Thinking of updating your home’s exterior? Your roof is a great place to start!
Over the years, many roofs experience normal wear and tear that can make them look outdated. Therefore, installing a new one is a great way to boost your home’s curb appeal and resale value.
Recent home exterior styling trends have put an emphasis on unique designs that help your home stand out. So when you choose a shingle style for your new roof, the decision shouldn’t be made lightly. Let’s take a look at four of the popular shingle styles, so you can decide which option is best for you based on design, performance, and value.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential shingle style. There are two types of asphalt shingles: organic and fiberglass. They operate and look similar, but the materials within them differ. While organic shingles are made of an asphalt exterior and organic material (wood, paper) backside, fiberglass shingles are made of an asphalt exterior and fiberglass composite backside.
Design
Since asphalt is a popular shingle style, it offers a traditional look. However, you can make an asphalt roof stand out with the variety in colors, textures, and shapes available. Choosing the right style combination can even give your roof an ultra-dimensional appearance.
Performance
Asphalt shingles usually last between 12-20 years — sometimes longer if properly installed and maintained. Throughout those years, they’re relatively low maintenance, but the replacement process is fairly simple and quick in the case there is an issue. A bonus perk of asphalt shingles is that they’re great noise cancellers.
Value
In most cases, asphalt is the most affordable shingle style. The shingles and installation services are both reasonably priced. For 12-20 years of durability, asphalt shingles have great value.
2. Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are similar to wood shingles, but they have split thin rectangles and they’re thicker. They’re a great shingle-style if you want your home exterior to have an especially textured appearance.
Design
Wood shakes are thick and textured, giving them beautiful depth and dimension. They vary in grain patterns, grooves, and colors, so you’re able to pick which unique style fits your home’s aesthetic best.
Performance
Wood shakes usually last around 30 years. However, they’re bound to require quite a bit of maintenance. They’ll need regular inspection and care to prevent any warping, rotting, mold, and insect infestations.
Value
Wood shakes and their installation fees are relatively high. The price of necessary regular maintenance will add up too. However, the unmatched textured appearance is sure to make your home stand out, so the high price may be worth it.
3. Metal Panels
Although they’re not necessarily shingle-based, standing seam metal roofs are a popular roofing choice. They consist of long metal panels that run from the top of your roof down to your gutters. They’re attached with fasteners and concealed by seams raised a couple inches above the panel level, which provides great protection against leaks.
Design
The majority of people in your neighborhood will probably choose an asphalt shingle style, so choosing metal panels can definitely bring a unique style to your home. With metal panels, you’re able to choose any shade you’d like, and you don’t need to worry about the normal wear and tear many asphalt roofs experience.
Performance
Metal roofs are extremely durable, lasting between 40-70 years with minimal repairs. They can withstand all weather conditions, from hail to falling trees. The material also allows for less friction, so ice and snow can slide right off instead of piling up and causing ice dams.
Value
Although the upfront cost of a metal roof is often higher than other roofing options, the long-term cost is usually less due to minimal maintenance requirements. Also, metal reflects solar heat, so homeowners have saved up to 25% on their energy bill after choosing this style.
4. Tiles
Roofing tiles were traditionally made from slate, fired clay, or terra cotta. Nowadays, they’re mostly made from molded, tinted concrete. Tiles roofs are popular in warmer states, like Florida and California, but can add a unique look to any home, anywhere.
Design
Tiles come in many different shapes, from flat to curved to fluted. You can also find them in just about any color you’d like. While most of them have a smooth surface, there are also textured options that mimic the look of traditional shingles and wood shakes.
Performance
Tiles have the longest durability of all these options: up to 100 years of life. They’re low maintenance and can withstand rain, hail, winds, and even fire. However, it’s important to keep in mind that not all roofs are well-suited for tiles — they work best on sharp slopes.
Value
Depending on which type and texture of tile you choose, this can be the most expensive option. You’ll also need to hire skilled installers in order to ensure your roof’s durability. However, for over 100 years of durability, it’s worth the cost.
Ready for an upgrade for your home’s exterior design? At Werner Roofing, we can help you choose the best shingle style for your home that will not only make it look great, but provide years and years of high quality protection for your home. Talk to our roofing experts to get started.
OUR FREE ROOF INSPECTION
How do you know when it’s time for a new roof? The only way to be sure of your residential roof’s current condition is to have a licensed professional personally inspect it. Werner Roofing is proud to offer free roof inspections for every client, so you can be sure of your roof’s condition. Every Werner Roofing inspection comes complete with our promise: “We won’t recommend or sell a roof replacement unless it’s necessary.”
