Local roofers are in the business of installing roofs, so they are going to encourage customers to replace their existing roof and make it sound as urgent as possible.  In many cases, they will probably also leave out a few details about the quality of various shingles to drive up their own profits.  But putting a roof over your family’s head is far too important to leave to chance, so you need to be aware of all of the factors that go into determining the quality of shingles.

There are different types of shingles available on the market today, and the overall cost of your roofing job will vary widely depending on the shingles you choose.  What most roofing companies don’t bother to mention is that there is much more to choosing shingles than just picking a color.  It’s the other factors, including the style of shingle and the material it is made from that will most significantly affect their cost.

Shingles come in many materials, with the highest end being slate or tile.  But while these may look nice, they are both considerably more expensive as well as less durable than other types of shingles.  As most local roofers know, the most durable and least expensive option is asphalt shingles.  These are the shingles you see on most average homes and with good reason.  The asphalt in these singles acts as a sealant, helping to improve the safety and waterproofing of your home.  Most asphalt shingles have a life span of from 20 to 40 years; a detail roofers may leave out since their goal is to encourage you to replace them more often.

Asphalt shingles themselves come in two basic types: fiberglass and organic.   Organic shingles are made from wood, paper, cellulose or other natural materials, which are combined with adhesive asphalt to make a solid and durable final product.   This can be extremely important in areas like Lancaster, Cumberland and York counties where the winters can be harsh.  Roofing companies should be forthcoming about the advisability of using certain materials in certain climates, but they might hold back this information in the interest of driving up costs.  In fact, organic shingles are more expensive and also more prone to warping.

Shingles are extremely important in areas like Lancaster, Cumberland and York counties where the winters can be harsh.  Roofing companies should be forthcoming about the advisability of using certain materials in certain climates, but they might hold back this information in the interest of driving up costs.

Fiberglass shingles offer a newer alternative to the organic shingle and are less expensive in the long run.  They are made from fiberglass sheets that are extraordinarily durable and are cheaper to make, which makes them more cost effective.  As most local roofers can tell you, fiberglass shingles are lighter, thinner and quite eco-friendly and they are extremely fire resistant, which makes them an important safety feature for your home.

Of course, the primary factor that impresses most homeowners when choosing shingles is picking a color.  While the temptation may be to lean toward selecting something unique or avant-garde, this may not be your wisest course of action.  If you choose a distinct shade, like red or brown to accent the color scheme of your home, you may actually wind up taking away from the resale value of your house as that can drive away potential buyers.  This is a detail that many roofing companies leave out, as the more distinct colors can also be more expensive.

Choosing a simple black or white may be a little less eye catching, but in the long run, it can not only help to improve the resale value of your home, but it can also have a more practical influence.  Black tends to reflect heat more, so having black tiles can actually improve the heat retention of your house, something you’ll want to bear in mind for those long Central Pennsylvania winters.

No matter what color you choose, make sure to consider your shingles in every type of light, as some colors can look vastly different in bright daylight than they might in softer lighting.  This is another detail that often gets overlooked but local roofers know it can have a major impact on customer satisfaction.

Of course, brand can be as important as the actual materials, and not all manufacturers are created equally.  Some brands are more expensive than others, but that doesn’t mean you should necessarily shy away from them.  The important thing to take into consideration when choosing a brand of shingle is how well the manufacturer backs up their work.  Many people are so focused on the warranty offered by various roofing companies that they don’t take the time to check the actual manufacturer of their shingles.

This is where GAF separates itself from the pack.  While GAF shingles can be a bit more expensive than some other brands, only GAF offers a Golden Pledge Warranty that covers installations, removal and disposal as well as the shingles themselves.  And as far as local roofers, DePalma Construction is among a very small percentage authorized to provide the GAF MasterElite coverage, which takes things yet another step further by providing a certified GAF inspector to personally look over the work on your house.

While GAF shingles can be a bit more expensive than some other brands, only GAF offers a Golden Pledge Warranty that covers installations, removal and disposal as well as the shingles themselves.

No matter which shingles you choose, you’ll also want to be very proactive when it comes to taking care of them.  Make sure you check your shingles from time to time to spot any signs of wear and tear.  If you think it might be time to replace your roof, then, by all means, get professional advice from one or even several roofing companies, so that you can make an informed choice.

These are just a few of the many factors that can go into determining the final cost and quality of your roof installation, and as a concerned homeowner, you should be prepared to consider all of these facts before making your final decision.  This is too important a subject to leave to chance…you need to do your homework and get all the facts, including the ones that local roofers may not want you to know, so that you can make the best possible decision for your family.