There are two main categories of roofing materials:
- Tile roof
- Shingle roof
In most of the world, you will see tile roofing. Especially in places where the style is imitating Spanish or any European styles. In China, too you will find tile roofs. However, in the “United States of We Have It All”, shingles are the most commonly used roofing material by far.
What are shingles?
Shingles are thin tiles, small and rectangular shaped, that are produced from asphalt. The reason being that asphalt has very strong waterproof qualities. Shingles are secured to the roof using a strong nail-gun, generally. Shingles overlap each other, in order to keep out any water. They are very much like tiles in that aspect. But in many other aspects, they are very different.
What are some major differences between tiles and shingles?
The first and foremost reason, as you probably already guessed, is the pricing. Not only are tiles approximately double the price of shingles, but the installation of shingles versus tiles lowers the price even more. However, tiles also tend to last a lot longer than shingles, and experts say that the price ends up very much balanced, in the long run. The resistance of a tile roof, because of its weight, also protects more and can hold itself down, though you do have to make sure your roof can hold that much weight.
Shingle history:
The first shingle roof was built in the year 1893. It only began to grow in popularity after the second world war, when houses began to boom. In relativity, it is a very new method, no wonder people around the world haven’t yet gotten used to it. GAF is the most popular shingle manufacturer in the US with manufacturers like Tamko and Owens Corning to follow.
Fire hazard:
Shingles are highly flammable, so if you’re worried about your wooden house going up in flames, you should be extra careful because combined with the shingles, your house is double flammatory trouble. But you should be careful no matter what, even if you live in a brick house with a curly tile roof. Ask a local roofer for help with fire safety roofing.
Exterior design:
Another advantage of using shingles, whether it’s a major advantage really depends on who you are, is design. While designing a home, shingles give you many more design options than tiles. If you are into modern, and new age, shingles are probably for you. If you are very new’ age, though, and maybe even retro, you may end up choosing tiles, because it is more real and authentic.
Royal Renovators Inc. 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 (718) 414-6067 https://www.nycrenovators.com/ – A Top Rated GAF Master Elite Contractor in Queens.
Shingles are typically flat and rectangular shaped over the years different types of shingles have been made out of wood, slate, flagstone, fiber cement, metal, plastic and asphalt. Today, asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the United States.
Choosing the type of shingle depends on various factors such as the climatic zone and the type of building. There are variety of shingles distinguished by brand, price, longevity, etc.
When it comes to choosing the right type of shingle, asphalt shingles are often an excellent choice because of their affordability, clean look and good warranties.
Shingles are available in different sizes, brands and colors. So be vigilant and do your research before purchasing. The largest manufacturers are GAF, Certain Teed, Tamko, Owens Corning, IKO, Malarkey and Atlas.
GAF Roofing Shingles:
The best selling and performing material in the industry is GAF (from North America’s largest roofing manufacturer) founded in 1886. GAF is selling 15 different types of shingles.
Shingle lines and warranty:
- GAF Royal sovereign 3 tab shingles: 25 years limited warranty.
- Timberline HD architectural laminate shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
- Grand Canyon heavyweight key-cut shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
Their top warranty is known as the Golden Pledge, and is applicable to all GAF lifetime shingles. Visit their official website and learn more about which GAF shingle you should choose.
CertainTeed Roofing Shingles:
Certain Teed is another leading brand founded in 1940. They are known for the Presidential and Presidential TL series. They also offer great warranties.
Shingle lines and warranty:
- CT 20 3 Tab shingles: 20 year limited lifetime warranty
- Landmark architectural laminate shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
- Presidential TL tri-laminate shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
Certain Teed models are guaranteed against algae growth, in this case they reserves the right to clean rather to replace the affected shingles. They are the second most popular manufacturer for sloped roofing after GAF.
Owens Corning Roofing Shingles:
Owens corning is a quality roofing shingle founded in 1938. They specialize in fiberglass products. They are well known for their insulation and Surenail technology.
Shingle lines and warranty:
- Supreme 3 Tab shingles: 25 year limited lifetime warranty
- Duration Architectural Laminate Shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
- Woodmoor Heavyweight shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
All Owens Corning shingles have standard limited warranties.
Malarkey Roofing Shingles:
Malarkey has a very strong position in the industry. Their roofing products are specialized against extreme weather conditions. Malarkey roofing products has been manufacturing since 1956.
Shingle lines and warranty:
- Dura-seal 20 3 tab shingles: 20 year limited lifetime warranty
- Legacy SBS Architectural Laminate shingles: 20 year limited lifetime warranty
IKO Roofing Shingles:
IKO was founded in 1951. They make and sell different shingle styles throughout the world. They are known for 10% larger and true square of roofing.
Shingle lines and warranty:
- Marathon 3 Tab Shingles: 20 year limited lifetime warranty
- Cambridge AR Shingles, Architectural Laminate Shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
- Armourshake Heavy Weight Shingles: 50 year limited lifetime warranty
IKO offers Iron Clad warranty to all shingles.
- Always study the warranty carefully before purchasing, as the terms may vary.
Royal Renovators Inc. 118-35 Queens Blvd Forest Hills, NY 11375 (800) 423-2313 https://nycrenovators.com – A Top Rated GAF Master Elite Contractor in Queens.
Putting a new roof on our home can be an intimidating experience. It’s a big project, expensive, and often times we delay as long as possible. When a new roof is installed it is a long-term investment and a major addition to our homes, increasing the resale value of any home, sometimes significantly. GAF for over 125 years has been a leader in roofing and shingles. Their asphalt shingles have lead the way in roofing development and provided quality product for home owners in north America.
What makes GAF great
The GAF installation procedure helps to ensure its lasting quality. The first step is installing the leak barrier which is a water proof membrane which protects the most vulnerable areas of the roof. The second step is installing the deck barrier which will protect your existing roof deck from the harsh elements. The third step is the starter strip shingles are then installed along the edges to protect the RAF shingles from high winds. Fifth, is the high-quality asphalt shingles that GAF is known for throughout the industry. These shingles are not just sturdy but are beautiful and found in colors to match virtually any home. Sixth, ridge vents are installed to release heat buildup within the root. Finally, ridge cap shingles are installed to protect and beautify the vents to match the rest of the new roof. The products and installation method live up to the GAF brand, but what about after installation is finished?
The Warranty
The GAF warranty is one of the reasons they have created such a great name for themselves. The Golden Pledge warranty can help keep your investment safe long after installation is completed. For 50 years after project completion the shingles will be 100% guaranteed. Additionally, the entire roof system will be guaranteed with this option. Any labor cost that will be needed in the future have a lifetime guarantee.
GAF can produce a warranty like this because they only allow “GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractors” which have been trained and certified by them to install products that offer this warranty. This is a small percentage of contractors and they have oversight the whole process. At the end of installation, a GAF inspector comes to do a 40-point check on the roof and shingles to ensure everything was done correctly. Only at this point is the job truly considered complete.
GAF conducted a study where they discovered that 2/3 of all problems people experienced with their new roof were caused by inadequate workmanship, and not the products. This is one reason they take certification and their guarantee so seriously to save problems and cost in the future. They even go so far as to protect the labor of your assets even if the original contractor is no longer in business.
Royal Renovators Are One Of 2-3% Of Contractors in NYC That Are Certified GAF Master Elite Roofers. Call Now For A Fast & Free In-Home Estimate.
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