Roof Shingles

Roofing shingles are one available option when it comes to choosing your roofing materials. There are a number of different types available, and the good news is that they are fairly easy to install yourself. Here is a quick guide on what you need to think about if you are choosing roofing shingles or installing them yourself.

Types of Roofing Shingles

Firstly you should do a little research and choose the best materials for your roof. When it comes to shingles there are a number of different types including laminated, slate, wood and asphalt. They all have different properties and work in slightly different ways. Understanding why this is the case will help you to choose the right materials for your roof.

Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular type of shingle. These are constructed using different materials and are usually made to be extremely durable. This is what makes them last for as long as thirty years, making them a long term investment for your roof.

Slate roofing shingles are another extremely durable option. They can be harder to work with due to the fact that they are heavy, tend to break easily and can be hard to work with. However, they are still extremely popular and can add a distinctive look to your home from their unique and colourful appearance. Once you have installed slate roofing shingles successfully you could expect them to last as much as 100 years!

Laminated roofing shingles are constructed using a number of different roofing materials, including asphalt. They are made to replicate more expensive roofing materials, which is why they are becoming a more popular choice for homeowners. Like slate shingles, laminated roofing shingles can add depth and character to a roof.

Last but not least are wood roofing shingles which are constructed with a number of different woods. Most commonly cedar is used, though they could also be constructed using pine or spruce. Wood shingles are popular due to the bright colour they provide. However, this colour will usually fade after the first year of use and you may also experience a number of other problems including splintering and shrinking.

Installing Roofing Shingles

Installing roofing shingles is a job that can be done DIY, though if you have little experience then it is a good idea to contact a professional. There are many contractors who will be well experienced in this kind of job. Simply do a quick internet search or flick through the Yellow Pages and phone up some professionals to get a quote.

If you do decide to use a professional then you should do a little research into their insurance and training to make sure they will do a good job on your roof. Compare a few different prices to make sure you are getting the best deal, however the cheapest will not always be the option to go for. Make sure you find a reliable professional who can give you the best job for the money.