What to Know about Shingles
Everyone knows a roof is crucial the health and longevity of any property and the workhorse of any residential roof are the shingles. Areas like Chicago are prone to freezing winters, wet springs, hot summers, and fall weather that can bring a combination of everything. Keeping your roof and more importantly – your shingles – in good condition only ensures you’ll stay comfortable regardless of the weather outside.
What are Shingles?
Shingles are individual overlapping elements that make up the outer layer of a roof. They are laid in rows from the bottom of the roof up, with each row overlapping the one below it to shed water effectively and keep the wood under the shingles safe from the elements. Without shingles, your roof and home would be at risk for serious damage.
What Are the Types of Shingles?
While there are many different types and even brands of shingles, generally for residential properties in Chicago there are three types that are commonly used. These shingles are:
- Asphalt Shingles
Stone Shingles – typically slate
Wood Shingles
Each shingle has its own unique benefit, look, and price point but regardless of what type you like best, they all offer the same type of protection for a roof.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are roofing materials made of a fiberglass or organic mat base, coated with asphalt for waterproofing, and topped with ceramic granules to protect from UV rays and add color.
Asphalt shingles tend to be the most common because they are durable, easy to replace, and relatively inexpensive when compared to other options like stone or wood. These shingles are not only widespread in the Chicagoland area but they are the most common type of shingle found throughout the United States.
Stone Shingles
Stone shingles are considered a premium roofing option, similar to stone countertops. Known for their natural beauty, durability, and long lifespan, stone shingles tend to add curb appeal and can add an aesthetic beauty to a roof that other options struggle to replicate. The most common type of stone shingle used in roofing is slate but other stones are used such as limestone and quartzite.
Stone shingles also rarely need to be replaced. Excluding acts of god or other unforeseen types of damage, stone shingles can last over 75 years but as these are premium they tend to come with a higher price tag. Additionally, stone shingles are very heavy so while this option is available for residential use, stone shingles tend to be found on historic properties, churches, and high end luxury homes.
Regardless of the stone used, this type of shingle is ideal for homes in snowy areas as stone, specifically slate, tends to be frost resistant and sheds snow very well.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are a classic option that has been in use for centuries. Arguably this type of shingle is the oldest option, next to sod roofing. From Asian to African and every continent in between, homes with roofs have utilized wooden shingles to some extent. This is because wood is a common to find building material and in a modern context is environmentally friendly.
Wood shingles are thin and are typically made from cedar, redwood, or pine. These shingles are installed in overlapping layers, just like asphalt or slate shingles, to shed water and protect the roof. However, unlike asphalt shingles, wood tends to add more elegance and beauty to a home.
However, wood shingles tend to need more maintenance and given they are wood, they pose a fire hazard if untreated. These shingles also need to be replaced more frequently than others.
Call us for Shingles
Regardless of your preference, we can help you re-shingle your roof and help you construct a new roof. Contact us today and we’ll provide you with an estimate for the project