What type of roof shingles are best?
Asphalt roof shingles are the most commonly found on homes today, although other materials are manufactured in shingle style now. With roofing being one of the most expensive parts of a home to be replaced, it only makes sense to choose the roof shingles colors and type of roof shingles that will match your home’s appearance and style.
In addition to getting roof shingles with best warranty, you want roof shingles that have other features like fire resistance, heat resistance, and can withstand the weather in Omaha. (You know blistering summers and snow filled winters with hail and high winds in between it all).
For years, the three-tab asphalt roof shingles were The roofing material, but in the 1970’s, thicker roof shingles made their way into the market. While imitated the three-dimensional profile that natural wood or slate roof shingles offer at a lower price of asphalt roof shingles. Today,
there are many different styles in man-made asphalt roof shingles including wood and slate. The choices include:
- Asphalt Roof Shingles – the lowest cost and fastest install of all roof shingles with lifespan up to 15 years. This is the most common of all roof shingles because of the cost, wide range of colors that can match any home, and the ease of installing.
- Three-tab Asphalt Roof Shingles – flat, lightweight, least expensive, withstand winds up to 80 mph with lifespan up to 20 years.
- Architectural Style Roof Shingles – dimensional roof shingles with a thicker asphalt base and a layer of fiberglass, a beautiful 3-dimensional profile that imitates natural wood or slate shingles and withstands winds up to 130 mph and a lifespan up to 50 years.
- Premium Style Roof Shingles – heavier and thicker than architectural roof shingles, has a distinct cut with higher profiles that look like genuine cedar and slate roofing, comes with a higher cost.
- Tile Roof Shingles – stylish and meets the visually appealing roofs for Colonial, Mediterranean, or Spanish architect, comes in lighter colors for hot Omaha summers and have a lifespan up to 80 years or longer.
Other choices in roof shingles are metal, slate, and wood, all excellent choices for homes in Omaha, each offering their own pros and cons.
What are the longest lasting roof shingles?
The longest lasting roof shingles and providing other beneficial features are clay, concrete, slate roofing tiles. Each of these roofing materials offer significant performance over other natural roofing materials like asphalt roof shingles, metal roofing, or wood shakes.
What is the best time to replace a roof?
If you are looking for the best time as far as protectiveness, when the roof shingles are curling or missing, would be the time to have your roof inspected and get quotes for a new roof. If you are asking this in regard to the time of year, schedule your roof replacement during autumn. The Omaha weather is cooler and mild, with some consistency and stability.
Can you put new shingles over old shingles?
Yes, but depends on the type of roof shingles. If you are installing asphalt roof shingles over old asphalt roof shingles works without issues. However, you cannot install new roof shingles over existing slate or wood. Mixing two different roof materials is never recommended.
Another factor that can determine if installing new over old roofing is workable is the condition of the existing roofing. If the existing is old and worn, it may not withstand the weight of a new roofing on top of the existing. A professional roofing contractor will provide a quote with and without tearing off the existing first, as well as make recommendations whether leaving the existing roofing material.
How long does it take for roof shingles to settle?
Roof shingles need exposure to the sun and warm temperatures to help them relax and settle to lay flat. In Omaha, with autumn being the best time for installing roof shingles, the temperature can be cooler, thus taking the roof shingles longer to settle.
Roofing for your home is one of the most expensive investments you’ll make. You should take your time in choosing the roof shingles that will match your home’s architectural as well as meet other specifics of homeownership like energy efficiency, fire resistance, weather resistance, and if your home is a housing development with POA regulations.
Review your homeowner’s insurance policy as well. There may be some materials for roof shingles that will get you a discount on your rates. If you’re replacing your roof because of weather damage, filing a claim is always recommended, unless you know that any leaks and other issues are because of age or previous owner’s neglect.
New roof shingles are an investment for your home, which is an investment itself. One of the most important investments that you’ll ever have. You want to choose roof shingles that will give you the most ROI and look good in the meantime too. Call 866-592-5577 today for your shingle roofing needs!
