Shingles are the final layer, and probably the most complicated
and important aspect in your decision-making process. Because
manufacturers designed shingles to protect you from the weather,
even extreme conditions like hailstorms and gale-force winds,
the reasons for choosing materials go far beyond aesthetic choices
for most people living in the Tri-state area. Shingles can be
made from a variety of materials and you need to choose them carefully
based on weather resistance, regional climate, and the pitch and
slope of your roof. While asphalt can be found in almost 90 percent
of all residential roof shingles, there are many more materials
to choose from like sheet metal, cement tiles, wood, and slate
or ceramic tile.
Expectations
Traditionally, you might select the type and color of your shingles
but leave the specific brand choice to the contractor. Of course
you can always call us for a free consultation or come to one
of our showrooms to familiarize yourself with what’s out
there. Our MyHome Remodeling Consultants are quite familiar with
the quality or reliability of roofing products and are at your
disposal. However, we encourage you to take an active role in
this process beforehand
so you know what to expect.
Shingle Costs
Shingle costs are as varied as the many materials you have to
choose from. Labor costs also add to your price depending on the
weight of your existing or preexisting materials. For example,
tearing off the pre-existing shingles alone can add $30 to $50
a square to your budget. Metal and concrete may range from $100
to $600 a square; the price rises for coated metals and copper.
Ceramic and slate options can cost as much as $1000 a square,
because the craft is difficult to perfect and requires a special
kind of workmanship.
Design Characteristics of Your Roof
Besides cost, the slope of your roof plays a large part in deciding
on shingle or outer-covering materials. Asphalt and wood shingles,
slate, tile, and metal work well with roofs that are four inches
in twelve or steeper. Smaller pitches of less than three inches
a foot require one of the new polymer membranes (see below) or
the old reliability of the traditional asphalt roll to maximize
protection on a space that minimizes drainage and thus deterioration.
For low-sloping roofs, new technology offers polymer membranes
{link to membranes} along with the old asphalt roll, coal tar,
or asphalt-mop technologies, making your decisions even more complex.
Remember that you must weigh cost, look, and pragmatism at every
stage of this process to make sure your roof is protected.
Roof Framing
Roof framing or structure is another consideration that may help
determine your shingle material, as your rafters or trusses must
support the roof’s weight. For example, aluminum roofing
is light at 40 to 60 pounds a square (PAS) as is steel at 80 to
150 PAS. Asphalt is heavier, ranging from 240 to 400 PAS and concrete
more so, ranging from 500 to 800 PAS for lighter options (slate
is comparable at 700 to 800 PAS) and 900 to 1200 PAS for heavier
concrete.
There are, however, many ways of transmitting the weight of the
shingles to the walls of the building to reduce pressure on the
roof itself by constructing braces or other devices. Some options
are: ashlar-piece, arched or wind braces, hammer and collar-beams,
crown-posts or ridge beams.
Obviously, you’ll have to talk with your contractor about
what kind of framing you have and the weight it will bear before
you begin selecting your materials. However, if you find that
you just can’t live without that ceramic tile you love,
MyHome will certainly help you bolster your framing to accommodate
your most lavish wishes.
