Is it worth putting expensive shingles on your Maryland home?
By Dan and Nick Cox:
So here’s the age old question we’ve been getting lately about roofing shingles…
Just like pretty much everything in life, you can get cheap, middle of the road, or the high price solutions to putting new shingles on your roof.
Some of the variables being actual cost of the shingles, the cost of different underlayment options, the cost of sheathing if needed, installation hardware, and of course, labor.
But we’re talking about whether it’s worth spending more on expensive shingles, and the answer to that involves asking yourself some questions.
First, the differences between the different priced shingles.
Warranty
On the cheaper side, you have traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles, and on the high end, you can have slate shingles, actually called tiles. And there are many options in between.
Cheaper 3-tab shingles often carry a 25 year warranty, higher quality architectural shingles can last 35-50 years, while slate tiles can last 75-125 years.
Thickness and Weight
3-tabs asphalt shingles are the lightest (though a bundle of them is still pretty heavy), architectural shingles are much heavier and thicker, and slate is super heavy.
The difference in thickness and weight determines how durable and long they’ll last on your roof.
Appearance and Durability
The 3-tab shingles lay flat to your roof, and are relatively simple to install. Architectural shingles are thicker, with an extra layer of asphalt built in to create an almost three dimensional feeling of looking like cedar shakes, along with increased water resistance.
And the slate tiles would be considered the gold standard of beauty and durability, coming with the extra benefit of being able to easily withstand severe temperature variations, and being more fire resistant than asphalt.
Installation
Three tab asphalt shingles are very popular because they’ve been around forever, and because they’re typically the most economical choice, and are easy to install.
Architectural asphalt shingles, the middle of the road cost are also pretty popular because the contoured, dimensional look makes them look like premium shingles at a lower price range, with installation being pretty much the same as 3-tabs.
Premium roofing shingles such as slate are much more labor intensive because of the weight. Plus the extra weight often means you’ll have to make sure the structure of your home will support the extra weight before you proceed. Improving the structure can also be costly in itself.
So when it comes time to replace the shingles on your home, is cheaper really better?
It depends.
Will you be stating in your home a long time, or are you going to be selling soon? If you’re selling, then the most economical option may make sense.
But if you’re staying, then paying more upfront with architectural shingles or slate will be more cost effective over the life you your roof.
If you want to find out more specific information about this, or want a free, no-obligation roof inspection, give us a call or shoot us an email and we’ll take a look at your specific home and give you some options.
If you have any questions, or want to schedule your
free, no-obligation inspection of your roof,
call Dan or Nick at 301-368-3551!
On Top Home Improvements, Inc.
10818 Avonlea Ridge Place
Damascus, MD 20872
Tel: 301-368-3551
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