Your roof is more than just some shingles and sheathing; it protects your home, and your peace of mind plus, it’s a key part of your investment in your house. When you replace your roof, one of the biggest decision is what type of new shingles to buy. With so many choices, claims, and technical terms, how do you pick the best asphalt shingles? This guide helps you on your journey. It avoids confusing jargon often found in specs. Instead, it offers real, useful information to aid your decision.
For starters, there’s no such thing as the “best” shingle. The right one for you will depend on your climate, the style of your house, and its orientation toward the sun, as well as the change you hope to effect and how long you plan to live there. This stuff is about fit, not the most expensive price tag.
Understanding Your Options: It’s Not One-Size-Fits-All
Over the years, Asphalt shingles have greatly developed and are now no longer restricted to the base three-tab design. The present day offers you a choice of mainly two types:
Architectural Shingles (Dimensional Shingles):
These are the most common attires for contemporary houses. They are thick, having several layers of asphalt to produce a dimensional and richly textured look that can be compared to wood shakes or slate. They are not only heavier but also sturdier and provide better wind resistance most of them are rated for 110-130 mph winds. Their life span usually varies from 30 to 50 years. If the ultimate combination of improved visual appeal, durability, and even good value is what you need, architectural shingles are often the best choice.
3-Tab Shingles:
These are straightforward, flat single-layer shingles with identical cut-outs. They provide the least upfront cost and are entirely functional. On the other hand, they have a shorter lifespan (usually 15-25 years), are lighter and have less dimensional appeal. They can be used as a practical option for rental houses, very tight budgets or on houses where the roof is not a major visual point.
What Makes a Shingle “Best”?
When comparing shingles, examining a few essential factors will provide more information than any marketing claim.
- Wind Warranty: This is significant. In regions vulnerable to storms, seek a shingle that has an ASTM D7158 Class H rating, which signifies that it will be able to endure wind up to 150 mph without any failure. The Best shingle brands display and promote these ratings with pride.
- Algae Resistance: The mottled patches on rooftops are not dirt; rather, they are algae. To combat this, a number of excellent quality shingles now feature copper or zinc in the form of tiny granules mixed in their coating for this purpose, thus prolonging the time between cleaning of your roof and making it appear newer, longer. Watch out for such terms as “StainGuard” or “AlgaeBlock.”
- Impact Resistance: If hail is a problem in your area, then it is better to go for shingles with a UL 2218 Class 4 rating. These are the ones that have passed the ultimate test of being subjected to a hail storm without the risk of cracking or breaking.
- Warranty: Be sure to read the fine print. A “lifetime warranty” is sometimes synonymous with the life of the shingle, not yours, and it is usually prorated. The strongest warranties are often non-prorated for the first 10-50 years, which means that the manufacturer will cover the costs of materials and replacements in full during that time.
The Million-Dollar Question: Repair or Replace Roof Shingles?
A storm has left you with a few missing shingles, or you have even discovered a leak in the attic. The first thought that comes to your mind is, “Can it be repaired, or do I need to put on a completely new roof?” This is not a decision that should be made while standing on a ladder or doing a Google search.
Sometimes a small, localized problem, such as damage caused by a branch falling, can easily be fixed with repair. On the other hand, if your roof is near the end of its expected lifespan, leaking in several places, or there is a lot of curling, cracking or granule loss, you would have to put up with continual repairs which turn out to be more expensive than replacing the roof. The only way to determine this for sure is through a professional assessment.
The Critical Step You Shouldn’t Skip: The Professional Inspection
For choosing best asphalt shingles this is the point where many homeowners with good intentions go wrong. It is impossible to tell the health of the roof from the ground. Hence, this is the time to call for a certified roof inspector.
A certified roof inspector is not simply looking for shingles that are missing or broken. The inspector can check every part of your roof system. This includes the boards under your roof, the covers on chimneys and vents, the drains, and the air flow in your loft. Poor air movement in the attic can silently damage roofs. This causes shingles to wear out from the inside out, leading to early failure.
A lot of the best roofing companies provide free roof inspection as a part of their services. This is one of the most important services a homeowner can avail of. The reliable inspector will provide a clear, detailed report with photos. They will also explain their findings simply and list your options without pressure. They can tell you exactly how much time your roof has left. This will help you decide whether to repair or replace roof shingles based on facts. You don’t need to sign a contract right after a free inspection. A good firm will give you the info and time to make a confident decision.
Final Thoughts: Choosing the Best Asphalt Shingle
Choosing the right best asphalt shingles really boils down to a marriage between quality materials and professional installation. The best shingle in the world will perform poorly if installed improperly. Find a contractor with a license, insurance and solid local references, and one that offers a generous workmanship warranty to support the manufacturer’s material warranty.
The decision to put a new roof on your house is a permanent one, thus it is advisable to protect your house for the next thirty years and more by getting to know your options, being aware of the good qualities to look out repair or replace roof shingles for, and relying on the help of a qualified expert for your inspection and installation.
If you live in St. Louis and your roof needs an expert inspection, do not hesitate to contact AAA Roofing STL. The professionals on their team are certified and honest in their appraisals, which means that the outcome may be just a minor repair or even a complete roof replacement to the highest standards of materials, with the same commitment to ensuring that your roof protects your property for the longest time possible.
