If you are looking for roofing shingles information, we got you covered (literally).
Asphalt shingles happen to be the most popular shingles out there because of their affordability, durability, and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Now, this is not to say there isn’t other types of roofing shingles or roof materials such as:
- Wood shingles
- Metal roofing
- Wood shake shingles
- Concrete tiles
- Solar shingles
- Slate shingles
- Clay tiles
- Asphalt shingles
However, there is a very high probability that your home has asphalt shingles and if you’re considering replacing those shingles you are most likely considering your options.
This is why today, we will help you by answering commonly asked roofing shingle questions and also help you understand everything there is to know about asphalt shingles including:
- First, what are asphalt shingles?
- What type and quality of roofing shingles are there?
- How much do asphalt shingles typically cost?
- What is better, a shingle repair or a new roof?
First, what are asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles are exactly what you might be thinking – asphalt. Now, it’s not like you have a layer of thick asphalt on your home’s roof similar to a road. No, that would be heavy!
Instead, the main component of asphalt shingles is of course asphalt, blended with fiberglass on a felt paper base. Asphalt shingles are coated with a waterproof layer of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules.
All of this creates a durable, waterproof, and lightweight shingle that can stand most elements mother nature has to offer such as high winds, ice, snow, rain, and hail.
Asphalt shingles happen to be the most commonly used form of roofing material in the states, more common than sheet metal or wood shingles. They also happen to be less expensive and more durable when compared to their counterparts.
What type and quality of asphalt roofing shingles are there?
When you go to the car dealership there isn’t just one type of car you can buy, there are countless selections you can make. The same goes for your home’s roofing shingles – there are plenty of options to pick from.
Asphalt shingles are the most popular and rightfully so.
The asphalt shingle technology has come a long way in the last five years, and depending on the age of your home’s roof, you most likely have what are called “Three Tab Shingles.”
Three tab asphalt shingles are the boxy looking asphalt shingles you are most likely familiar with that are flat and installed in interlocking strips. Overall, three tab shingles are durable, light, and give your home a nice look.
Architectural asphalt shingles like the one’s pictured in the photo above, are made from asphalt like their three tab counterparts, but they are heavier and aesthetically more pleasing.
Using more material and making them thicker, architectural shingles are durable and designed to give the look of a wood shake roof. The variances in colors and style makes your home more aesthetically pleasing, but while also providing substantially more durability then three tab shingles.
In fact, warranty options are MUCH better with architectural shingles (more on that later). Which leads to the next logical question many homeowners will ask once they know their options regarding shingle types is the price question:
“How much do shingles cost?”
How much do asphalt shingles typically cost?
We have a friend on the east coast who has a “Build” your roof page that explains how roofing prices work, but roof shingle costs start with a few things:
- The type of shingle
- The quantity of shingles
- The type of roof
The first two factors – type and size of your roof – will determine your new roof shingle costs the most, with the size being the largest determining factor since roofs are measured in “Squares.”
A square refers to 100 square feet of shingles. In essence, if someone has a home with a roof that is 1,500 square feet they would need 15 square of shingles to be replaced.
On average, three tab shingles will run the average homeowner approximately $400 per square, whereas our architectural roofing shingles run $450 and up per square. Factors like location in the states, the shingle manufacture, asphalt prices, and others can cause a variance in the per square price.
Three Tab Shingles | Architectural Shingles |
~ $400 per square | ~ $450 per square |
10 Square = $4,000 | 10 Square = $4,500 |
20 Square = $8,000 | 20 Square = $9,000 |
Now, keep in mind that a square refers to the shingles installed! This means the existing roof is removed, followed by new laments and shingles being installed.
What is better, a shingle repair or a new roof?
Sticking with the car analogies, quick question:
Would you repair a car for $3,000 if it was only worth $2,000?
No, chances are you would take the $3,000 and sell the car for $2,000, thus allowing you to get a $5,000 car or put $5,000 down. The same theory goes for your roof repair/new roof dilema.
Sometimes it makes sense to get a new roof, other times a repair will suffice. The factors really depend on the scope of the issue and these factors:
- How old is your roof?
- Can you get approved for an insurance claim for your roof damage?
- Will the repair last, or is a new roof the better long term option?
- Will a roof repair cost more than just replacing the entire roof?
Typically, if it is something simple like replacing a few shingles, checking out a possible leak, or replacing a section of a ridge vent, a roofing repair is a good option.
However, when the amount of roofing shingles needing to be replaced reaches a certain threshold (like the car example above), or the repair costs are starting to approach 50% of the cost of a new roof, a roof replacement is usually a better option.
Roofing Shingles Verdict:
If you’re still reading this article at this point, you’re someone who is most likely considering replacing your roof or installing a new roof – congrats to you for doing your due diligence.
Roofing shingles are not something we keep on the forefront of our mind until we notice a few laying in our yard after a bad wind storm. Or perhaps you decide to sell your home and recognize that your old roof isn’t going to cut it.
Regardless of why you’re reading about roofing shingles, keep in mind replacing your roofing shingles is something that should be viewed as an investment. So like any investment, becoming informed is vital. To help you, here are some other resources: