Not all roof shingles are the same. Some perform better than others or are more economical than others. Some brands make really good quality shingles, while some make “good enough” shingles.
Knowing the difference between high and low quality shingles will save you more than just time and money — you’ll be spared the trouble of frequently hiring roofers for roof repair jobs!
Here’s a quick rundown of the qualities that a good roofing shingle brand has:
Nailing Zones
Nailing zones are very important. Good quality shingles will always have wider nailing zones that are easy to understand. Moreover, these nailing zones will be consistent in size and position over many shingles. This will allow installers to nail them properly without the risk of leaving nails exposed.
Sealant
Shingles need to be sealed perfectly in order to protect the home from different wind and weather conditions, and avoid getting blown off by strong winds. Thus, shingles with generous amounts of sealant are better than those with a little. Look for thick seal lines at the back.
Weight
While weight isn’t an absolute factor, the best shingles in the market will be heavier than others because they have more asphalt than low quality shingles
Low Granular Loss
Good residential roofing shingles have less granules falling off of them. Shingles suffer from everyday wear and tear, and over time granules can be expected to fall off. The less granules a shingle loses, the better.
Great Following
The best brands will have a lot of fans and installers who swear by them. Great brands, such as Atlas and Owens Corning, are carried by many installers in different areas of the country, indicating just how good they are.
What’s more, if a roofing contractor is willing to stand behind the quality of a certain brand of shingle, even as far as standing on the brand’s warranty, you can be sure that they trust the brand — and are willing to stand by it.
Certification
Manufacturers of good quality shingles give tests to installers before they certify them. This is because they put high value on their products and want to ensure that their shingles are installed up to standard.
Based on these factors, brands such as Owens Corning and Atlas are considered high-quality shingles capable of protecting your home for a longer period of time. These are perfect for your roofing projects at home.
If you’re looking for a roofer who carries, installs and stands by the quality roofing shingles, look no further than M&A Exterior Home Improvement, your trusted roofing contractor. Call us at (757) 942-2700 or fill our online form to get a free quote today! We serve Williamsburg, VA and the surrounding communities.