What are the Pros and Cons of Fiber Cement Siding?
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If you are a homeowner who needs to replace an existing roof or you are building a new property and considering the options, you will be looking at shingles. This is one of the most common and economical choices for property owners in your situation, but there are many different types of shingles and various brands in the marketplace. So, what are the different options and the best roofing shingles for your needs?
When you start to look for the best roof shingles, you’ll find that they come in eight broad categories.
This is by far the most common type of roof, and as the name implies, they are made from asphalt. Asphalt roofing shingles are relatively easy to work with, and shingles manufacturers have come up with a range of products that can be tailored to meet certain challenges.
For example, some types of asphalt shingles are more resistant to hail or fight mold and algae, while others are more adept at reflecting the sun’s heat to keep your home cooler and reduce energy bills.
When it comes to the types of asphalt shingles for your home or business, you can choose from strip, dimensional, or luxury.
Strip shingles are also known as “3-tab,” which have a very flat appearance similar to slate. They are less costly and lighter than other asphalt shingles.
Dimensional shingles are also known as architectural or laminate shingles and are equally as popular. They have two or more layers of asphalt to create a distinctive appearance and can also be used to mimic the appearance of natural slate. Dimensional shingles tend to be heavier than strip shingles.
Luxury shingles are the highest quality option available but look great and give extra protection when it comes to weathering.
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In contrast to asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles are based on a fiberglass mat, then coated with asphalt. Ceramic particles are placed on top of the shingle before it is ready to use. These products are lighter than asphalt shingles as less asphalt is used in their construction but may also be a more durable option.
People often refer to pure asphalt shingles as being “organic” to differentiate them from fiberglass. However, remember that the term organic in this context does not mean sustainable but rather that they are made from non-synthetic materials.
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Aluminum shingles are a very popular type of metal roofing system for residential properties. They are made in three different stages using a stamping press machine, and once they have been stamped out are typically coated with up to seven layers of premium paint primer.
These shingles are durable and resistant to impact, wind, and fire. With this type of solution, you won’t need to worry about algae accumulation or rot. Also, aluminum is recyclable, so this is an environmentally friendly option. These shingles are lightweight, so they put less stress on your supporting frame, and as they have good reflective properties, they may help you reduce your energy bill too.
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Copper shingles are a premium, high-quality product that will have a very distinctive look. They are extremely durable, and many people feel that the appearance of this product will improve with age. In addition, these shingles are water-resistant and considered an eco-friendly choice.
Still, they are one of the costliest options and may not be the best idea if you have galvanized steel or aluminum as part of your building frame. After all, copper may not react well with these other metals. Also, these copper roofs may weather and turn bright green after a certain amount of time, although they may display different hues along the way.
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This is one of the least expensive roofing material options for residential roofing. Unlike designer shingles, corrugated steel shingles tend to be thin and are installed with special screws. They may need to be checked from time to time to ensure that they are still tight.
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Wood shingles, such as wood shakes like cedar shake, are popular for their aesthetic appeal. They can be crafted from cedar, treated pine, or spruce, and many people will choose them for older homes or where authenticity is important.
They are machine cut and have a crisp, trim appearance, and come in a variety of colors and styles. While wood tab shingles will generally last a long time, they may be prone to some discoloration – however, they are fully biodegradable.
From time to time, you will need to treat wood shingles with fungicides and preservatives, as otherwise, they may tend to dry out and begin to crack. They may also be vulnerable to algae or mildew if you do not keep up with this treatment.
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In the US, slate architectural shingles are relatively rare and tend to be found more on the East Coast or New England. Still, a slate roof is very traditional, hardy, and fire-resistant. Also, it may last for up to 50 years in some situations.
Slate shingles can be made from 100% natural stone and come with a unique texture, giving them a favored appearance. Each slate tile may have several individual layers, making it a great choice for roof tiling, although challenging to install. Also, you can expect this option to be one of the most expensive, and a slate tile shingle roof will weigh a considerable amount.
This means that you need to pay particular attention to your frame and structure. Some companies actually manufacture lookalike, slate-style shingles made from recycled rubber. This option is lightweight and has a textured appearance but is not fireproof.
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Solar roof shingles are certainly a specialty choice and are primarily designed to capture energy from the sun. They may look similar to traditional shingles from afar, but they are made from the same materials as you would find in conventional solar panels.
They also have a photosensitive waterproof product that helps the shingles protect the home, but as you may expect, they are much more costly than any other option. After all, they have two specific functions — to safeguard the home and generate usable electricity at the same time.
Solar shingles can theoretically provide you with all your electricity needs, depending on your home’s configurations and ultimate demand. In addition, you may be able to take advantage of grants or tax deductions if you choose solar shingles, so you could work that into your calculations.
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CertainTeed
CertainTeed is one of the better-known brands, providing higher-end products that may come at a premium. Still, the company has also decided to produce a more affordable line in recent years. In addition, CertainTeed products are known for their high wind resistance, and the company offers a good warranty. However, those guarantees may have additional requirements.
Malarkey
This company is popular in certain parts of the country and produces a modified polymer asphalt shingle with greater durability. Malarkey offers a superior and transferable warranty but may not have as much selection as other competitors. This company’s products tend to be higher priced as well.
GAF
This is one of the market leaders and the company with many lines of shingles that come with excellent warranties.
When you’re ready to choose the best roofing shingles for your project, you’ll want to turn to the best roofing contractor. JET Contracting should be your first choice as an expert company that’s been operating throughout Northeast Georgia for more than 20 years.
JET is locally owned and renowned for providing top-notch service when delivering quality products. Our knowledgeable staff will be delighted to help with your project, and no job is too big or too small for JET’s team of enthusiastic and experienced technicians.
Reach out to JET Contracting today for more information. Request a consultation, and we will give you a free estimate and evaluation. You can also check out some valued testimonials to see why so many people in the Northeast Georgia area trust JET for the best roofing shingles on the market.
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