Not only do shingles beautify your home, but they also act as a protective barrier to your house, keeping the property sufficiently insulated while maintaining its structural integrity.
Although aesthetics play a big role when it comes to choosing a type of roofing shingle, it’s definitely not the only factor that should be considered.
It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each roofing type before choosing a suitable material, as you’ll have the new roof for the next few decades to come.
Better yet, we always recommend consulting with roofing professionals before making a final decision.
Asphalt Roof Shingles
The most popular choice of roofing materials over the last several years has been asphalt shingles, standing out from all others because of their flexibility and low cost.
Made of asphalt that’s been reinforced by fibreglass and other organic materials, asphalt roof shingles are both water and fireproof, allowing them to withstand the harsh Ottawa weather conditions.
The organic compounds mixed into the asphalt allow the roofing material to gracefully hold out against the weight of the snow and is resilient in small to moderate hail storms.
Its popularity stemmed from the wide variety of colours and sizes available, making it easy to match the shingles to fit your home’s aesthetic.
That being said, asphalt shingles can start to buckle and come loose when exposed to sudden temperature changes and high winds. However, the lightweight of the shingles makes them easier for professionals to remove the damaged sections and replace them.
Wood Roof Shingles
If you’re looking to give your home a more natural look, then wood shingles are the way to go.
There are three main types of wood used for roofing shingles, cedar, pine, and spruce. This environmentally-friendly option is famous for its long lifespan, lasting as long as 50 years with the proper maintenance and care.
Once it’s time to replace them, the old shingles can be recycled into mulch rather than ending up in a landfill. The easy-to-install and repair shingles come at a fair price point, costing more than asphalt shingles, and less than clay and concrete shingles.
The downside of having wooden roof shingles is that they aren’t fit for extremely hot and dry or wet climates. Even after being treated with chemicals, wooden shingles are not flame-resistant.
To ensure that the wood shingles last for years, regular maintenance is required, which can be costly in the long run.
Metal Roof Shingles
With the option of getting copper, steel, aluminum, or an alloy, metal roof shingles come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
Their ability to reflect sunlight rather than absorb it make the shingles one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials to exist. In addition to having lower cooling costs, metal shingles are incredibly resistant to rain, fire, rot, and strong winds.
Although metal shingles cost more than both asphalt and wooden shingles, their extraordinary long lifespan of 50-70 years makes the cost worth it.
If you enjoy the sound of the rain, then you’re in for a treat. Rain typically sounds louder on metal than it does on asphalt roofing, though this can be easily fixed by installing additional layers of insulation underneath.
Expert Roofing Services In Ottawa
Is your current roof giving you a headache with its long list of extensive repairs?
There comes a time when doing small repairs on your roof will no longer be sufficient and a complete replacement is needed.
Our professional contractors at Kovar Roofing combine their expertise with the latest technology and materials to ensure your roof is done right. We’d be happy to address any roofing concerns you may have and will work with you to come up with the perfect solution.
Reach out to us today to learn more about the different roof shingle types we have available and get a free, no-obligation quote for your next roof.