Everything You Need to Know About Shingle Roofing in Wisconsin
Shingle roofing is the most commonly used roofing material in the United States, particularly asphalt shingles. But, there are numerous types of shingles on the market, and deciding which shingle material is best for your residential or commercial roofing project can be a challenge.
Let’s review the many varieties of shingle roofing materials. You can determine the best material for your project by weighing each product’s aesthetic impact, practical application, and cost. Some roofing materials make more sense for Wisconsonians than others, and there are certainly both benefits and drawbacks to shingle roofing.
Be sure to carefully weigh all of your options to choose the roofing material that’s right for you and your project.
Different Types of Shingle Roofs
You may only be familiar with one or two varieties of shingle roofs. In all likelihood, you’ve heard of asphalt shingles and tile shingles, but there are over eight different types of shingles on the market today.
Some provide improvements in durability, reduction in cost, and ease of installation compared to traditional asphalt shingles. Exploring the different materials used in shingle roofing is the first step to finding the perfect roofing product.
Asphalt Shingles
Tried and true after decades of common use, asphalt shingles are versatile, dependable, and cost-effective. Developed to produce a fire-resistant roofing material, asphalt shingles have been in use since the early 20th century.
Asphalt shingles have three parts:
- A base mat made of cellulose or glass fibers
- An asphalt layer created by coating the mat in asphalt
- Ceramic coated mineral particles
Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of styles and colors, and the technology has made great strides since its inception.
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are a popular roofing material in the United States, and they’re typically made from cedar. The shingles can be treated or untreated before installation, and depending on the wood species, pre-treatment, or finishing methods used throughout the installation process, wood shingle roofing can be very durable.
Shake Shingles
Wood shingles shouldn’t be confused with shake shingles. Both wood shingles and shake shingles are made from wood, but while wood shingles are smooth and uniform, shake shingles are thicker and have a “hand-split” appearance.
Shake shingle roofing provides a rustic feel, and the wood species, pre-treatment, and finishing methods used during installation, like wood shingles, can result in a long-lasting roof. Shakes represent the marriage of rustic flair and the practicality of wood materials.
Steel Shingles
Steel shingles are durable and can provide excellent energy efficiency. Steel shingles are similar to stamped metal roofing panels, which are made from aluminum. Steel shingles can be stamped to mimic slate, tile, or wood, and offer the versatility of tile shingle roofing at a lower price.
Like asphalt tiles, they’re fire-rated and wind-resistant to ensure durability and longevity.
Slate Shingles
Slate shingle roofing offers one of the most aesthetically appealing roofing products on the market today. Slate shingles are incredibly durable, but they come at a high cost. They’re also delicate, making them difficult to install.
If you’re interested in slate shingle roofing, be sure to consult with a local, licensed roofer with slate shingle experience. A qualified roofer can help you choose the ideal slate shingles for your roofing project.
Rubber Shingles
Rubber shingles are one of the most environmentally friendly roofing products on the market. Most are made from recycled rubber, and any scraps that are created during the installation process can be recycled again, significantly reducing the waste produced during a roofing project.
If you’re an environmentally conscious consumer, consider rubber shingle roofing. While more expensive than asphalt shingles, they seal out water more effectively than asphalt shingles, especially on low-sloped roofs.
Tile Shingles
Tile shingles, typically made from clay, are an aesthetically eye-catching and efficient shingle roofing choice for high-end residential or commercial roofing projects. They can be produced in a variety of shades, increasing the energy efficiency of a home.
If you’re replacing a roof previously shingled with asphalt, your roof may not be able to withstand the weight of a tiled roof. Consult a licensed roofing contractor to ensure the structural stability of your roof if you choose tile shingles.
Tile shingles, while boasting some of the highest prices on the market, offer excellent longevity and aesthetic variety.
Composite Plastic Shingles
Composite plastic shingles are one of the most exciting innovations in the shingle roofing materials industry. One of the most compelling aspects of composite plastic shingles is their versatility in any weather. The composite material contracts and expands depending on the temperature and doesn’t crack when frozen.
They also come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures. Composite plastic shingles can mimic clay tiles, shake and wood shingles, and slate shingles. They’re often made of recycled materials, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional asphalt tiles. Like rubber tiles, waste created during the installation process can be reused to produce more tiles.
The tiles are lightweight, fire-rated, and easy to install. However, they come at about the same cost that you can expect from other high-end shingle roofing products like slate and tile shingles.
Shingle Roofing in Wisconsin
Shingle roofing in Wisconsin is an excellent choice. The shingle options for both residential and commercial roofing projects are almost infinite when considering materials, shapes, textures, and colors. If you choose to install a shingle roof, the number of choices just might induce analysis paralysis!
Before you choose a roofing material, weigh your priorities.
- Which texture and color would complement your building’s exterior aesthetic?
- What’s your budget for roofing materials and installation?
- Are you committed to choosing the most eco-friendly option?
- Are you willing to spend more money supporting your roof structure if you choose a heavy shingle material like tile?
Create a shortlist of priorities, and find roofing products that meet your needs. If you feel lost, you can always consult a professional roofing contractor for help with design decisions, cost savings, and feasibility.
Thinking of Installing Shingle Roofing?
If you’re considering installing shingle roofing in Wisconsin, you have a variety of options to choose from. Since Wisconsin experiences all four seasons, consider choosing a shingle material that is the most weather-resistant regardless of the forecast.
And, if you’re undecided about which shingle roofing material is right for you, give Prairie Exteriors a call!
If you would like to learn about metal roofing, click here.
