What Are Roof Shingles?

If you are looking at constructing a new home or re-roofing an old one, there is going to be a plethora of options thrown your way concerning the design, color, size, and shape of your shingles. As a phrase commonly heard as it is when talking about home improvements, lots of people don’t realize that shingles are more than just the covering of your house—it’s what gives your house its character.

From that, we’re going to cover the basics of roof shingles – what they are, what types are available, why you should consider them for your home’s roof, and how choosing a Freedom Roofing Group as your contractor will make sure you get the most from your investment with the longest possible life from your new roof.

What Are Roof Shingles?

Roof shingles are the outer layer of a roof on a house or other building. They are constructed to stave off water, weather, and to look pretty. Placed from the ridgeline down to the eaves, shingles interlace with each other to create a defense that protects the foundation from leaks, mildew, and building damage.

They are usually referring to the most visible part of the roof, which makes a big difference in the performance and aesthetics of your home. What distinguishes them is the material from which they are made, how they are installed, and the maintenance that is required of them, all dependent upon weather, budget, and personal style.

Types of Roof Shingles

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used and least expensive type of roofing material in the United States. That’s because they are cheap and easy to put in, of course. There are two primary types:

3-Tab Shingles 

These are lighter and cheaper with a slight flat appearance, making them the perfect option if your first consideration is price.

Architectural Shingles

These shingles are thicker and comprised of more layers, which provides higher dimension and more durability.

Imitation Slate or Cedar Shakes

These are composed of high-quality rubber and precision-molded for sharpening shadow lines and true-to-life color exteriors.

Metal Shingles

Metal isn’t just a byword for sheets — metal shingles offer multiple style options in all of the materials you’re accustomed to: steel, aluminum, or copper. They are light-colored and hence reflect sunlight, which reduces the building’s energy costs, and can last 40–70 years if maintained well.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Sawn wood shingles are cut smooth and have a uniform shape and size; shakes are split and have a more rustic and rough-hewn texture. Cedar is not only one of the prettiest materials for outdoor furniture, but also is the most resistant to rot and insects, though it will need maintenance to maintain those qualities.

Slate Shingles

Hewn from nature itself, slate shingles are among the longest-lasting shingles available and will routinely surpass the century-old mark. Slate Tiles Slate tiles are a common choice due to their weight and cost, making them suitable for luxury houses that require durable and high-quality roofing options.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Not really “shingles” at all, but many people still use the term. They are Mediterranean charmers and will take fire and gale force weather well, so apt for hot coastal areas.

Composite Shingles

Composite Shingles Composite shingles are vastly lighter than slate or wood, and even more durable and wind and moisture-resistant. So, the same classic look but with the modern benefit comes.

Why Roof Shingles Matter

Now that we know the answer to “what are roof shingles”? Cut — from a technical perspective, though, here’s why they’re worth paying attention to:

Pros: They shield your home from the rain, snow, and UV rays.

Insulation: The shingles aid in insulating your home from heat gain or loss.

Aesthetics: The shingles you pick should complement the look of your home and add to its resale value.

Protection: Your home’s interior is insulated against inferior-grade shingles.

Choosing The Right Shingles For Your House

Lots of things can factor into the best shingles for your home:

Climate: Think about the climate — asphalt is good in most places, but metal or slate are best in high wind or fire-prone areas.

Roof’s Pitch: Some shingles are good for roofs that are elevated or steep.

Price: Asphalt is the least expensive of the three; slate and metal are the most expensive.

Aesthetics: Consider what you like to go with the design of your home: Cedar shingles for a rustic feel, architectural asphalt for a more modern look.

Professional Shingle Service Done By Freedom Roofing Group

You look around, and whether it’s rainbow or Oak Ridge or double blacks — they’re just about that easy.

Here are some reasons why our roofing is unique:

Personalized Consultation

The first step in our workflow is to educate you on your options. So, you might be wondering: what are the best roof shingles for a coastal climate? Or, “How do I reduce maintenance and maximize life?” — We offer you the advice that’s right for you.

Quality Materials

Freedom Roofing Group allows only the highest quality shingles from the best manufacturers that are designed for optimal performance and durability.

Professional Installation

Our licensed and insured installers perform the work by best practice in the industry, and you can be confident your shingles are installed right the first time to help reduce the risk of leaks and provide only a slot for attic heat and moisture to escape.

Competitive Pricing & Financing

Our pricing is transparent, with a variety of financing options so you can get the roof you need without emptying your bank account.

Warranty Protection

We offer solid manufacturer warranties and warranties on workmanship for all of our shingle installations, so you can invest with confidence.

Preserving Your Roof to Extend The Life of a Roof Shingle

When properly installed, such good maintenance goes a long way to ensuring the life span of your shingles as long as possible. So here is what you can do to enable you to get the very best from your new roof system:

• Check Yearly: Keep an eye out for shingles that have come loose or gone missing, especially after a storm.
• Clear Gutters: Overflowing gutters can cause the shingles to rot from rainwater.
• Trim back overhanging branches: Overhanging branches may fall onto and damage the surface or wearing course.
• Removing Moss and Algae: Moss and algae in shaded or damp areas promote the decay of shingle material.

When to Replace Your Shingles

Unfortunately, not all shingles, not even the best ones, last forever. If you see curling, cracked, or missing shingles, evidence of granule loss, or areas of your roof that still leak, you may be in the market for a new roof. Freedom Roofing Group offers full roof inspections for assessing storm damage and what to do next.

Conclusion

So, learning what roof shingles are is a good place to start to make decisions about your roofing. These valuable elements form the basis of the fortress that protects your home from the elements, and contribute to curb appeal and energy efficiency as well.

At Freedom Roofing Group, we have years of experience and a complete customer-centered approach on every job we commit to. Whether it’s a reroof project on an existing structure, a roof on a home ready to sell, or on a new home construction project, we have the expertise to make your home’s exterior complete.

Is it time to update your roof with premium performance shingles? Give Freedom Roofing Group a call today and schedule your free consultation to see what a local expert can do for you.

Give us a ring so you can be living under your new roof. Together, let’s keep your home in one piece, one shingle at a time.