“You need a new roof” are the words no homeowner wants to hear… after all, replacing a roof can be a real headache and represents a significant investment.
But if you do need a new roof, choosing the right material for your shingles is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Rather than just replacing your current roof with the same materials, take this as an opportunity to explore your options.
There are many types of roofing materials available, and in this post we’ll discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the three we typically use for our clients.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the world for a variety of reasons:
- Affordable — Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market, making them an excellent option for homeowners on a budget. That being said, there are a number of different price points available, from the Three-tab at the low end all the way up to Luxury or Premium asphalt shingles.
- Durable — Asphalt shingles are known for their durability and resistance to impact and weathering. Most last for 20-30 years or more, depending on the quality of the shingle and the installation.
- Versatile — Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colours and styles, making them suitable for a variety of architectural styles and design preferences.
- Easy installation — Asphalt shingles are easier to install than other roofing material, helping reduce the cost of labour and installation. Asphalt roofs are also easier to repair.
Although asphalt shingles are a popular choice for many homeowners, they do have some disadvantages.
- Vulnerable to high winds — This is of particular concern to us, since our service area covers the entire Niagara Peninsula, which can be battered by pretty high winds. Asphalt shingles are not as wind-resistant as some other roofing materials, such as metal or tile.
- Limited lifespan — Although asphalt shingles are durable, they generally have a shorter lifespan than some of the other roofing materials available. Location can also affect the longevity of asphalt shingles — if the neighbour’s house shields your roof from prevailing winds, your roof will last much longer than theirs!
- Heat absorption — Asphalt shingles can absorb and retain heat, which can increase the temperature in the attic and make your home less energy-efficient. Some manufacturers mitigate this by offering cool roof colour technology to reflect the heat of the sun.
Metal Roofs
Homeowners are increasingly choosing metal roofs over traditional shingles, which come with some pretty impressive advantages:
- Long lasting — Metal roofs can last from 50 to100 years, depending on the type of metal used, installation quality, and maintenance — that’s more than twice as long as asphalt shingles!
- Low maintenance — Metal roofs require less upkeep than other shingle materials. They are resistant to rot, insects, and mildew.
- Energy efficient — Metal roofs reflect heat from the sun, which help reduce cooling costs during the heat of the summer. Some metal roofs are even designed with insulating layers to improve energy efficiency year-round.
- Aesthetic appeal — Metal roofs come in a variety of colours, styles and finishes and can even be made to resemble wood, slate or asphalt shingles.
- Durability — Metal roofs can withstand rain, snow and winds up to 225 miles per hour!
While metal roofs can be a great option, there are some potential disadvantages:
- Upkeep — Too keep a metal roof looking its best — and extend its lifetime — you should clean it every three or four years and repaint it every ten years.
- Cost — Metal roofs are generally more expensive than asphalt shingles, making them less desirable for homeowners on a tight budget. Installation is more complex too, which can add to the cost of the roof.
- Noise — Rain, hail, and other weather events can be noisier on a metal roof than on other roofing materials, which may be a concern for some homeowners, while others find it soothing. This can be mitigated by having a solid decking and/or installing additional insulation.
- Denting — Some metal roofs can be susceptible to denting from hail or falling debris. Choosing a thicker gauge metal will help alleviate this issue.
Euroshield rubber shingles
Euroshield shingles are made from recycled rubber and plastic and are designed to mimic the look of traditional roofing materials such as slate, wood, or asphalt shingles.
- Durable — Euroshield rubber shingles are highly durable and can withstand extreme weather conditions such as hail, wind, and heavy rain. Many have a Class A Fire Rating and Class 4 Impact Rating, which are the highest ratings possible for shingle materials.
- Really, really durable — Euroshield shingles won’t bend, rot, crack, crumble, or become discolored under normal circumstances. They’re also moisture resistant, which protects your roof from mold, mildew, insects and other pests.
- Low maintenance — These shingles require little maintenance, other than occasional cleaning and inspection for damage.
- Eco-friendly — Euroshield rubber shingles are made from recycled materials, which can be an environmentally friendly option.
- Energy efficient — Unlike other shingle options, Euroshield rubber shingles are designed with insulating properties built right in. This helps regulate the temperature inside your home, reducing energy costs.
There are a lot of advantages associated with Euroshield rubber shingles, but there are also some other factors to consider.
- Cost — If you’re on a tight budget, Euroshield rubber shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles and some other roofing materials. On the other hand, with a limited lifetime warranty of 50 years, you’re not likely to replace the roof again.
- Installation complexity — Euroshield rubber shingles require specialized installation techniques and equipment, which can increase the cost. Not all roofers have this capability… but fortunately, we do!
Choosing the right shingle is just the beginning…
There’s a lot more to consider when it’s time to reshingle your roof, but by far the largest hurdle is who will you get to do the work? It’s a mistake to trust something as important as your roof to your neighbour’s buddy, especially if you’re considering metal or Euroshield shingles.
If you’re in the unfortunate position of needing a new roof, contact us for a free, no obligation, estimate. We’re also happy to discuss your needs and your budget to find the best materials for your roof.
