Unified Home Remodeling

How to Choose the Right Roofing Shingles for Your Home

Colorful House Roof Shingles Samples on Display

There are a number of factors that affect the quality of your roof, from your material selection to your design and finally who installs the roofing system. However, the shingles that cover your roof have a significant effect on its durability and aesthetic. It can be hard for homeowners to decide which shingles are best and which ones should be avoided, but with some guidance, you can find the right product.

What Type of Shingles Should You Buy For Your Home?

These factors will help you discover the best roofing material to put on your home.

1) Is it suitable for your local climate?

The type of materials for your roof depends on the weather patterns in your area. For instance, if you live in an area prone to strong winds, you may want to avoid lightweight shingles. Some materials, like metal, or tile are better for high temperatures, while others, like slate, clay, and asphalt are better in colder climates. Winter storms in Long Island can rip lighter shingles right off a roof, while heavy snow can add weight to a roof already burdened by heavy materials. The most ideal roofing material for Long Island homeowners is asphalt shingles from manufacturers such as GAF or Owens Corning.

2) Will my home support it?

The weight of shingle materials varies widely and can cause your home’s structure to be unsafe if not calculated correctly. Buildings are designated a “dead load” tolerance or the weight of the roof structure. The average home has a dead load of around 15 pounds per sqft. If this weight exceeds the building’s tolerance, it will not be able to support itself. We understand that figuring out the dead load tolerance may be a challenge, but that is a figure that a qualified roofing contractor can help get for you.

3) How long will my selected type of shingles last?

  • Asphalt Shingles are a preferred option for many homeowners because of their durability and pricing. Generic maintenance includes checking for debris, repairs, or replacements quarterly and before and after significant weather events. With proper care, you can expect these shingles to last up to 25 years.
  • Clay & Concrete Shingles are considered an investment and should definitely be treated as such. These tiles are very beneficial to homeowners since they have a higher fire, rain, and high-wind resistance than other types. However, theta are very heavy and many homes on Long Island are not built to hold this heavy material. 
  • Wood Shingles are machine-cut from pine, cedar, or spruce and offer a trim yet natural-looking roofing option that lasts 20 to 25 years. Wood shingles are easy to clean with a power washer, BUT damaged shingles cannot be repaired–only replaced. While wood shingles will give your home a rustic and vintage look, they are not ideal where there is heavy rain, snow, or seasonal changes in temperature. This makes wood shingles not a good investment for Long island homeowners.
  • Metal Shingles consist of aluminum, steel, copper, or an alloy molded into various shapes. These shingles can last 50-75 years! They are very energy-efficient because of their ability to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it and lower cooling costs. Many Long island homes are not built to hold these materials, yet you may be seeing more newly built homes in your area have this type of roof. This roof is more expensive than the traditional and can last longer than asphalt shingles but the upfront cost, labor, and maintenance can be costly. 

4) What color shingles should I pick?

One of the biggest hurdles many homeowners face is how to select the perfect shingle color to complement their exterior. Who wants their roof to clash with their home’s exterior? Here are a few things to keep in mind when looking at shingles.

  1. Do you think you’ll be redoing your siding soon? That is also something to remember before selecting the color of your new shingles.
  2. What does your HOA say? These associations have rules and regulations on what colors are acceptable in your neighborhood. Make sure you read through the association’s documents to avoid possible fines and wasted money.

The table below can help you swiftly match roof shingle colors to your home’s primary exterior color:

Siding ColorBest Matching Shingle Color
RedDark Brown, Black, Grey, Green
Light GreyGrey, Black, Green, Blue, White
Beige/CreamBrown, Black, Grey, Green, Blue
BrownGrey, Brown, Green, Blue
WhiteAlmost any color including Brown, Grey, Black, Green, Blue, White
Weathered Wood or Log HousesBrown, Green, Black, Grey

5) How much do shingles cost?

If you’re getting a new roof, it might be time to start saving or looking into Unified’s financing specials. A new roof can cost anywhere from $5,000 to over $10,000. There are many factors that contribute to the price of your roof, including installation and labor, as well as the cost of the material itself. The size of the roof you are building will also play a role in your final cost. If you have a large roof area to cover, consider opting for cheaper materials. To learn more check out our blog about how much it can cost to replace your roof

Get your Roof Replacement project started by contacting Unified!

The quality of your roof depends on what you put on top. A sturdy frame can’t do its job if it’s covered with subpar products. Contact our roofing specialist to talk about shingles with you. We understand that choosing what to use can be confusing, and you may not know which type is best for your property. We offer financing plans, warranties, free estimates, and peace of mind. Trust your roof replacement project to the experts at Unified Home Remodeling in Long Island, NY. Contact us today to get started at 888.631.2131.

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