SB Roofing Blog

Architectural shingles are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles. They are some of the highest quality shingles because they are heavier, and do not require additional support under the roof. They are used by homeowners who like a distinctive, upscale  look to their roofs. Their weight and design give a three-dimensional appearance. Some are nailed on, while others in addition to nails, have interlocking tabs. They are also attractive to builders because of ease of installation.

What are they?
Architectural shingles are made using a heavier base than a standard asphalt shingle. The base is made from fiberglass or organic materials, with some asphalt added. The back of the shingles are coated with a special material and granules are added to the top layer.

How long do Architectural shingles last?
In most cases they're designed to last for 30-50 years. They contain asphalt and minerals, are strong and flexible. They withstand extreme temperatures and other weather events. They are often available with a lifetime warranty.

Promising rock-bottom prices and quick turnaround for a new roof, unlicensed and untrained home improvement “professionals” prey on consumers when they're most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, this is a common practice that usually results in poor installations that later cause trouble, when the installer has moved on to the next town. 

Choosing a new roof to protect your home and family is a big decision, and deserves careful consideration.
The nonprofit Metal Roofing Alliance recommends homeowners ask these questions before signing a contract for a new roof:

1. Is the company licensed, and are the employees bonded and insured? How long has the company been in business?
2. What types of roofing materials does the company offer?  The industry has evolved - there are many choices beyond the old asphalt shingle.
3. Will the contractor provide a written, final estimate?
4. Can the new roof be installed over the existing roof?
5. What are the environmental considerations of the new materials and disposal of the old roof?
6. What company manufactures the roofing material the contractor will use?
7. How long with will the new roof last?  What does the warranty cover?
8. Will the company use subcontractors?  If so, how will they be managed/supervised?
9. Is there pending legal action against the company?
10. Can you speak with former customers? 

Most homeowners will have to buy three or more roofs in their lifetime.

A growing number of homeowners are avoiding the chore and cost of multiple roof installations by choosing durable and environmentally-friendly metal roofs.   Resistant to cracking, shrinking and eroding, metal roofs stand up to hail, high winds and even wildfires.  Today's residential metal roofing is competing with common roofing material - such as asphalt shingle, cedar shake, clay tile or slate roofing - only stronger and more durable. No matter the style, most homeowners who choose a metal roof will never have to worry about re-roofing again.

Original article on PR Newswire

Choosing the right roofing materials for repair or installation of a new roof is a pretty hard thing to do especially for those who do not have any experience. Roofing is one of the most important facets in the structure and integrity of your home, so it is necessary to do the proper research for the best roofing materials for your home and your needs.

Deciding on the best roofing material to use depends on your personal preference but it also depends on the area where your house is located.

Asphalt Shingles - The most cost effective among all types of roofing - that's why they are widely used. Asphalt shingles provides a variety of colors that add style to your roof. Asphalt shingles usually have 30-, 40-, 50-year or limited lifetime warranties. They are widely being used by homeowners.

Architectural Shingles- Synthetic Architectural Shingle roofs are designed to look exactly like the natural roofs, such as slate or cedar, but synthetic materials are lighter weight and usually less expensive to repair. Synthetic slate and cedar are highly fire resistant.  They are also backed by a 50-year manufacturer's warranty.

Standing Seam Metal Roof – Similar to  asphalt shingles in functionality and durability, they are inexpensive, long-lasting and easy to install. A properly installed metal roof should last at least 50 years. They are great in warmer climates where they reflect the heat from the sun.

Wood Shingles - the ideal choice of many homeowners. The color of wood shingles turns lighter over time, but this look is often what the homeowner is looking for. With proper care and maintenance, wood shingles could last for about thirty to fifty years.

Your home is your most valuable possession. Protect it with a long lasting, durable metal roof from SB Roofing. Standing seam metal roofs have a more modern look.  They are available in steel or aluminum, and a variety of thicknesses.  Metal roofs are a great investment, and you'll save money in the long run.  A metal roof can last a lifetime, whereas materials like asphalt require reroofing every 10 to 20 years.

The average life of a non-metal roof is 17 years. A metal roofing system offers durability, lasting 2 to 3 times longer than many other roof types. Chances are good that a metal roof will be your last roof. And they are available in a wide range of styles and colors.

Regardless of the roofing style, color or finish you have on your home now, there's a metal roofing style to match. Metal roofing in both light and dark colors reflects heat effectively to reduce cooling needs during the Virginia summer and they insulate homes better during the winter. This can help to lower your energy bills. They are made to meet the dimensions of your home and are installed with unexposed fasteners, so you don't have to worry about penetrations that could cause leaks.

A very necessary, but often dreaded, home improvement project that homeowners face is repairing the roof. It is a huge project and it is one that will affect the overall appearance of your home. If you choose the wrong material for your roof, you won’t like the look of your home, and you could be stuck with it for years. If you choose the right material, your roof will look great, last a long time, and do its job. The problem is there are so many types of roofing shingles to choose from, it's impossible to know about all of them or which to choose.

Composite shingles are one of the most popular shingle materials. They are made from different materials that are put together. These shingles are popular, because they are inexpensive. However, they don't last that long compared to metal materials. Using composite roof shingles is the latest trend in roofing. Composite shingles are similar to other conventional and traditional shingle materials. You also have a lot of options in their appearance because they come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

As for metal shingles, there are copper, steel and iron roof shingles. There is also standing seam metal roofs which have a more modern look.  They are available in steel or aluminum, and a variety of thicknesses.  They are fabricated to meet the dimensions of your home and are installed with unexposed fasteners, so you don't have to worry about penetrations that could cause leaks. This professional-looking product is a great investment, and it's available in a wide range of styles and colors. They are very durable, and maintenance free.

Wood shingles, or shakes, are made from medicated woods like pine, spruce, or cedar. The color of these shingles is vibrant initially but, after the first year they usually turn to gray. Some setbacks of wood as shingles are breakage, deformity, and cowering. So it is usually recommended that you do roof replacement in 10 years or so.

Architectural Shingles resemble a shake shingle in appearance.  There are many advantages to these shingles starting with the warranty which usually ranges from 30 years to lmited lifetime. They are much thicker than the standard 3-tab shingle and have a more three dimensional look that resembles wood shakes or slate.  And they add a very nice accent to the look of your home.

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used. Asphalt roofing shingles are made of paper, glass, or fiber and are very strong. These shingles can last up to twenty years