Replacing shingles with a style that meshes well with your home’s aesthetic adds to its beauty. A new roof should also protect your home for years to come.
The bottom side of a shingle is covered with a material to keep it from sticking to the process rolls during manufacturing. It also helps it adhere to the deck. Contact Blue Spruce Exteriors now!
Shingles are a popular choice for roofing materials due to their balanced combination of cost-effectiveness, durability, and versatility. They are available in a wide range of colors, designs, and styles to suit home aesthetics without compromising on roof protection. They are composed of a base mat of organic felt or fiberglass with asphalt and covered with mineral granules, making them flexible enough to fit a wide variety of architectural styles.
The granules, which come in a broad spectrum of colors and shades to complement various architectural styles, also protect the shingles from sunlight and make them fire resistant. The shingles are also infused with a special coating that helps prevent the excessive loss of granules during the installation process.
Prior to shingle installation, the roof must be thoroughly cleaned and any necessary repairs made. Observing all safety precautions and using proper techniques to lay the shingles ensures that the resulting roof will safeguard the structure and boost curb appeal.
When installing shingles, the underlayment should be laid first to serve as a barrier between the shingles and the roof deck, protecting against water infiltration. If not installed properly, it can lead to shingle blow-off and seal failure.
Once the underlayment and drip edge are in place, a starter course of shingles should be installed at the eaves. These shingles should overhang the edges and lead edge of the finish shingles by a half inch to 3/4 inch. They should also overlap the ice and water guard by at least 4 inches and valley membrane flashing by 6 inches.
Once the starter shingles are in place, they should be secured to the roof with roofing nails. Nails should be spaced evenly across the shingle’s width and struck at a 90-degree angle to avoid damaging the shingles. The number of nails needed per shingle will vary based on the steepness of the roof and wind conditions in your region.
Shakes
Wood shakes are thickly textured and add interest to any roof. They have a rugged appearance, with each piece looking a bit different from the rest due to varying grain patterns and ridges. The rugged texture enhances the horizontal lines of a low roof and gives a cottage or chalet style home a cozy feel. When stained in silver-grey or soft browns, they also blend into a natural landscape.
Shakes are typically made from cedar and have a natural resistance to moisture, decay, and insects. However, this material is not completely impervious and will require regular maintenance to prevent rot and other damages from weather and the elements. In addition, a cedar shake roof must be professionally installed in order to maximize its lifespan and durability.
If you choose to install a shake roof, it is essential to work with an experienced contractor that is proficient in this roofing type. Incorrect installation can result in leaks and accelerated deterioration. This is because shakes require regular inspections, re-nailing, and other maintenance tasks that can be complicated for the untrained eye.
Shakes are a sustainable roofing choice as they are sourced from well-managed forests and biodegrade at the end of their lifespan. Additionally, shakes offer superior insulating qualities that help homeowners save money on energy costs. When properly maintained, a shake roof will last up to 30 years or longer. This longevity significantly outlasts more common roofing materials like asphalt shingles. In many areas, a shake roof will need to be treated with fire retardant in order to meet code requirements and ensure the safety of the structure and its inhabitants. This treatment may affect the resale value of your property, so it is important to speak with a local building inspector about what is required for your specific area.
Tiles
Tiles are thin, rectangular coverings made from hard-wearing materials such as ceramic, stone, metal, or baked clay. They are usually fixed in place in an array to cover roofs, floors, walls, and other surfaces. They can be designed with patterns, textures, and shapes to add visual interest and character.
The most common roof tiles are made from terra cotta, molded and fired at high temperatures to create an earthy, reddish-brown color. But they also come in a variety of other colors and styles, including flat, fluted, and interlocking. Many tiles mimic the appearance of traditional shingles or wood shakes to match a home’s architectural style.
Another type of roofing tile is quarried slate, a metamorphic rock that was used by ancient civilizations to cover their buildings. Slate roofs are known for their durability and longevity, lasting 50-100 years or more with routine maintenance. Slate is more expensive than other tile options, but its long lifespan can help offset the initial investment for a forever home.
When choosing a roof tile, make sure to get physical samples of both the roofing and siding materials you’re considering. Look at them separately, squint your eyes, and see how subtle shades appear in bright light versus shade or when placed side-by-side. It’s also helpful to bring the samples outdoors to test how they will blend with the surrounding landscaping.
Vertical Siding
Whether your vision steers toward rustic or traditional, vertical siding is an eye-catching look for a roof. It can be a wonderful accent to any home, especially smaller houses that are looking to make an architectural statement.
It also works well on homes with modern styles that use clean lines and minimalist aesthetics, highlighting their unique design. It adds a visual interest to larger homes, too, breaking up the large amount of siding that is often used on larger properties.
There are many different material options for this type of siding, including natural wood like cedar. However, a number of factors such as moisture, pest susceptibility, and fire risk have made many homeowners choose more durable alternatives for this style of siding.
Fiber cement is one of the most popular choices for this style of siding, and it offers a number of advantages over other materials. It requires little to no maintenance, and is a great option for those that want to keep their home’s exterior looking clean and beautiful. The fact that it is fire resistant and durable means that it will last for years to come, and add a lot of value to the property.
In terms of installation, it is important to use proper spacing between the boards to ensure that they are secure and do not move with weather changes. Additionally, it is a good idea to install corner posts and horizontal furring strips at each seam to add support and reduce the risk of damage.
The best way to determine which type of siding is right for your home is to consult professionals in the area that are familiar with current housing market trends. They can help you find the right style that will be aesthetically pleasing while adding the most value to your home when it comes time for resale.
Faux Shakers
Faux shakes are used in place of traditional shingles or to add texture and variety to your roofing exterior. They are also often used to frame windows, gables and other features of your home’s exterior. You can use a combination of colors to create your own unique style. One popular trend is to use a color lighter than your roof to create contrast and a more eye-catching look.
While they are more commonly known as a roofing option, synthetic shakes can be used to make beautiful siding for your home as well. For example, CeDUR creates fake wood shake shingle products that are geared towards roofing but double as siding that looks real. They come in a wide variety of shades, including natural and even golden cedar that is Cool Roof Rated and Title 24 compliant.
Cedar shake shingles can last up to 50 years or more, depending on their quality and climate conditions. Because they are naturally fire-resistant, they are an excellent choice in mountain towns and communities with a high risk of wildfires. However, it is important to acclimate the shakes before installing them to prevent warping or splitting. To maintain your cedar shake shingles, you should perform regular maintenance and make sure there is proper ventilation in your home.