Pros and Cons of Each Roof Shingle Type - Which Shingles are Best?

You’re pulling in going down your driveway. You come to a stop and get out of the car, you look up at your beautiful home—but you take a step back. You think to yourself: Do I need a new roof?

Roofs unlike any other part of your home are always exposed to sizzling rays of sun, gusty winds, freezing temperatures, and heavy rains. They endure a lot, but they won't last forever. In fact, one of the easiest warning signs of a new roof is age. After 20-25 years of having a roof, you will notice visible wear and tear where there wasn't any before.

‍5 Signs you Need a New Roof

Realizing you need a new roof is not necessarily a bad thing. This can often happen through no fault of your own. It’s not the shingles or the style, sometimes roofs just get old. It truly may just be that it is old and worn. Sometimes though, there are other contributing factors. Read to learn more.

Damaged Shingles

There are many ways in which damaged shingles appear on roofs, such as cracking. Cracked shingles can appear over time as a fracture or break. This usually happens due to UV radiation taking its toll on the asphalt, causing it to become brittle.

Another way to tell if your shingles are damaged is if they appear to be curling. Shingles typically tend two curls in one of two ways: cupping and clawing. When shingles curl on their edges, it's called cupping, and when they curl down the middle it's called clawing.

Signs of damaged shingles include missing shingles. Your roof should be entirely covered in shingles, if it's not, well, you know who to call! It's important to remember that a few damaged shingles is an easy fix, but if the damage seems to be more uniform, it may be a sign you’re in need of a new roof.

Moss or Algae on Roof

Moss or algae is much more than just a cosmetic issue. In fact, it can be alarming, especially if left untreated. Over time, moss or algae can cause a myriad of problems such as wood rotting and blocking off drainage points. While seeing moss or algae can be worrisome, it is not the end of the world, but you should do your best to take care of it as soon as possible. Doing so will prevent costly repairs as well as extend the lifespan of your roof. However, if even after having a professional remove moss or algae, you continue having problems, it may be a sign your home needs a new roof.

Bald Spots

Roofs don’t age well. Chances are, if your roof has seen some mileage, it may be nearing the end of its lifespan. Some signs of an aging roof include an increase in granule loss, as well as some bald spots where shingles should be. Your roof losing granules is normal, but if it seems more than the usual amount, and it is accompanied by large bald spots, it may be wise to give us a call, doing so will prevent any serious damage.

Signs of Leaks

Look, leaks are annoying, but they’re not the end of the world. While it may be hard to locate a leak, it’s not hard to figure out if you have a leak. In fact, if you have an inkling of leak, you probably have one. Some of the most obvious signs of a roof leak include a musty odor. If you smell mildew, it may be a sign of water damage due to mold growth. Another is water stains, typically a yellowish-brown color, on your ceiling. The most common and obvious sign is water puddling up in your attic. Remember, a leak can be a warning sign of roof replacement, so it's best to get it checked out!

Roof Age

You may be wondering whether you need a new roof or not, but before undertaking this project, finding out your roof's age is the first step. While seemingly straightforward, figuring it out can be a bit tricky. Some ways to find out the age of your roof include calling the previous owners, getting the building permit, or an estimate from a roof inspector. A good rule of thumb is if your roof is hitting the 20th to 30th year mark it can be a sign that it is time for a new roof replacement. Don’t be left wondering though, give us a call!

Types of Roofing Materials

In this day and age, there are many types of roofing materials to choose from. Just because you previously had asphalt shingles, it doesn’t mean you have to stick with those, the options are endless, and so are the possibilities for your home. You may decide that the look of your home is antiquated and you wanna go for something a little more modern. Whatever material you want—Parish Roofing is guaranteed to have it.

Asphalt Shingles

With an average cost of $1.50 to $4.50 per square foot​​, asphalt shingles tend to be the most popular roofing option in America. They come in different colors, they’re lightweight, and best of all, durable. Most asphalt shingles come with a 20-30 year warranty, which safeguards your investment for years to come. With proper maintenance and care, asphalt shingles can last anywhere from 12 to 30 years.

Metal Roofing

There are two types of metal roofs: a standing seam roof and metal shingles. While they differ in look, both roofing options provide the same benefits and protection to your home. Metal roofs tend to cost $8 to $16 per square foot and are known to last anywhere from 30 to 50 years. Some benefits of a metal roof include their added resistance to snowfall and wildfires, as this kind of roofing is fireproof. Call Parish Roofing and find out if metal roofing is the right option for you.

Clay Tiles

Although clay tiles are the most expensive, usually costing $10 to $18 per square foot and as much as $30 per square foot, they also have the longest lifespan. In fact, you can get almost a century's worth of roofing when you choose clay tiles. They are a good sturdy and aesthetically pleasing option, especially in warmer climates, as they help keep your home cool.

Expert Help

A roof is the most important part of your home. Whether rain, wind, or snow, your roof is always the first line of defense against the elements. Don’t jeopardize your comfort or your safety. Call Parish Roofing to enlist the help of a tried and tested roofing professional.