Shingles
What are shingles? Shingles are a type of roofing material designed to overlap in layers, creating a protective barrier against the elements. Shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. - covering your home like a protective shield. They come in different types, styles, and materials!
What kinds are shingles are there? Asphalt, Metal, Natural, Composite, Cedar, and Solar.
What kinds are shingles are there? Asphalt, Metal, Natural, Composite, Cedar, and Solar.
Feature | Asphalt Shingles | Metal Shingles | Natural Shingles |
Description | Made from asphalt and fiberglass | Metal (steel, aluminum) shaped into shingle styles | cedar wood or slate stone |
Style Options | 3-tab, Architectural, and Designer | Metal shingle, slate, or tile designs | Cedar shingles or slate shingles |
Cost | $ | $$$ | $$$$ |
Lifespan | 20-40 years | 50+ years | Cedar: 20-40 years
Slate: 75-100+ years |
Durability | Good — handles wind and rain, wears over time. | Superior — resists fire, storms, and pests. | Cedar: Moderate (needs upkeep);
Slate: Excellent |
Energy Efficiency | Typical : Fair - (SRI 15 to 30)
"cool" versions - (SRI to 20-30+) | Excellent - (SRI 50-80) | Cedar : Fair (SRI 20 - 30)
Slate : Good (SRI 30-50) |
Pros | Economical, easy to install | Long-lasting, low maintenance | Authentic look, eco-friendly |
Cons | Prone to weather | Higher upfront cost | Cost -
Cedar: Maintenance
Slate: Cost and weight |
HOW YOU CAN PROLONG YOUR SHINGLE LIFEHomeowners can prolong the life of their shingles by scheduling regular roof inspections, cleaning gutters to prevent water pooling, trimming overhanging tree branches to reduce debris and moss growth, promptly repairing damaged or missing shingles, ensuring proper attic ventilation to minimize heat and moisture buildup, and avoiding pressure washing, which can strip protective granules.
Cedar
What is Cedar Shake roofing? Cedar shake roofing is a type of roof covering made from natural cedar wood that is split or sawn into individual shakes or shingles. Known for its rustic charm and natural beauty, cedar shake offers excellent insulation, durability, and resistance to insects and decay. Over time, it weathers into an attractive silver-gray color, adding character to the roof. It's popular in traditional and high-end architectural styles.
What kind of Cedar Shake roofing is there? Hand Split, Heavy Split, and Straight Split Shakes.
What kind of Cedar Shake roofing is there? Hand Split, Heavy Split, and Straight Split Shakes.
Feature | Hand Split | Heavy Split | Straight Split |
Description | A rough textured surface created by splitting along the wood's natural grain, giving them a rustic and authentic appearance. | Thicker, rugged roofing materials with a pronounced, rough texture, offering enhanced durability and a bold, rustic appearance. | Split along the grain on both sides, resulting in a highly textured, rough finish that emphasizes a natural, rustic look. |
Cost | $$ | $$$ | $$$$ |
Lifespan | 20 - 40 years | 30 - 50 years | 20 - 40 years |
Durability | Durable and resilient, especially with proper treatment, but slightly less robust than thicker options | Highly durable due to their thickness, making them excellent for withstanding harsh weather conditions. | Durable but can be more susceptible to wear and tear than heavy split shakes due to their thinner, rougher design. |
Pros | Natural and rustic appearance, moderate durability, and affordability compared to other types. | Superior durability due to their thickness, excellent weather resistance, and bold, rugged aesthetic. | Unique, highly textured finish with a raw, rustic charm that stands out in traditional designs. |
Cons | Less durable than heavy split shakes and may require more frequent maintenance to prevent weathering and decay. | Higher cost than hand-split shakes, and their thickness can make them heavier, requiring a strong roof structure. | The most expensive option, with comparable durability to hand-split shakes but offering less practical value unless aesthetics are the priority. |
Shingled Roofs and Storms
Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing choices, and their performance during storms is a key factor in their widespread use. Quality shingles, like GAF Timberline® HDZ™, are engineered to resist high winds, with many rated to withstand gusts of up to 130 mph when properly installed. Their layered design also provides excellent water-shedding capabilities, helping to prevent leaks during heavy downpours. Additionally, shingles offer versatility in repairs, allowing damaged sections to be replaced without the need for a full roof replacement.
Hailstorms and flying debris can pose challenges to shingle roofs, as impacts may lead to cracks, bruising, or granule loss. However, modern shingles often include advanced features, such as impact-resistant designs or fiberglass reinforcement, to minimize damage. Granules, in particular, play a critical role in protecting the shingles from UV damage and improving their longevity. While shingles may not match the impact durability of metal roofing, they remain a cost-effective and visually appealing option for storm protection. Homeowners who prioritize durability and proper maintenance can count on shingle roofing to stand up to many of the challenges posed by severe weather.
Hailstorms and flying debris can pose challenges to shingle roofs, as impacts may lead to cracks, bruising, or granule loss. However, modern shingles often include advanced features, such as impact-resistant designs or fiberglass reinforcement, to minimize damage. Granules, in particular, play a critical role in protecting the shingles from UV damage and improving their longevity. While shingles may not match the impact durability of metal roofing, they remain a cost-effective and visually appealing option for storm protection. Homeowners who prioritize durability and proper maintenance can count on shingle roofing to stand up to many of the challenges posed by severe weather.
HOW TO PROLONG YOUR CEDAR ROOF
Regularly remove debris like leaves and branches to prevent moisture buildup, and inspect for and replace damaged shakes promptly. Apply protective treatments such as preservatives, fungicides, or water repellents to safeguard against rot and mold. Maintain proper attic ventilation to reduce interior moisture, and trim overhanging branches to limit shade that encourages moss or algae growth. Gently clean any moss or algae using appropriate methods, and schedule periodic professional inspections and treatments to keep the roof in optimal condition. These practices will help ensure your cedar roof stays durable and visually appealing for many years.
Regularly remove debris like leaves and branches to prevent moisture buildup, and inspect for and replace damaged shakes promptly. Apply protective treatments such as preservatives, fungicides, or water repellents to safeguard against rot and mold. Maintain proper attic ventilation to reduce interior moisture, and trim overhanging branches to limit shade that encourages moss or algae growth. Gently clean any moss or algae using appropriate methods, and schedule periodic professional inspections and treatments to keep the roof in optimal condition. These practices will help ensure your cedar roof stays durable and visually appealing for many years.
Myth: Pressure washing is the best way to clean shingles.
Homeowners sometimes think pressure washing is the most effective way to remove moss or algae from shingles. In reality, it can cause more harm than good by stripping away granules or loosening shingles. A safer method is to use a soft brush and a gentle cleaning solution, like water mixed with vinegar or specialized roof cleaners
Myth: Shingles with missing granules are just a cosmetic issue.
Many homeowners assume that granule loss only affects the appearance of shingles, but those granules actually play a critical role in protecting the asphalt layer from UV rays. When granules are lost, shingles become more vulnerable to heat damage, cracking, and a shortened lifespan. Regular roof inspections can catch this issue early and prevent further deterioration.
Myth: You can't install shingles in cold weather.
Many believe that roofing projects should be avoided during colder months because shingles won’t seal properly. While it’s true that shingles may take longer to adhere in low temperatures, modern roofing techniques and adhesives have made cold-weather installations entirely feasible. Professional roofers often use special tools, like heat guns, to ensure proper sealing, allowing for successful installations even in chilly conditions. This myth can prevent homeowners from addressing roofing needs during critical times of the year.