How to Choose Shingles for Your New Roof

There are several factors to consider when getting a roof replacement. One of the more fun decisions you’ll make is choosing shingles and figuring out the shingle that will match the aesthetic of your home. Working with a roofing company doesn’t need to be stressful and should end with the result you want. This article will help you figure out how to choose shingles for your home.

Each property owner has different needs when it comes to a roofing project. Roofing shingles for your home will need to meet your budget, provide the durability your roof needs and create the curb appeal you want.

Your Budget

A roof ought to be one of the most worthwhile investments you make in your home, after all, it’s responsible for protecting your family from bad weather and exposure to the elements. With so many types and styles, there are shingles that fit a range of budgets in our line-up of products from GAF. 

Of course, for many people a roof project comes as a surprise that they may not have budgeted for. In these situations, having easy financing is important. 

The money you invest in roofing will typically pay off: According to a 2019 GAF survey of 380 real estate agents and certified appraisers of single-family residential homes, upgrading a roof with GAF Timberline® roofing shingles can increase a property’s value an average of 10 percent.  

Consider Durability 

As you think about how to choose shingles, you will want to consider durability. A high-quality, well-maintained roof can last about 30 years. Shingles are designed to protect you from the elements, but not all shingles are created equally. If the wind is a significant part of your area’s weather patterns (and in Florida, that is definitely the case), consider a more durable shingle that can withstand being hit by debris.  

Are you concerned about hail? Impact-resistant shingles may be a good option if your area is impacted by significant hail storms. This type of roof shingle has a rubber-like flexibility, allowing them to recover from the impact of hail stones.

In Florida, heavy sun exposure and energy efficiency are always a concern for homeowners and commercial building owners alike. Choosing highly reflective shingles to create a “cool” roof can help reduce temperatures in your attic, keeping your house cooler – and energy bills lower.

Another threat to Florida roofs is our persistent humidity. In a region with high moisture, you can help prevent roof stains with shingles that have time-release algae-fighting technology.

Curb Appeal and Aesthetics

Perhaps the most fun portion of the “how to choose shingles” journey is deciding what kind of roof you want to come home to every day. Roofs are an underrated part of a home’s look. They can represent up to 40 percent of curb appeal, so you should think about your home’s style and color when making your shingle decisions.

• Style: Look at similar homes in your neighborhood and take note of their roofing shingles. We can help you identify the products that your neighbors are using. You may also be constrained by the restrictions set out by your homeowner’s association. 
• Color: Today’s shingles come in a wide range of colors, allowing you to choose one that complements your house or neighborhood. Neutrals are always safe — and timeless — if you don’t have a strong preference for a particular color. Or, start by considering one of our customers’ favorite shades: Weathered Wood, Charcoal, Pewter Gray, Barkwood or Shakewood. To get a feel for how the color might look on your home,  try using the GAF Virtual Remodeler tool.
  

Types of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular in the U.S. because they’re affordable to buy, install and maintain. This type of shingles are made from a sturdy fiberglass base and are coated with waterproof asphalt and tiny granules of ceramic-coated mineral. 

The asphalt shingles you look at will fall into one of three main categories: three-tab, architectural and designer shingles. Which type you choose will depend on your budget, aesthetic preference and need for durability.

Now that you know how to choose shingles, we hope you consider getting a free estimate from John Hogan Roofing for your roofing project. For more than 25 years, John Hogan Roofing has given customers top-quality roofing services using premium materials. We pride ourselves on providing homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg and surrounding communities with excellent residential roofing repair and replacement. 

As a full-service roofing contractor, we also offer roof inspections. Roofing materials we use include asphalt shingles, as well as tile roofing and metal roofing. Flat or low-slope roofing is also a specialty of John Hogan Roofing.