.
The downside is that they aren’t as highly-rated against the wind. In areas where high winds are common, such as in coastal areas or flat plains, 3-tabs might not hold up over the course of their intended lifespan.
ARCHITECTURAL
The other main type of shingle is an architectural shingle. These come in individual pieces and are not all the same size. It’s up to the roofer, during the installation process, to combine them in a way that makes the most sense, a skill you learn over time. Because of the added labor, using architectural shingles often costs more than 3-tab shingle. But the protection they provide is noticeably superior, especially against wind and heavy rain. Architectural shingles also provide you with the opportunity to create a more textured, rustic look, something that 3-tabs, b shingles sometimes lack.
BENEFITS OF SHINGLE ROOFING
Given how popular shingle roofing is, the list of benefits is long. Here are some of the most significant:
Lightweight and durable — Shingles provide the unique combination of weighing very little while still being able to stand up to the elements. The hardened asphalt on the outside, or similar synthetic material, provides a tough outer shell for your home without weighing it down and putting stress on your frame. Unique textured aesthetic — The layered, textured look of a shingle roof is iconic. To the point where an American home almost doesn’t feel done until it’s had one installed. But even though nearly all homes have these roofs, countless design options means you can still find a style that is unique to you.
Adaptable to different roofs — Shingles go on in small sections. This means roofers can work around unique design features or other elements on your roof, such as skylights, vents, or chimneys, without a lot of extra trouble, helping to keep costs and installation time down.
Cost-effective — Because materials can be mass produced and because installation is relatively simple, roofing contractors can offer very competitive prices for installing, replacing, or repairing a roof. You should never cut corners on such an important job, and with shingles you don’t have to. They provide an excellent combination of cost savings and effectiveness.
Simple installation — Although there is a learning curve, installing shingle roofs is a routine job for an experienced pro. Roofs can be completed in as little as a few days to just a few weeks. A small time tradeoff for nearly a lifetime of protection.
Impact and weather resistant — In addition to being wind resistant, shingles are also impact and moisture resistant. They can withstand hail, snow, ice, and rain. Whatever Mother Nature decides to throw its way, a shingle roof can handle it.
Fire rated — While we hope this never happens, shingle roofs are fire resistant and can help minimize the damage in the event of any kind of accident.
