How to Choose Roofing Shingles (4 Things to Consider)

When it comes time to replace your shingles, there are several factors to consider so you know how to choose roofing shingles. Here are the things that most roofing contractors will tell you:

Covenants

Oftentimes, neighborhoods that have a Homeowner’s Association (HOA) will have requirements as to what colors or material you can use. We’ve all seen homeowners who’ve been penalized (or sued) for breaking these rules. Roofing your home is no exception. It is important to choose a roofing contractor that is familiar with the rules of your neighborhood. At the very least, they need to have a copy of your covenants they can refer to before ordering products. Nothing is worse than having to tear down and replace your brand new roof because it goes against the covenants.

Mutual Roofings keeps a copy of most neighborhoods that have covenants to ensure we’re installing shingles within guidelines.

Insurance Benefits

Various insurance carriers will offer discounts on your premium if you choose a Class 4 Impact Resistant shingle. These materials are the highest rated roofing shingles available in the market with a 50-year lifespan. A caveat of Class 4 is that they’re an “upgrade” from your insurance claim amount and the difference is an out-of-pocket expense. Your roofing contractor should be able to help you determine the cost/benefit of choosing a class 4.

For instance, if you’ll be saving $300-$400 a year on your premiums and the upgrade is $1,200 then you’ll be saving money if you intend to live in the house for more than 3-4 years.

Home Style

Next, choosing a color of shingle and which material also depends on the style of your home. To start, we can compare the look of your siding and color to help you make an aesthetically sound choice. Also, a home with stucco siding works well with a tile material or sometimes brick homes work well with wood shingles. It really comes down to the look of your home and the covenants of your neighborhood.

Weather

Depending on the region you live, the weather conditions will really affect your choice. The factors we consider including weather range, annual rainfall, snow, sleet, high winds, and hail potential. As a result of the 4 seasons in the Midwest, we only recommend versatile roofing shingles. As such, we work with a lot of asphalt, wood, and metal primarily in the Midwest. Using a knowledgeable roofing contractor can especially help you determine what works best with your home.

Summary

In conclusion, these are the primarily factors we recommend to help you know how to choose roofing shingles. Most roofing contractors are familiar with these considerations and should be able to walk you through the process to choose the best option. Mutual Roofing can help you decide the best shingle brand, material, and product line during your FREE roof inspection. Call (402) 889-3381 or Contact Us to get started!