When it comes to shingles it can be a chore just to choose the style and material for your home. At Power House Exteriors we want to make it as easy as possible for you to decide on your new roof shingle so we have taken the time to create this guide specifically for our customers in the Treasure Valley (Boise, Meridian, Eagle, Star, Nampa, Caldwell, Kuna, etc). We have unique requirements here in Idaho and it is important to point those out. In this guide you will find different material comparisons, the life span of each material type, and what the average cost is for new shingles.
Roof Shingles Guide - Table of Contents
Choosing Your Roof Shingles
Your Budget
It could seem obvious but the first question you should ask yourself when thinking about your new roof is, What is your budget? Roof shingles have different materials that can add to the cost, such as roof tiles vs asphalt shingles, but even when looking at asphalt shingles there are budget asphalt shingles and there are more expensive asphalt shingles that have different features. Once you have a budget set it makes it that much easier to make a decision on what you can actually afford to put on your roof.
Weather / Climate
Climate in the Boise area tends to fluctuate from extreme to extreme. We can have heavy snow in the winter (if you lived here in 2017 you know all about Snowmageddon) and we regularly have temperatures over 100 degrees in the summertime – these types of fluctuations tend to take a toll on any roof and your shingles are the first line of defense against the elements. Metal, slate, and tile tend to do extremely well with heavy snowfall and asphalt shingles are your best “all around” roof protection.
Design / Aesthetics
Purchasing Roof Shingles
Roof shingles are sold by the square. A square is equal to 100 square feet or 10′ X 10′. On average these square shingle bundles can cost anywhere between $150 and $2,200 for asphalt shingles and the price for clay or tile can be exponentially more. If you purchase your shingles through a roofing pro, like Power House Exteriors, then you will typically pay less than what you would pay at a store like Lowes or Home Depot simply because contractors receive special rates.
Shingle Material Types
If you’ve done even a quick Google search then you will know that there are all different types of materials to choose from and that each material comes with different pros and cons.
When choosing your shingle type you will want to weigh the benefits of each material, such as warranty, fire and wind ratings, and installation costs. We created this infographic to show you the different benefits of the most common types of shingle material.
Asphalt Shingles
With asphalt shingles you get three different grades to choose from. You have the standard 3-tab (budget), dimensional, and luxury. When looking at asphalt shingles be sure to pay close attention to the warranty as the best asphalt shingles have a combination of a 50 year warranty, a high fire rating, high wind resistant rating / impact resistance.
Pros - Asphalt Shingles
- Cost Effective
- Lots of Different Design Choices
- Can Look Like Other Materials Such as Wood or Tile
- Energy Effecient
Cons - Asphalt Shingles
- Durability - Won't Last As Long As Other Types of Roofs
- Not Great For the Enviornment
- Only Works For Certain Roof Types - Pitched Roofs
Slate Shingles
Slate shingle roofs are extraordinarily durable – however they can also be extremely expensive when they do need repairs. It is always recommended with slate roofs that you hire a professional rather than try to do the repairs yourself. The sheer weight of slate makes it difficult to work with and it is important that you have a structural engineer verify that you can even install it on your roof.
Pros - Slate Shingles
- Long Lasting - 75 to 200 Years
- Extremely Durable
- Fantastic Curb Appeal
Cons - Slate Shingles
- Expensive - Not Budget Friendly
- Architecture Issue Due to Weight
- Expensive Repair Costs
Wood Shingles
Cedar shake shingles or wood shingles offer a unique look to any home. When it comes to design specifically, wood roofs offer the most drastic change to any homes appearance. Most HOA’s don’t allow wood roofs so it is important to do your research and make sure that it is even a possibility for your home.
Pros - Wood Shingles
- Durable - 30 to 50 Years
- Better For the Environment than Asphalt Shingles
- Helps With Energy Efficiency
Cons - Wood Shingles
- Higher Insurance Costs Due to the Wood Being a Fire Hazard
- Tends to Mold and is Susceptible to Insect Rot
- Difficult to Maintain
Metal Roofs
The heavy snow in the Treasure Valley area makes metal roofing a solid choice. Between the durability and the cost – you really can’t go wrong with a metal roof.
Pros - Metal Roof Shingles
- Durable - 40 to 70 Years
- Handles Heavy Snow and Wind Extremely Well
- Can Be Coated to Extend Roof Life
Cons - Metal Roof Shingles
- Noise - When it Rains
- Susceptible to Rust if Not Maintained Properly
Tile Shingles
Definitely a classic – tile shingles offer a unique style that can’t be found in any other type of roof shingle material. Tile shingles have lots of different style options but are typically made in lighter colors which allows them to help reduce heat.
Pros - Tile Roof Shingles
- Great for the Enviornment
- Increase Curb Appeal and Increase Home Value
- 50 to 80 Year Lifespan
Cons - Tile Roof Shingles
- Expensive
- Heavy - Could Cause Structural Issues
- Routine Maintenance Is Required
Are Your Ready For a New Roof?
Power House Exteriors wants to help you and your family find the perfect roof for your home. Hit that Get A Free Quote Button or give us a call at (208) 830-5823