Choosing The Right Shingles For Your Home - 3 Things To Look For

Every decision you make when updating or replacing your home’s exterior elements comes down to a few key factors: your style, local conditions, and the ideal product for your unique home. That said, within those categories, there are countless things to consider. 

At Fairview Home Improvement, we specialize in helping homeowners make the most of their biggest investment: their roof. When it comes to choosing the right shingles for your home, here’s what you need to know. 

The Importance of Aesthetics

Modern asphalt shingles are available in a wide array of colors and styles. Your ultimate decision depends on your own personal preferences, but there are a range of other factors that can impact your final choice. For instance, your home’s style may dictate the best type of shingle. From modern and bold to warm and welcoming, the color and style of shingles you choose can either complement or clash with your home’s architecture and key features. These days, dimensional and architectural asphalt shingles can mimic the traditional look of wood or slate, two materials that often are found on historical or cottage-style homes.

Beyond the pure ornamental factor, the color you choose is important for practical reasons too. Yes, you want to choose a shade that will work with the other hues you have as part of your home’s exterior, but that isn’t the only consideration. Light colored roofing shingles can actually help support your overall energy efficiency goals. This is because lighter colors don’t absorb as much light from the sun and so they can help to keep your home cooler and potentially lower the burden on your home’s HVAC system. 

Whether you opt for a shade that perfectly matches or coordinates with an existing color scheme, it is important to think long and hard about this choice. In the end, your home’s roof can account for as much as 40% of your home’s exterior. While you typically don’t see all of this surface from the ground, keep in mind that your choice can make a big visual impact nonetheless. Oftentimes cool and warm tones look best with hues of corresponding color temperatures–think gray with blue, and red with brown. Whether you’re going for harmony or contrast, there’s always a balance to strike. 

Certain colors may naturally blend better into your environment and surroundings, either because of local flora or even the particular angle of light where you’re located. And if you live in a Homeowners Association (HOA), then these decisions may already be at least partially dictated by existing bylaws. Local building codes may also have stipulations on shingle color that you need to consider. 

Regardless, the roofing experts at Fairview Home Improvement can help you to visualize how your home will look with various shingle colors, which will make your decision that much easier. We’re also happy to provide you with samples, so that you can get a true-to-life feel for how shingle colors will perform.

Types Of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles remain the most cost-effective option for homeowners looking to replace their existing roof. But today’s options for asphalt shingles offer so much more than they did in years past. The range of variety is far wider and more customizable than it once was. 

One popular and tried-and-true option to consider would be architectural shingles. These shingles feature more layers of asphalt along with a fiberglass base layer and ceramic-coated minerals. They are available in a range of shapes and sizes, and because of their substantial makeup they can create a 3D look, thanks to both strategic design and both shadows and the play of light. Homes with a steeply pitched roof or a complex roof structure that includes dormers and other elements can benefit from the ornamental nature of architectural shingles. They can offer a wood or slate look alike while being far more affordable, far less prone to damage and fire, and far easier to maintain. Whether you call them architectural, dimensional, laminate, premium or luxury shingles, they are a great option for many Ohio homes.

Local Climate and Weather Conditions

No matter the Cleveland home improvement project you’re planning, from entry door installation, patio enclosures, and replacement windows, to new roofing or vinyl siding, local climate and environmental factors are key to making the right product selections. Typical levels of humidity, temperature, moisture, heat, sun intensity, and weather events (like high winds, tornadoes, and hailstorms) can wreak havoc on your home if the materials used are not designed to withstand these forces of nature. 

The first step to choosing the right asphalt shingles for your home is knowing what they’ll be up against and knowing that they can cope. Climate conditions can also affect color choice, since lighter colors can reflect the sun’s heat, whereas darker colors can absorb it. That said, newer products on the market have been specially designed with additives that can combat these natural tendencies. Thanks to formulation updates, even homeowners in very humid climates can enjoy light colored roofs without the risk of unattractive streaking from algae. 

For homeowners living in cold, northern climates, it is vital that shingles are impact resistant and can resist damage due to normal freeze-thaw cycles and snow or ice load. Those who deal with sky-high temperatures in summer need to know that shingles are proven to demonstrate heat resistance. If storms are a common occurrence, and especially if they bring an increased risk of hail, wind, and pounding rain, water resistance and superior sealing techniques are vital elements to have in a roofing product. High humidity can lead to mold, mildew and algae growth, so those are concerns to address as well. Thankfully, modern asphalt shingles have been engineered and thoughtfully designed to withstand all of these climate conditions.

At Fairview Home Improvement, we offer premium roofing options from CertainTeed Landmark® Asphalt Shingles, GAF® Roofing Architectural Shingles, and IKO Architectural Shingles, all of which can withstand Northeast Ohio’s typical and outlying weather conditions.

How long do roofs last in Ohio?

A new roof is a big investment that you will be able to enjoy for years to come. But, just how long does a roof last in Ohio? The exact lifespan of an asphalt roof will always depend on the quality of the materials used to create it, paired with the quality of the installation and maintenance. Under ideal circumstances, your Ohio roof could last as long as 30 years, with 15-20 being the more conservative estimate. Of the types of asphalt shingles available, architectural and more premium options are said to last longer, due to their design and structure. 

High Quality Roofing Options From Your Cleveland Home Improvement Specialists

Your home’s roof is one of its most important structural elements, and also necessary to protect and preserve your investment. A solid roof keeps the elements at bay, prevents water damage, and can even help to moderate temperature. All that said, a roof should look good too. At Fairview Home Improvement, our team of professionals is here with expert advice so that you can choose the best shingles to suit your home and personal taste. We have an array of energy efficient roofing options that also bring a high-end look to your home. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your next project, and visit our roofing gallery to see some examples of roofing projects we have completed in Northeast Ohio.