We all know that a roof is the most important part of a house. Without it, your home would be open to the elements, and that’s why it’s so important to invest in a quality roof that will stand up to the rain, wind, and falling debris to protect your home.
Whether replacing an old roof or building a new home, you’ll want to consider the different shingles available. There are many types of shingles, each with unique features and benefits. But if you’re new or unfamiliar with home construction, you may wonder, “what are roof shingles, and what are they made of?”. In today’s guide, we will be answering some of those questions.
What Are Roofing Shingles Made Of?
Roofing shingles are overlapping rectangular tiles that cover a roof. There are several types of shingles on the market, so it can be challenging to know which ones are best for your home. Roofing shingles are made of various materials, including asphalt, metal, slate, clay, and wood.
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used type of material in residential construction because they are durable, relatively inexpensive, and easy to install. They also come in different colors and styles to match the look of your home, so you don’t have to lose sleep due to lost curb appeal.
Benefits of Roofing Shingles
When you’re looking for a new roof, you have many options. If you’re looking to get the best value for your home, shingles are the way to go. Here are some reasons why:
They Are Cost-Effective
Roofing shingles have many benefits, but the most important is that they are cost-effective. They are also durable and can last for 20+ years before they need to be replaced, pending insurance guidelines.
They’re Available in a Wide Range of Colors
Roof shingles come in various colors and textures so you can pick a style that suits your home’s architecture. You can also match it to other features of your home’s exterior like the colors of the siding, deck, or shutters to create a more cohesive aesthetic.
They Can Be Replaced in Sections
In the event of acute damage that is isolated to just one part of your roof, you can replace shingles in sections instead of having to replace your entire roof, giving them a massive advantage over other materials.
What Do Roofing Shingles Do?
Roofing shingles have several functions:
First, they protect the structural components of your roof from the elements, such as heavy rains and harsh winds. The shingles ensure that these factors cannot penetrate through to the interior of your home and cause damage.
Second, they add an aesthetically pleasing complement to the architectural design of your home. In some instances a roof’s shingle choice can be an eye catcher. In other cases those shingles should play a supporting role and simply compliment the other design features of the home.
How Long Do Roofing Shingles Last?
Once installed on your home, roof shingles can last 20+ years before they need to be replaced — protecting you from mother nature, like wind and rain.
However, the average lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is 20-30 years, and a few factors can bring that number down even more, including extreme weather conditions like strong winds or hailstones, poor installation, poor ventilation, and a lack of maintenance.
Get New Roofing Shingles for Your Home Today
Roofing is an integral part of your home’s infrastructure. At HW Roofing, we offer complete roofing services in the Jacksonville, FL, area and surrounding communities. We are committed to providing top-notch customer service and high-quality workmanship.
We work closely with you to ensure that every step of the process is completed on time and within budget. We know that a new roof can be an expensive investment, but it will pay off over time—not only by protecting your home from weather damage but also by increasing its value. If you need new shingles for your roof, contact us today for a free estimate!