PART 1: ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingles have been around since the early 1900s and have remained one of the most popular roofing materials since then. This is why it’s not uncommon to see homes around your own using asphalt shingles. In fact, you might have the very same thing installed on your roof. Why use the same roofing material then? Just because you’re looking for a new roof doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to change your roof, especially if you’re after value for your money.

WHAT CAN ASPHALT SHINGLES OFFER YOU?

• Aesthetic Appeal. There are two types of asphalt shingles: three-tab and architectural. Three-tab shingles, as their name suggests, appear like three tabs but are actually just one piece installed. Architectural shingles, on the other hand, are the more attractive counterpart of three-tab shingles, made without cutouts but laminated with an extra layer of asphalt to give it more contour and dimension. They both come in a wide range of colors to complement your home’s existing scheme but can also be made to mimic other roofing materials, like wood shakes, slate or tile.

• High Performance. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers’ Association, asphalt shingles have a 100-year proven track record in the U.S. This roofing material wouldn’t have lasted that long in the industry if it did not perform well, meaning that asphalt shingles are durable, resistant to fire and wind uplift, and leads to few leak problems. Generally, asphalt shingles can be expected to last 20 to 40 years, depending on the manufacturer, although it is not unheard of for the roofing material to have a lifespan of over 50 years, especially when the roof is properly maintained.

PART 1: ASPHALT SHINGLES

• Ease of Installation and Maintenance. Asphalt shingles arelightweight so they are easy to handle. However, they remain tough, withstanding the elements without a lot of upkeep. To keep asphaltshingles in great shape, you’ll just need to schedule an annual routine inspection.

• Cost-Effectiveness. Given the advantages they offer and their cost, asphalt shingles offer incredible value for your money. Even when sticking to a budget is not a major concern of theirs, homeowners find that opting for asphalt roofing materials allows them to make the most out of every dollar they spent.

It may have been over a century since asphalt shingles were first used but they are standing strong as a roof replacement option today. When it comes to value, this roofing option can’t be beat.

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In the next part of this blog series, you’ll be learning about another material to consider for your next roof. Stay tuned for more on metal roofing!

PART 2: METAL

When you talk about metal roofing, many homeowners instantly think of barns and industrial structures. What they don’t realize is that metal roofs have crossed over to residential properties and have been providing homes with a number of benefits for years. If you’re looking for a new roof and are willing to try something new, then metal roofing is definitely a worthy consideration for you.

METAL ROOFING BENEFITS

Getting a metal roof will let you enjoy:

• Durability. Metal roofing is great in various climates. Properly installed, it can weather through whatever the elements will bring throughout the year, lasting two to three times longer than asphalt shingles. Given that kind of lifespan, it’s not too far-fetched to think that a metal roof is the last roof you’ll be installing over your home.

• Variety. Metal roofing can be painted in a range of colors, letting you pick out the best shade to complement your home. It also comes in different profiles and can be made to look like other roofing materials like tile, slate, and wood shakes and shingles.

• Convenience. Metal roofing is lightweight (50% lighter than asphalt shingles and 75% lighter than concrete tile!) so it is easy to handle, making installation short and sweet. Additionally, its light weight allows metal roofing to be installed over an existing roof, doing away with the need for a tear-off before a replacement.

• Energy Efficiency. Metal is generally associated with heat because it is a conductor. However, metal roofs are highly reflective, allowing them to bounce back a great deal of heat that would have been otherwise absorbed into your home. They will still absorb some level of heat from the sun but whatever they do absorb is quickly released as well, resulting in very minimal heat transfer into your home.

PART 2: METAL

BUSTING METAL ROOFING MYTHS

Myth: Metal roofing attracts lightning.

Fact: It does not. Lightning typically hits the highest structure in the area. If your home does get hit by lighting, metal roofing actually offers added protection by safely dispersing energy throughout its structure. It is not flammable so it does not pose a fire risk.

Myth: Metal roofing is noisy.

Fact: When installed with solid sheathing, metal roofing is actually better at silencing noise from bad weather, like rain and hail, compared to other roofing materials.

Myth: Metal roofing is light weight so it is weak against strong winds.

Fact: Not at all! Metal roofing has a 150-mph wind rating. This is equivalent to winds an F2 tornado brings.

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Pleasantly surprised by metal roofing? In the next part of this blog series, you’ll be learning about another material to consider for your next roof. Stay tuned for more on tile roofing!

PART 3: TILE

Aesthetic appeal will be tile roofing’s biggest draw but what many don’t realize is that it is as high-performing as it is beautiful, making it truly deserving of being categorized as a high-end roofing option. If you’re like many homeowners, you’ve thought about getting tile roofing but have not made a decision because you still have a few concerns you need to clarify. In this part, we’re answering some of the most commonly asked questions about tile roofing. Hopefully the answers will help you make up your mind about tile roofing.

DO ALL TILE ROOFS LOOK LIKE SPANISH ROOFS?

No. Tile roofs come in all shapes, sizes, and colors and can be made in a range of profiles to even simulate other roofing materials. The choice of material, whether concrete or clay, for example, also contributes to the kind of appearance a tile roof has. Earth tones are typical in tile roofing but more modern production techniques have made it possible to add pigments and expand color options.

HOW EXPENSIVE IS TILE ROOFING?

Tile roofing is the perfect example of the saying that you get what you pay for. Concrete tile roofs, for instance, cost about three times more compared to asphalt shingles and twice more than wood shakes but definitely less than slate. Clay tile roofs, on the other, will cost more than its concrete counterpart upfront. However, both concrete and clay tile roofing will outlast most other roofing materials, performing well for decades (typically outlasting the homes they are protecting) while retaining their beauty. Given the way it offers form and function, tile roofing provides great value for money.

PART 3: TILE

CAN TILE ROOFING IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE HOME?

According to tests carried out by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, tile is up to 70 times better than asphalt shingles at reducing heat absorbed into the home from the roof. Tile roofing is also designed in such a way that it creates natural ventilation, making it easier for a home to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. With excessive passive heating prevented and ventilation promoted, tile roofing helps stabilize indoor temperatures faster. This keeps your heating and cooling needs down, resulting in lower energy bills down the line.

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Whether you opt for asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or tile roofing, always keep in mind that you’ll only truly make the most out of your new roof if you work with a reputable contractor that will guarantee both product quality and proper installation. Should you require further assistance assessing your roofing options, don’t hesitate to call our experts today.

Arry’s RoofingServices, Inc.

401 East Spruce Street,Tarpon Springs, FL 34689

(727) 362-2230(727) 938-9565ArrysRoofing.com