Shingle Roofs 101: Everything You Should Know When Considering a Shingle Roof in Florida
Roof shingles are crucial to your home's defense against the elements and provide a decorative, sturdy shelter from the weather conditions around your house. Their selection and installation can be daunting for homeowners, but it doesn't have to be. When getting your roof replaced or installed, you must consider many things before you can say which roof shingles are the best choice for you and your house.
Some of the factors can be durability, color, material, environmental codes, climate, and the architecture of your building. We understand that choosing roof shingles is not just about practicality; aesthetics also play an essential role. After all, they significantly contribute to your property's curb appeal.
This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about roof shingles, from types, materials, and leading manufacturers to how you should choose them for your home.
Diving into the World of Shingle Materials
Asphalt Shingles
These roofing materials are composed of fiberglass or organic felt and coated with asphalt and granules, typically made of crushed rocks, and they protect against the sun's UV rays. A staple in many American homes, asphalt shingle roofing systems offer affordability and durability.
Affordability
Consumer prices at Lowe's for asphalt shingles are $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot, relatively inexpensive compared to other materials like slate or metal. For perspective, a standard measurement range for residential roofs in Florida is between 1,000 and 3,000 square feet.
Because they come in standardized sizes and are lightweight, they can be easily nailed or stapled onto the roof, making the installation process much easier and saving you money on labor costs. Additionally, asphalt shingles come in various colors and styles to help you find which complements your desired aesthetic. One downfall of asphalt shingles is that they are not the most environmentally friendly choice as they are not recyclable.
Durability
They can last up to 10 years and are resistant to fire and wind, which makes them a good choice for hurricane-prone areas. They come in two categories: architectural shingles and three-tab shingles. Architectural or laminated shingles consist of two or more basic shingles laminated or bonded together. According to
shingle manufacturer IKO, these shingles are specially engineered to create architectural appeal for the roof by utilizing the individual shingle's contour, cut, and dimensional thickness. Architectural shingles have a long lifespan of about
30 years.
Disadvantages
According to Bob Vila, asphalt shingles are today's most popular roofing material, economical to produce, relatively easy to install, and widely available. They are less costly than wood shakes, tile, metal, or slate, but also because their guaranteed lifespan puts them favorably against competitors.
However, asphalt shingle roofs are less eco-friendly than some other roofing options because they are a petroleum-based product. Additionally, shingles can contribute to landfill waste when they need to be replaced.
At least a dozen major U.S. and Canadian building-product manufacturers market asphalt shingles, including GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning.
Shingle roofs have a shorter lifespan than roofing materials like metal or slate. According to
Forbes, asphalt shingle roofs typically last from 15 to 30 years, while most metal and slate roofs can last up to 50 years. The lifespan mostly depends on the quality of the shingles, the installation, and maintenance.
Slate Shingles
Slate is a premium roofing material, highly valued for its durability and natural beauty. It is a type of metamorphic rock formed of clay or volcanic ash, and it is tough and dense, making it the perfect roofing material.
Durability
According to Forbes, while a typical asphalt roof lasts about 20 to 30 years, a slate roof should last 50 to 200 years when properly installed and taken care of, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
Composition
Because they are non-combustible, they can help protect your home from the spread of flames during a fire, and they are also wind and water-resistant. They are naturally resistant to mold, mildew, and pests, reducing the need for frequent treatments or cleaning. They are environmentally sustainable and recyclable.
Affordability
According to an analysis by Fixr, the average cost of installing slate shingles ranges from $1.50 to $30 per sq. ft. installed. The project's total cost differs depending on the size of your roof and the type of slate you choose. Most homeowners pay around $22,500 to install a slate roof on a 1,500 sq. ft. home.
Disadvantages
You must ensure that the structure of your home can support the weight because slate is heavy and requires a solid construction to support its weight. Each square of slate weighs 800-1,500 lbs. You may need additional structural modifications, adding more to the cost of your slate roof.
Labor is also a significant cost factor in slate roof installation because slate requires meticulous installation and demands a considerable amount of time and effort. It can take
10 to 12 hours of installation time per square (equal to 100 square feet), making it labor-intensive.
Regular maintenance becomes crucial in areas prone to severe weather conditions such as hail storms to prevent cracks and chips from developing, thus ensuring a lengthy lifespan for the beautiful yet delicate roof surface.
Despite these potential drawbacks, many homeowners find that the overall benefits outweigh the risks, making them a worthwhile investment for those seeking to blend tradition and modernity in their home design scheme.
Composite Shingles
Synthetic shingles are a popular roofing option due to their affordability and attractive appearance. They are made of fiberglass and asphalt or recycled materials like plastic and rubber.
Affordability
Composite shingles are unique because they're designed to look like slate, wood, or other roofing materials, allowing homeowners to achieve their desired look without the associated cost. They allow you to customize your desired roof to fit your style due to their various color presentations.
Home Guide says they cost $7 to $14 per square foot installed or $15,000 to $26,500 on average, depending on the style and brand. Besides being easy to install, they require little maintenance and stress the house's structure less due to their lightweight.
Durability
They're fire- and moisture-resistant and typically last around 50 years. Shingles from DaVinci Roofscapes, the leading composite manufacturer, hold a Class 4 impact rating, the highest rating a roofing material can have. Composite shingles are one of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market. While this isn't a big deal, since composite shingles are relatively new to the roofing industry, they still have some unknowns.
Metal Shingles
They are a popular roofing option for homeowners who want a durable, long-lasting, and sleek roof. They are made of various types of metal, including aluminum, steel, copper, and zinc. Additionally, they can be painted or coated to match the scheme of your home.
Benefits
They can give your home a modern, sleek appearance and a unique touch. They are fire resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, strong winds, and hail, making them ideal for homeowners in harsh weather areas. They do not require regular repair or cleaning, saving you time and money in the long run. They can absorb moisture, which makes them mold and mildew-resistant.
Affordability
Metal shingles range from $6 to $14 per square foot, with a total installation cost of $9,000 to $35,000.
Metal shingles reflect sunlight, reducing the amount of heat absorbed into your home and helping to reduce the energy required to cool your house during summer.
Durability
They can last between 40 to 70 years. Therefore, this can be an excellent option if you want a durable, low-maintenance, and eco-friendly solution that offers a modern appearance.
Cedar Shake Shingles
Cedar shake shingles are the best choice if you are looking for a natural and rustic look. While serving the same functions as an asphalt or metal roof, a cedar shake roof is one of the most aesthetically pleasing.
Benefits
Made from cedar wood, a versatile and durable domestic hardwood that grows on both the East and West coasts of the US, these shingles add a unique charm. Cedar trees are cut into 2-foot sections and hand-split or sawed into a tapered thickness to create these products. Hand-split cedar shake shingles have a rugged look, while taper-sawn gives them a much smoother look.
Affordability
Home Advisor says the average cost of cedar wood shingles is between $4.50 to $9 per square foot, while the average price for cedar shakes goes between $5.50 to $13.50 per square foot, with a total cost of installation of $16,000 to $27,000
Durability
Cedar wood is known for its rot, decay, and insect damage resistance, typically lasting 30 years. They offer excellent insulation properties due to their natural thermal resistance that helps to keep the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
They require periodic maintenance, including resealing or re-coating to preserve their appearance that, over time, develops an attractive, weathered look.
Top Shingle Manufacturers
Owens Corning
Owens Corning is an American company that develops and produces insulation, roofing, fiberglass composite, and related materials and products. Ethisphere has recognized them as one of the 2023 World's Most Ethical Companies for the sixth time and is a market leader in underlayment and components products.
Owens Corning shingles undergo rigorous testing by simulating performance in high wind and other conditions. Some of their most popular products are Duration® and Oakridge® shingles.
Their architectural shingles create strong holding power on the roof to protect your home.
Performance tests against other shingle brands showed strong resistance to high winds, nailing benefits that prevent water infiltration, and a composition that keeps shingle layers held strongly together. Their products outperform in nail pull-through, nail blow-through, and delamination resistance.
Having your roof installed by an Owens Corning Roofing Preferred Contractor or an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor like Worthmann Roofing impacts your warranty coverage. As a customer of a preferred contractor, you get an extended warranty instead of a standard warranty. This extended coverage includes what they call TRU PROtection® coverage time period, which covers material and labor costs.
CertainTeed
CertainTeed leads the way in developing sustainable building products. Their Landmark asphalt shingles come in a huge assortment of colors that give your home an elegant look. Their dedication to product improvement and manufacturing excellence has led to the development of valuable roofing technologies to build better, safer, more comfortable homes.
Backed by a 100+ year legacy of trusted manufacturing performance, all
Certainteed Landmark shingles
include CertainTeed's industry-leading, lifetime-limited warranty.
GAF
GAF is one of the industry's top-tier asphalt shingle manufacturers and the leading roofing manufacturer in North America today. Established in 1886, GAF covers with roofs one in four homes in the US. They offer high-quality 3-tab, designer, and architectural roofing shingles. If you're in a high-wind area, try the Timberline HDZ shingles, which have the industry's widest nail zone for extra strength. GAF is the founder of the Certified Green Roofer Program to encourage the recycling of asphalt shingles and provide specialized recycling training for contractors.
TAMKO
TAMKO Building Products LLC is a leading independent manufacturer of residential roofing shingles crafted with American pride for over 75 years. At TAMKO, the popular Heritage Shingle series features the best roofing colors on the market. It is backed by a brand name recognized for its rich history, core values of honesty and integrity, quality products and processes, authority with building professionals, and support for its community. TAMKO's big focus is on curb appeal. Their shingles have vivid colors and style that you won't always get from other manufacturers.
Choosing the Right Color for Your Roof
The color of your roof is pivotal in enhancing your home's curb appeal.
Aesthetics
According to IKO, when choosing a shingle color to match your home, always look at actual samples in different light conditions and remember that natural light varies considerably by location, not just time of day.
Dark and brown asphalt shingles are an excellent choice for houses with a rustic or traditional feel. In contrast, gray shingles are a good choice for those who want to add a modern touch to their exterior design because they offer a sleek and contemporary look. Grey provides a versatile backdrop that allows other elements, like windows, to stand out. Green roof shingles are a great option to make a statement and blend your home with the natural environment. It's about finding a color that you love and that enhances the overall look of your house.
Climate
Beyond aesthetics, color also offers practical benefits, such as reflecting sunlight to keep your house cool. A lighter-colored roof tends to reflect more sunlight and can help maintain cooler indoor temperatures during hot summer months - an effect often referred to as the "cool roof" phenomenon. On the other hand, darker roofs absorb heat and may be preferable for colder climates where warmth retention is beneficial. Energy.gov says white roofing products stay coolest in the sun, reflecting about 60 – 90% of sunlight.
If you need help determining which color family best suits your property, consider consulting our professional roofing specialists. They can provide guidance based on Florida climate conditions, neighborhood architectural style trends, and personal preferences.
Energy-Efficient Roofs
In recent years, there has been growing interest in "cool roofs" explicitly designed with reflective properties to reduce heat absorption, thus lowering cooling costs during warm weather.
According to the
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs (or an average of 11% on total energy costs) by air sealing their homes and adding insulation in attics, floors over crawl spaces, and accessible basement rim joists. Variables such as sun exposure levels, among other things, are considered within calculation models used to determine potential savings estimates provided by manufacturer products.
According to GreenBuildingAlliance,
90% of roofs in the United States need to be better designed and built with dark and non-reflective materials that absorb all the heat instead of reflecting it. According to Energy.gov, conventional roofs can reach
temperatures of 150°F or more on a sunny summer afternoon.
Another factor for keeping your roof cool is ventilation. Good ventilation keeps any heat transferred to the attic from building up. Based on research by RoofingContractor.com, attic temperatures should be within 20 degrees maximum difference from the outside temperature.
What properties make a roof energy efficient, then? Your roofing material's color, coating, and thermal mass contribute significantly. The design of your roof and attic, specifically the insulation and ventilation systems, can make just as much of an impact.
Solar Shingles - The Future of Roofing?
As we increasingly lean towards renewable energy sources, solar reflective products such as solar panels integrated into existing roofing structures make more sense than ever. These innovative solutions shield your home and generate clean power by harnessing sunlight.
An investment in sustainable living like this may seem steep initially compared to traditional options. However, potential long-term savings on electricity bills and maintained curb appeal make them attractive for homeowners who prioritize green practices and sustainability.
The incorporation of photovoltaic cells into customary roof structures is what makes solar shingles so remarkable. Each shingle can convert sunlight into electricity, enabling homeowners to produce power while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of their homes.
Are Solar Shingles Worth It?
Whether solar shingles make a worthwhile investment involves weighing costs against long-term benefits. While these advanced roofing systems carry higher upfront expenses than conventional alternatives, they hold the potential for substantial savings on electricity bills over time. They could prove financially beneficial in the longer term.
Tesla Solar Roof
As was mentioned earlier, solar shingles are gaining traction nowadays. And the primary reason for that is the Tesla Solar Roof, a product announced by Tesla in October 2016 and first released in 2018.
According to
Tesla, they have claimed that their roof will cost $21.85 per square foot. This would mean that for a home that needs 2,000 square feet of roofing, the total cost for a Tesla Solar Roof would be about $44,000 for Tesla solar tiles and non-solar tiles. This price reduces after the tax incentives. Meanwhile, conventional roofing materials usually cost around $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot. Most homeowners would spend between $6,000 and $10,000 to install a roof using conventional roofing materials.
Importance Of Algae and Stain Resistance In Humid Areas in Florida
A Proactive Approach: Opting For Algae-Resistant Shingles
In regions with high humidity, roofs face unique challenges. One of the most significant is algae growth and staining due to constant exposure to moisture. This discoloration can be aesthetically displeasing, and if not treated promptly, it could result in structural harm eventually. Thankfully, innovative solutions like Stainguard Protection are explicitly designed for such environments, offering robust resistance against algae while preventing potential water infiltration that could compromise your roof's integrity.
Such products work by incorporating copper granules into the shingle material during manufacturing. When it rains, small amounts of copper get released onto the roof surface, creating an inhospitable environment for any would-be colonizers, such as the blue-green algae species commonly responsible for those unsightly black streaks often seen on untreated roofs.
The Risks Associated With Algae And Water Infiltration
Algae on roofs result in aesthetic concerns, as algae can cause discoloration and streaks on the surface. Additionally, algae can retain moisture and contribute to the growth of moss or lichen, which can further damage the roof over time. It's essential to address algae growth to maintain the roof's integrity and appearance to avoid expensive and complex problems such as deck deflection, deformation, or roof membrane damage requiring professional intervention.
Evaluating Warranty Coverage For Your Shingle Roof
Roof warranties play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for homeowners and commercial property owners. These assurances, provided by manufacturers or installers, are often seen as an indicator of quality and durability.
A Lifetime Limited Warranty is a common form of comprehensive coverage in the roofing industry, offering long-term protection that usually lasts throughout ownership. "Lifetime," in this context, typically refers to the time you own the home. Then, there is an extended period for "Other Ownership" of about 50 years in the case of
CertainTeed.
The Intricacies Of Lifetime Limited Warranties
A Lifetime Limited Warranty generally safeguards against manufacturing defects causing leaks or other issues with your roof shingles over time.
If such problems occur due to faulty materials within this coverage duration, manufacturers commit themselves to repairing or replacing defective elements at no additional cost.
However, not all damages might be covered under this umbrella term; for instance, if damage results from improper installation methods, those costs may fall outside its scope unless the installer also offers a workmanship guarantee, which we do at Worthmann Roofing
Warranties Offered by Manufacturers
Owens Corning shingles are the best choice for long-lasting performance and striking beauty. In addition to a wide range of inviting popular colors, they offer coverage for up to 25 years and coverage for damage resulting from 110-130 MPH winds for up to 15 years.With 5-Star coverage, CertainTeed covers your shingles for 50 years in case of a manufacturing defect. This includes tearing off the old material, disposal, new shingles, and installation labor. In addition, CertainTeed also warrants the workmanship of selected contractors for 25 years.
Navigating Through Short-Term Options
These range from 10 years up to 50, depending upon the product manufacturer. Homeowners should consider this when evaluating overall project expenses versus potential future ones.
Conclusion
Roof shingles are more than just a protective layer for your home. They're an investment in the longevity of your property and its curb appeal and have a whole world of options ranging from asphalt to solar, wood shakes, clay tiles, and slate tiles, and each comes with unique benefits and challenges.
You've learned about their types, materials used in their manufacture, leading manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed, and how to select them based on cost-effectiveness or energy efficiency, among other factors. Evaluating warranty coverage for roofing materials and installer workmanship is essential before deciding.
Now that you have this knowledge at hand... Are you equipped to choose wisely?
Whether you have residential or commercial roofing needs,
Worthmann Roofing covers you. Our experts will guide you through every step, ensuring the best.
