Asphalt shingles are present in more than 80% of US residential homes. They’re hardly the only type of shingle, though, as recently, many homes have decided to veer away from asphalt shingles in favor of other shingle types.
Some homes prefer the aesthetics of clay tiles, while others prefer the longevity of copper or steel shingles. Before contacting roofing companies in Lancaster County, PA, here’s what you should know about the different types of shingles.
Asphalt Shingles
The biggest advantage that asphalt shingles have is their availability. Asphalt shingles are relatively easy and cheap to produce. As such, they’re available everywhere and in varying shapes and colors, the most common being dimensional shingles.
The affordability of asphalt shingles is also their greatest disadvantage. Because they’re inexpensive to make, asphalt shingles tend to be the most fragile type, with most beginning to fall apart at the 20-year mark.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are great because they significantly increase the appeal of your residential home, giving it that rustic look that many people find appealing. They’re also quite long-lasting and environmentally friendly. The average clay tile won’t need replacing until the 70-year mark.
However, they’re pretty expensive and remarkably cumbersome. Installing them is no small feat either. You’ll probably require an entire team of craftsmen to install them efficiently. Clay tiles are also notoriously brittle, especially when struck by a heavy object.
Wooden Shakes
Wooden shakes are great because they’re incredibly versatile and come in various shapes and sizes. They’re also remarkably energy efficient, both in the summer and winter, and compared to other roofing types, they’re incredibly resistant.
They do, however, come with wood’s natural drawbacks. Wooden shakes are susceptible to fire, so long as they haven’t been treated with a fire-resistant finish. They’re also prone to insect infestations, which have a nasty habit of forming between the shakes.
Copper Shingles
Copper shingles are great because they’re one of the most eco-friendly options on the market on account of copper’s outstanding recyclability. These are also some of the longest-lasting shingles out there, with an average life span of over 70 years. They’re also relatively easy to work with, as the material is light.
They are remarkably expensive, much more than other shingle types. Their hefty price is what ultimately makes them an unpopular choice among many residential homeowners. Another drawback is that the material is prone to morph depending on atmospheric changes and the current weather state.
Smucker’s: Roofing Made Easy
Those are some of the most popular shingle types and their most prominent advantages and disadvantages. If you’re browsing through roofing companies in Lancaster County, PA, consider contacting Smucker’s Exterior & Remodeling.
Smucker’s is a home improvement company with over two decades of experience in the carpentry business. We specialize in commercial and residential roofing, focusing on quality and longevity.
Get your free quote today for a more accurate assessment of your needs.
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