If you are considering roofing options for your home, you can’t go wrong with asphalt shingles. Shingle roofs are regarded as the most popular roofing choice in America. Roughly 90% of US homes have a shingle roof because they are versatile, affordable, and easy to work with.
If you have weighed up the different roofing options and decided on a shingle roof, you are almost there. A shingle roof’s attributes, type, and brand can all influence your final decision. Feeling a bit overwhelmed? We have got you covered with a detailed 2023 Shingle Roof Quality Guide.
What Makes a Good Shingle Roof?
When living in South Florida, the weather is always a factor. Florida’s humid climate and hurricane season can give any roof a hard time. It’s important to choose the right material, have it installed correctly, and perform regular maintenance.
Life Expectancy
Ask your contractors about the life expectancy of your roofing material before installation. A drawback of asphalt roofs is that they often have a shorter life expectancy. However, different types and brands can last longer than others
Harsh Weather & Durability
South Florida homes can take quite a thrashing from wind, rain, and heat. Shingle roofs need to be installed expertly to ensure they last as long as possible. The better the installation, the less maintenance is needed after harsh weather. Shingle materials with higher wind ratings would also be in your interest to prepare your home for hurricane season
3-Tab vs. Architectural Shingles
There are two main types of shingle roofs. They are 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. While being assembled from the same material, they have clear differences which set them apart.
Composition
Architectural shingles use more material than 3-tabs and are thus heavier. This makes them sturdier and less likely to lift up in strong winds. They are also generally made of higher-quality shingles with more granules and stronger adhesives
Wind Ratings
Both 3-tabs and architectural shingles differ in their wind rating. The wind rating is a measure of how strong a wind your roof can sustain.
Architectural shingle roofs are heavier and thus have higher wind ratings
Longevity
Architectural shingles have an estimated lifespan of 18 to 25 years. 3-tab, on the other hand, lasts for 12 to 15 years. The quality and durability of the architectural mean they can last longer than 3-tab shingles
Cost
By now, it should make complete sense that architectural shingles are bound to be more expensive than 3-tab shingles roofs. You will pay for the longer life expectancy, durability, and reliability.
3-Tabs is an excellent choice if you are looking for a budget and affordable option since they are the significantly cheaper of the two
Which Brand Is Best?
If you have made your choice on what type of shingle roof you would like, it’s time to look at different brands. The preferred choices are GAF, CertainTeed, and Owens Corning. These top brands are popular due to their heavier shingle
GAF Shingle Pros
- GAF shingle roofs are 30% more resistant to wear and tear due to their Duraweave fiberglass reinforcement technology.
Owens Corning Pros
- Owens Corning does not need an ice and water shield during the installation of your asphalt roof, meaning a cheaper installation.
- These shingles generally have longer warranties than other materials. They are a safe bet in the long run
CertainTeed Shingle Pros
- CertainTeed shingles have a wider range of color options compared to their counterparts.
- CertainTeed has the heaviest shingle and is said to weigh up to 10 to 25% heavier when compared to GAF shingles. They also have fiberglass reinforcement.
It’s an ongoing debate about which brand is best. It ultimately comes down to choice. Consult the professionals to determine which brand is going to work best for your home’s needs
The Most Reliable Roofers in South Florida
Despite a comprehensive guide, it can still be hard to choose which shingle roof suits your home best. ABC Roofing has been servicing a variety of homes in South Florida for over 30 years. We can help get you the most suitable shingle roof for your home.
Give us a call today at 954-344-4622, and let’s start the process of getting you the perfect roof.
