Looking for information on roofing shingles?
When it comes to your homeâs roof, there is a very high likelihood that your roof has shingles.
Asphalt shingles to be specific.
And while there is a chance your roof has metal components, such as dormers or a porch area with metal, the roofing shingles you see on your home are almost always asphalt shingles (or sometimes cedar shake).
Regardless, chances are you were searching for roofing shingles today to learn about the best ones? Or perhaps you were looking for the average cost of roofing shingles. Either way, here at Top Dog Home Pro, we got you covered, literally and figuratively!
Today we will explore the following when it pertains to your roofâs shingles:
- What are asphalt shingles?
- What type and quality of roofing shingles are there?
- How much do roofing shingles typically cost?
- Roofing Repair vs Replacement
First, what are asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles happen to be the most commonly used form of roofing material in the states, more common than sheet metal or wood shingles.
While the main component of asphalt shingles is of course asphalt, according to Guardian Roofs, they consist of either a fiberglass or felt paper base coated with a waterproof later of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules.
This creates a durable, waterproof, and lightweight shingle that can stand most elements mother nature has to offer such as wind, ice, snow, rain, and hail. Of course, like anything these days, there are different types of asphalt shingles.
Types of Roofing Shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles have evolved immensely over the past 20 years. Chances are if you have a roof that is from the â90s or even still hanging on from the â80s, the asphalt shingles you had then are nothing compared to what is offered today!
The two types of asphalt shingles are:
- Three Tab Shingles
- Architectural Shingles
As you can see in the photo below, on the left the three-tab shingle is designed to look like three individual shingles, however, it is all one piece. These roofing shingles are flat, light-weight and the most economical when priced.
On the right, the architectural shingles are thicker because of an extra layer of asphalt, but they are also sturdier and give a more unique/modern look. Architectural are a bit more expensive as we will soon cover, however, they last longer and have better warranty options because they are higher in quality.
That is not to say that if you elect to use three-tab roofing shingles you wonât have a healthy new roof, itâs just that more and more homeowners are looking at the long-term rewards of architectural shingles when they replace their roofs!
Of course, costs matter but so does quality!
How to know when the roofing shingles need to be replaced:
There are obvious signs that can indicate whether or not you need to replace your roofâs shingles. Letâs start with the super obvious signs!
- You have missing shingles, and it is obvious based on exposed underlayment or even exposed plywood. Urgency, ASAP!
- You notice that your shingles are curled or perhaps giving a âBuckledâ look
- Your shingles are over 15 years old
- You notice lots of asphalt granules in your gutter downspout collectors
While these are some of the more obvious signs that you might need your roofing singles replaced, there other less common ones you might not be able to see. Perhaps your ridge vent is missing some shingles or your plywood is warped in some areas.
In that case, if you donât want to get on your roof (which we recommend NEVER getting on your roof) you can always reach out to have us take a look!
How much do new roofing shingles cost?
The cost for a new roof, roof repair, or new roofing shingles can vary. In this article here, we walk you through step by step how to gauge the cost of roofing shingles and a new roof.
That being said, below you will find a quick view of how much roofing shingles cost per square, which is 100 square feet of shingles! For an accurate price, you can âBuildâ your roof here.
The price for roofing shingles varies depending on the quality of the shingle and the amount required for your home.
For example, a standard 3-tab shingle installed by Top Dog Home Pro is $380 a square, whereas our architectural pro series roofing shingles by Certainteed run $425 per square installed.
In the table below you will find rough estimates for replacing the shingles on a roof based on the approximate size of the home:
3 Tab | Architectural Shingles | Pro Series | |
Townhome | 3800 | 4000 | 4250 |
Single-Family | 7600 | 8000 | 8500 |
Large Single-Family | 15200 | 16000 | 17000 |
While these are average prices based on a normal roof replacement, there are other factors that can contribute to a roof replacement such as the condition of the plywood, layers of existing shingles, and any other possible issues that might exist.
The best recommendation is to look further than just the price but to also look at the roofing warranty as well. While you might save upfront on 3 tab shingles, the warranty isnât as good when compared to an architectural shingle!
>> Read about our Roofing Warranties here! We explain the entire process transparently and help you weigh the pros and cons of each shingle type!
Roof Replacement vs Roofing Repairs:
There is a saying in the personal finance world that when it comes to our finances, each situation should be treated personally, hence the emphasis on âPersonalâ finance. The same can be said for your roof.
While there are metrics that can determine whether an entire roof replacement is more suitable for your home, or perhaps a simple repair, the best thing to do is to first start with a roof inspection.
Once you have your roof inspected by a certified roofing specialist/contractor, you should weigh your options. Itâs vital to weigh all of your options:
- Is there a possibility for an insurance claim?
- How old is your roof?
- Will the repair last, or is a new roof the better long term option?
- Will a roof repair cost more than just replacing the entire roof?
Typically, if it is something simple like replacing a few shingles, checking out a possible leak, or replacing a section of a ridge vent, a roofing repair is a good option.
However, when the amount of roofing shingles needing to be replaced reaches a certain threshold, or the repair costs are starting to get to 50% of the cost of a new roof, a roof replacement is usually a better option.
For example, if a new roof would cost you $7,000, but the repairs cost $3,5000, itâs better to simply replace the roof.
A new roof has a high return on investment for resale purposes and the new asphalt roofing shingles have amazing technology that makes it hardy and looks better!
Final Word on Roof Shingles –
Roofing shingles are not something we often think about until we have to. Perhaps you wake up to find a few shingles in your yard after a wind storm or you see a bare spot on the backside of your roof.
There is also the chance that one day you notice that your homeâs roof just looks very old. Either way, replacing your roofing shingles is something that should be viewed as an investment.
So like any investment, itâs best to do your due diligence and get as much information on your end before moving forward with a contractor.
Top Dog Home Pro proudly serves all of Northern Virginia and specializes in helping homeowners in Woodbridge, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield, and many more with their roof!