How to Choose the Right Shingles for a New Roof

Whether building a brand new roof or replacing the old one, the choice of shingles is crucial.

Whether building a brand new roof or replacing the old one, the choice of shingles is crucial. Many options are on the market, and all materials have particular strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the right shingles for a new roof will be the ones that fit the specific environmental and structural conditions the best.

Key factors when choosing shingles

A well-informed choice of shingles depends on several factors. Examining the crucial aspects and conducting thorough research will ensure a sound decision.

The price

The price of shingles may be a deciding factor for some homeowners. Yet, while it's always essential to consider the budget, the final cost shouldn't solely impact the decision.

Roof slope

The slope of a roof represents its steepness. Rather than expressed in degrees as an angle, the slope is measured as a ratio. In particular, the dimensions that enter the equation include the roof's rise and run.

The rise is the roof's height, while the run is the complete length. For instance, a roof with a 3:10 slope would have a three-foot rise and a length of 10 feet. The slope impacts the shingle choice in two ways:

Firstly, steeper roofs may warrant higher installation prices. This might call for budget adjustments at the expense of the material. Secondly, heavier shingles won't be a good fit for a steep roof, which means clay tiles or slate shingles will be out of the question.

Structural limitations

Since shingle materials vary widely in weight, it's essential to consider the structural support the home may provide for the roof. All buildings carry a specific tolerance grade called "dead load." One must stay within this rating, or the structure might fail to support the total weight of the materials.

Regarding roofing, an average home can carry 15 pounds of dead load per square foot.

The climate

Different weather patterns will impact the roof in various ways. For example, certain materials are better suited for specific weather types and factors like strong winds.

Heavier shingles will be necessary for extremely windy areas, while lighter shingles will ease the burden on the structure in locations with plenty of snowfall. Metal shingles are particularly useful in hot weather, and clay or slate variants boast superior temperature resistance.

Roof coloring

Different shingle materials come in a variety of colors. However, as only some homeowners would like their roofs to contrast sharply from the rest of the building, the coloring may be a significant consideration.

While metal shingles are among the most versatile variants, slate tiles and asphalt shingles come in limited colors. Yet, these materials are often neutral in color and may fit with most homes.

Choose the best roof shingles 

These factors likely make selecting the right shingles complex. Yet, finding the middle ground between the available options will ensure the best roofing for the home.

Nimble Restoration Services offers ten years of experience in restoration construction and roofing repair and replacement for residential and commercial structures in McKinney, Tx. Our client information service ensures our customers understand their needs and the best materials for their circumstances. We offer roof inspections and tune-ups. We believe our integrity and service are unmatched. RCAT licensed and insured. Woman-owned. Emergency services are available. Call us now at (214) 833-7517.