The roof of your home is made up of several components. These include underlayment, ventilation, shingles, and other details. Though all of these are important, the shingles are what most people think of when they think about the roof, and there’s a good reason for this. Shingles are what give a roof its character. They tend to be the most visible part of the roof, and as such, they are important to the aesthetics of the building. This means that the roof by itself can equate to 40% or more of the curb appeal of the home.
There are many types of shingles to choose from: asphalt, wood, stone, plastic, and metal, to name a few. Perhaps one of the best and most highly regarded shingle types to use is what is known today as lifetime architectural shingles. In North America, these shingles happen to be the #1-selling shingles.
Lifetime Architectural Shingles used to be called dimensional shingles; sometimes they still are, and they are also known as laminated shingles. Architectural Shingles are a new breed of high quality dimensional shingles, which are made up of refined and water-resistant asphalt. Synthetic slate has also recently been introduced to the market.
Here are five important reasons to consider these shingles over the others:
1. They create amazing three-dimensional appearances that are very attractive to look at. They also provide the roof with a designer look, and can often times match any style of home from modern to craftsman. Think of charming, multilayer, yet distinct wood looking shakes. By installing these shingles, many times people are able to improve their home’s resale value.
2. They are extremely durable to the elements. Besides being rain resistant, most brands can handle winds of up to 130+ miles per hour. Due to their adhesive seals, these shingles are less likely to blow-off; they also tend to have the highest possible fire rating.
3. There are a good variety of styles and colors to choose from. This includes the popular natural shadow effect.
4. They have a relatively inexpensive upfront cost for their value, and installation is easy, making them a great investment.
5. They tend to initially last between 15-50 years, depending on where the home is located, and the frequency and type of weather the shingles are exposed to. Most brands also come with some type of limited lifetime warranty; some even have a transferable limited lifetime warranty.
With many rave reviews from residences and builders alike, a person really can’t go wrong with these shingles provided they are installed properly. Beauty, value, and protection — What more could one want?
To learn more about these shingles, or to discuss other important roofing details, please feel free to contact us.
