SB Roofing Blog

No one wants to repair the roof or put on a new roof. A new roof is perhaps the most unexciting home improvement project. But it may be one of the most necessary. Not only is it a huge project but it also has a dramatic effect on the appearance of  your home.

If you choose the wrong shingles, you won’t like how your home looks, and roofs last for years, so you will have to live with the decision for years. There are so many types of roofing shingles to choose from, it is very difficult to know which will be right for you.

Composite shingles are one of the most popular shingle materials. These shingles are popular, because they are inexpensive. They last a long time, but metal lasts the longest. Composite shingles are the latest trend in roofing. Composite shingles are similar to other conventional and traditional shingle materials. They also come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Metal shingles are perhaps the longest lasting roofing material. They come in copper, steel and iron. 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.  Metal roofs are a great investment, and are 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. These are higher end shingles with a very unique look and style. The color of these shingles usually turns to gray in the first year. Some of the problems with wood shingles are breakage, deformity, and cowering. So it is usually recommended that you do roof replacement in 10 years or so.

Architectural Shingles look like shake shingles.  They make a very classy looking roof, and last much longer than wood shakes and there is a warranty which usually ranges from 30 years to lifetime, depending on the manufacturer.

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used and you see them on the largest variety of homes. Asphalt Roofing Shingles are made of paper, glass, or fiber and are very strong. These shingles can last up to twenty years.

Let's face it. Roof repair or replacement is job number one when considering home upgrades. Everything you do, from remodeling to painting to renovations, will be ruined without a functioning roof. Roof replacement is probably one of the most “boring” home renovations, but certainly is one of the most essential.

Roof Replacement is the process of removing the existing roof when in disrepair. Nailing over the existing roof is not recommended due to the added weight and increased chance of leaks. There are many factors that may cause a roof to fail, such as poor workmanship, faulty materials, inclement weather, age, and improper maintenance.

Your choice of roofing materials depends on your own personal taste and on the style of your home.

• Asphalt Shingles: Cheap and easily obtainable, but less attractive than other options due to "flat" appearance.
• Wood Shake: more expensive, but an attractive shingle.
• Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is less common, and few roofers install it; great for heat reflection and snow shedding.
• Architectural shingles or "Faux" Slate - Recycled post-industrial synthetics gaining in popularity.