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The thing about asphalt roofs is that it is relatively easy to visibly see a roof that is showing signs of age or general wear. Asphalt shingles that are curled, balding, missing altogether, or have black streaks are good indications that your roof needs some love and attention. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing shingle available. They are cost-effective and come in a wide variety of colors and styles. Here are our three tips for picking your asphalt shingles:
Color And Style
Picking the color of your roof is not just about aesthetics. It’s also about energy efficiency. A dark roof absorbs more heat. Think about the area you live in, as that can play a role in picking the color of the shingles. The color of your asphalt shingles is important, but have you thought about the style? Do you want three-tab shingles, architectural style shingles, or slate shingles? 3-tab shingles have been around for a long time, but architectural shingles give you the look of wooden shingles. Something to think about if you have a historic-looking home or if you want to enhance the look of your home with contrast and dimension.
Consider your home’s entire exterior carefully before making a decision. You want to make sure the different colors work together. There are a lot of different materials to choose from for your roof as well as different brands, styles, and features available to enhance your roof and curb appeal. Whether you are considering asphalt shingles or metal shingles, figure out what will suit your needs and get an idea of what kind of price point you’re looking at. The more educated you are about the project, the better decisions you will make.
Discuss Options With Your Contractor To Protect Your Curb Appeal
Your contractor should talk to you about all your roofing options along with their recommendations. Now that you’ve done your research, you’ll be able to have an educated conversation with them about what will best suit your roofing needs together. Review the shingle samples together and ask detailed questions. The membrane should be a minimum of 6 feet from the edge of your roof (eaves). This requirement may vary depending on your local building code specifications. The balance of the roof should be covered with a felt underlayment that helps protect the sheathing from wind, and rain, and is also fire resistant.
Nothing destroys your curb appeal like a roof with unsightly black streaks. Black streaks found on asphalt roof shingles are usually the result of blue-green algae. A precise amount of copper ions are released over the life of the roof to help prevent black algae streaks from getting established. A layer of roofing granules covers the entire shingle surface helping to protect your home by providing the first line of defense against environmental elements, like rain, snow, and hail. If you are investing in a new roof, why not pick one that is protected against unsightly black streaks? That’s just smart.
Consider Your Structure’s Weight Limits and Impact Resistance
The weights of shingle materials vary widely. That’s why it’s important to know how much weight your home’s structure can safely support before making a decision. Buildings are designated a “dead load” tolerance or the weight of the roof structure. If the dead load is exceeded, the structure will not be able to support its own weight. The average home has a dead load of around 15 pounds per square foot.
If you live in an area with poor air quality and high air pollution, you might want to consider the impact rating of your shingles that help eliminate smog pollutants and improve the overall air quality. A roofer shouldn’t lay your new roofing material over the old stuff. You want a roofing contractor who will pull up the old material, assess the health of the sheathing, and make repairs where needed. However, we still hear of people re-roofing over existing asphalt shingles, and you can’t mix materials.
Choosing your asphalt shingles is not just about how your house looks. It’s about how it PROTECTS your house and your family, and how it adds to the overall value of your home. If you’re in the market for new shingles, contact Impact Roofing & Construction today, and let us help you make the smart choice for your home today!