Thinking About Installing Roof Shingles?

If you are like most people, you probably invest more time thinking about tomorrow's outfit, tonight's dinner, or yesterday's lunch than you do about the shingles on your home. And yet, your roof is truly the first line of defense when extreme seasonal temperatures rear their ugly heads. Research time invested now can save you a fortune down the road.

When Installing Roof Shingles, Which Material Is Best?

The answer really depends on a number of factors. For example:

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• If you ask a private contractor, he or she might recommend the most expensive materials, boosting the project's price.
• If you live in a city with extreme weather variations, be prepared to sacrifice on aesthetics in favor of endurance.
• If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association, you may have limited choices based on what has been approved.

There are no hard and fast rules in the business, but whenever in doubt, consider the standard composite asphalt shingles. They tend to be inexpensive and quite durable. Equally important, they come in a variety of different styles, allowing you to preserve your home's natural beauty when installing roof shingles.

Are There Drawbacks to Asphalt When Installing Roof Shingles?

According to some experts, asphalt shingles do have some drawbacks. They do not last as long in warmer climates as they do in cooler ones--they do not respond well to rapid temperature fluctuations, as often happens in desert regions with blistering hot days and freezing nights. Also, without proper drainage they are more prone to water damage over time.

Even with those concerns, many professional installers prefer asphalt shingles to metal, wood, and synthetic materials. Pound for pound and dollar for dollar, asphalt roofing potentially provides the best value for the money.