Choosing the right type of roofing material for your home is essential, especially if you plan to live in that home for many years to come. Although some roofing materials are more resistant than others, it essentially boils down to how often you perform roof maintenance, how well the roofing contractors installed your roof, and the weather conditions that are typical for your area.
You also should consider what type of roofs your neighbors have because it can tell you a lot about a region. Roofing in Portland, for example, is predominated by shingles, and for a good reason! Ask a roofing contractor in Portland about roof lifespans before choosing one for your home, but generally, here are three common roofing materials and their lifespans:
Timberline Roof Shingles
Timberline roof shingles, also known as laminate shingles or architectural shingles, are a popular roofing material for many houses in the Portland area. They last between 30 and 50 years, or even more if you take good care of them with regular maintenance.
GAF timberline roof shingles pass over 185 separate tests to ensure long-term durability, fire resistance, wind uplift resistance, toughness, flexibility, and more.
The best part about this type of roofing materials is that they come with very advantageous warranties, such as the ten-year algae warranty, for example. Laminated shingles are also easy to install and can give your home a multidimensional look since they are made out of multiple layers fused together.
Strip Shingles
Strip shingles, also known as 3-tab shingles, last between 15 and 20 years. The great advantage of this type of roofing material is that it doesn’t require much maintenance, unlike other roof types, and they are very affordable and easy to install.
Asphalt shingles are also lightweight, which is a great advantage when it comes to overall costs. For example, tile roofs put a tremendous amount of weight in your home, and this means that you will most likely need additional structural support for it to be an option, which means more investment. However, strip shingles are basically a single layer of asphalt. Nothing to worry about here!
Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles can last between 25 and 40 years and are generally considered the highest-quality laminated shingles on the market. These types of roofs are extremely resistant to weathering and very beautiful to behold as well.
Their coloration and dimensionality are simply works of art and even resemble quarried slate roofing. What’s generally advantageous about shingles is that they can be made to be highly resistant to algae and hail damage or reflect heat and cool your home, reducing costs and overall maintenance.
How to Choose the Perfect Shingle Roof
Shingle roofs come in a fantastic variety of shapes and colors, and they are highly durable, especially if you pick certain shingles resistant to common roof damaging factors such as algae or hail, and also undergo regular maintenance.
What type of shingle roof suits your home depends on your style, how many years you plan to live in that home, and the general climate and weather of the area. Speak with a roofing contractor to learn more and make an informed decision.
