Roof shingles not only provide aesthetics that define the personality of your roof. They offer performance benefits that can put off roof replacement for years. Investing in designer shingles can give you decades of advantages before they need to be replaced. But whether weighing design options during construction or replacing a roof, homeowners are faced with an important decision—choosing the right shingles.
These are some of the most important attributes to consider:
Type
At Window World of Boston, we install Owens Corning Roof Systems, which include Berkshire® Canterbury Black shingles that mimic the color, thickness, and proportion of natural slate to improve curb appeal. We can also provide Oakridge® laminated aged cedar shingles in one of several warm colors.
Whether you select these options or traditional three-tab shingles, it’s important to consider the:
- Slope and Pitch of Your Roof: Slope, measured as the rise and run of your roof, refers to its angle. If your roof has a pitch of 4:12, that means it rises four feet for every 12 feet of length. The steeper your roof, the less suited it is for heavier shingles, like clay or slate.
- Structural Weight Limits: Every structure has a dead load, or maximum amount of roof weight it can support. An average home can support 15 pounds per square foot. The specific dead load tolerance of your home determines the optimal weight of shingle materials.
- Environmental Conditions: Heavy snow adds weight to already heavy materials; if wind-driven rain is common in your area, lighter shingles can blow away. Slate and clay are durable enough to resist high winds, while metal reflects sunlight to cool things off.
Style & Features
Shingles come in an array of styles and features. Appearance is one consideration; it’s a factor with architectural shingles that offer a shadow effect. This can add a dimensional perspective to your roof. Other shingle systems have built-in protection against algae and discoloration. Class A fire rated shingles improve safety outside and inside your home.
Laminate shingles are capable of shedding water, while it helps to have a waterproofing underlayment as well. However, nothing beats the performance of an Owens Corning System. In addition to a Seal (water-proof barrier protecting against rot and mold), Defend (protection against blow off and impact), and Breathe (protection against ice dams and heat build-up) design, they provide intake and exhaust vents to improve air flow and reduce heat and moisture buildup.
Color
There are many shingle colors to choose from, depending on the style of your home. Standard black or gray shingles aren’t your only choice. Consider the color of your home’s trim and siding. Trendier color combinations work in more upscale neighborhoods, but your personal taste is equally important. For assistance, use Owens Corning’s color/design tools such as the Roofing Color Compass™ Color Personality Quiz or the Design EyeQ® Visualization Tool
Cost & Warranty
The cost of shingles is usually determined by the square foot. During roof installation, a square refers to a 10×10 square foot section. Asphalt is one of the most cost-effective materials, while rubber, plastic, or metal shingles such as aged copper are costlier but last longer.
It’s also important to protect your investment with a warranty. A lifetime limited warranty covers our Owens Corning shingles and underlayment systems. Whether you’re looking for starter shingles or something more advanced, our roofer can assist you.
Call Window World of Boston’s Woburn office at 781-262-3925 for information on roofing options, financing, and scheduling your roof replacement today (currently, we’re closed due to COVID-19, but are happy to take your call).
