Choosing The Right Shingles For Your Roof Installation!

Asphalt shingled roofs are by far the most prevalent types of roofs in the United States. Asphalt holds many advantages over other styles of roofing, such as cedar or tile. These advantages include cost and resistance to rot. Asphalt shingles come in numerous colors and vary in their quality and design.Let’s start with what asphalt shingles generally have in common. Notably, the asphalt layer is an integral part of a complete, waterproof roof system. The shingles are durable and can be made in a variety of colors. Asphalt shingles can be fiberglass based or organic based. Fiberglass based, which contain a fiber mat with asphalt and minerals on top, tend to be more durable. As for styles, the shingles most commonly employed are three-tab shingle:

Three-Tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles, also called strip shingles, are the most basic and have been on the market for decades. They consist of 1’ x 3’ tables, notched twice to give the appearance of three separate tabs. Because of their flat tenure, they are ideal for a roof recover.

Three-tab shingles range in price, but uniformly provide a long lasting, water-resistant cover. The downside of these shingles is that they have a tendency to blow off more easily, which is a particular concern in New Jersey. Also, the shingles are limited in colors and generally do not have variegated textures. A typical warranty for three-tab shingles is in the realm of 20 to 25 years.

Dimensional Shingles

Dimensional shingles are also called laminated or architectural shingles. These shingles are multi-layered, making for a thicker cover with enhanced texture. Accordingly, dimensional shingles have a number of advantages over the three-tab shingles. For one, they are durable and strong. Though they are not ideal for roof-recovers, dimensional shingles are more aesthetically appealing due to their variegated texture.

Certain dimensional shingles can have enhanced features, including algae resistance. Ever see a roof with black streaks running down? That is algae. Dimensional shingles are also Call-A fire resistant. Top manufacturers, such as CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and GAF have a wide array of architectural shingles to choose from, with some warranties spanning up to 50 years.

Contact Carl’s to speak with one of our seasoned professionals to learn more about choosing the right shingle for your new roof installation. Contact us today for a free estimate and let us help you find the best roofing options for your NJ home!