Understanding Asphalt Shingles Options
Back in the day, it used to be that asphalt roofing was rolled onto roofs. Cloth-like paper, with layer of asphalt, coated with stone granules.
In the early 1900s, the rolls were sliced into individual pieces.
Add in the political pressure from the National Board of Fire Underwriters, who thought this material was much better for a home covering than the popular wood shakes alternative, and a monumental industry was born!
3-Tab Shingles
Strip shingles, or what we call 3-tab today, used to be the standard for nearly half a century. They offer a single layer, uniform look for the roof. They are lightweight even in todays market. But they are considered cheap and less durable than the next step up, or what we call architectural shingles.
Architectural Shingles are thicker, heavier and offer far more variety than their predecessor. With 50% more weight than a 3-tab shingle, architectural shingles come at a higher cost. Though, the cost is easily justifiable with more durability, longer service lifespan and the idea that shapes of shingles can be different.
Architectural shingles are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles because there is an appearance of more depth to the roof than what 3-tab/strip shingles provide.
Many routinely refer to architectural as the premium product, but they are really middle of the road product.
Another consideration which each of the three options has to do with how the product can perform during storm weather and strong wind uplift.
Whats Your Roof Slope
You will also need to know the slope of your deck.
To determine this, measure the vertical rise of your deck in inches over a 12 horizontal distance.
If this rise is 4, then your roof slope is 4 in 12.
Roof slopes are always expressed with the vertical rise mentioned first and the horizontal run mentioned second.
How Many Roofing Shingles Do I Need
To estimate how much roofing material you need, such as bundles of architectural shingles or rolls of synthetic roofing underlayment, you need to know the total square footage of your roofs surface.
How to Calculate Total Square Footage of Your Roof
To find your roofs total square footage:
Example #1: Shed Roof with One Roof Plane
For example, this shed roof has one roof plane.
Multiply length times width :
A x B = 40 x 30 = 1200 sq. ft. for the total square footage of the roof.
Example #2: Gable Roof with Two Roof Planes
This gable roof has two planes.
So to derive the total square footage of the roof, you would:
For example:
Ready to get an estimate? Find an independent roofing contractor in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network near you.
Read Also: Can You Finance A Metal Roof
We Offer The Highest Quality Products In The Industry
- With over 30 years in the industry, we pride ourselves on our delivering the highest quality cedar products. We maintain mill direct relationships so we can offer custom sizes and solutions to meet the demands of custom homes and specialized projects. Because of our close and long term relationship with mills, we have developed products that no else can such as the Perfect Shake.
Recommended Reading: Roofing Cost Los Angeles
Cedar Shingles And Wood Shake Roofing Cost

Cedar wood shingles cost between $2 to $3 per square foot installed, while a cedar shake roof runs between $1.75 to $3.00 per square foot. Its important to note that this estimate does not include the cost of demolishing and removing an existing roof if a roof replacement is needed. We suggest using a new roof costs calculator to get an estimate of total installation costs before speaking to a contractor
The average roofing installation price for a cedar shingle roof costs anywhere between $7,649 to $11,474 on an 1,800 sq. ft home. You can expect to pay $4.50 to $9.00 per sq. foot or $450 to $900 per square for wood shingles when installed on a standard sized single story home. View your potential roof installation savings with local contractors below.
Talk to Contractors
You May Like: What Is The Best Roof For A House
Metal Roofing Can Work On Roofs With Low Slopes
Itâs often believed that metal roofing is suitable only for roofs with a steep slope, but standing-seam metal roofing can work fine on gently pitched roofs. This type of roofing is installed in large sheets with seams that are raised and sealed tightly together to resist water. While some slope is necessary to ensure water run-off, most homes can accept metal roofing.
You May Like: A And E Metal Roofing
Which Type Of Shingle Is Right For Your Roof
Long Roofing has many different types of roof shingles to choose from, including 3-tab, dimensional, and standing seam metal roofs. Our expert team can not only help you in your installation project, but we can help you narrow down the types of shingles that will work well for your particular roof.Contact our team today to schedule your appointment.
Recommended Reading: How To Deck A Flat Roof
Inspect The Shingle Warranty
Once you start looking at shingles, you might be impressed by how many manufacturers offer lifetime protection. But in roofing parlance, a lifetime really isnt a lifetime. Its more like 10 years. Thats the period during which most manufacturers will pay the roofs original owner in full to replace defective shingles under the baseline warranty. After thatand for the rest of the period you own your homeitll reimburse only for your shingles depreciated value.
To extend the full-replacement period, you have to either upgrade to a different shingle or buy more of the manufacturers components. Another way to upgrade: Use a contractor whos certified or otherwise credentialed by the company.
For instance, most Owens Corning shingles come with a lifetime warranty that covers full shingle replacement for only the first 10 years. Going with one of the companys Preferred or Platinum contractors, though, can extend the 10-year full-pay period to 50 years.
You may think of roofing warranties as an extension of coverage, but theyre also limiting the manufacturers liability, says Mark Graham, vice president of technical services at the National Roofing Contractors Association, a trade organization based in Rosemont, Ill.
Steel Roofing Installation Replacement Toronto
Metal roofing installation in Toronto comes with a lot of advantages when utilized correctly. There was a time when people did not opt for steel roofing installation. However, as time has gone on metal roofing textures have improved many residential homes and business that see metal roofing as a very viable choice.
Some of the advantages of metal roofing include the fact that it provides much more protection for your home. Steel roofing usually lasts somewhere around sixty years and the time and money spent on repairing and replacing other types of roof far exceeds the costs of maintaining a metal roof. Metal roofing is also great in that it reflects much more sunlight than other types of roofs as radiation from the sun is deflected away from your home as oppose to being absorbed which would take up a lot more energy for your home with another type of roof. Roofs that absorb heat can force you to spend more on air conditioning as they retain too much heat. A metal roof can make your home much cooler in the summer months and lower energy costs.
Also Check: How Much Pitch Does A Roof Need
How To Choose The Best Roofing Shingles
There are a lot of factors that go into choosing shingles for your roofing project. Most likely, your budget is one of the largest factors. Accordingly, you want the best price on roofing shingles as well as the best value.
Typically, it can cost from $5,000 to $28,000 to replace a residential roof. Factors such as the square footage, your choice of shingle and local labor costs all influence the total price of installation.
For example, the average American home is around 2,000 square feet. Imagine that you have a 2,000 square-foot home. In that case, a new roof may cost between $7,700 and $60,500, including labor.
Across the United States, the cost to install a roof varies. On average, however, a new roof costs about seven dollars per square foot. This price usually includes all the various services involved in the installation, such as
- Construction waste disposal
- Two layers of old roof removal
If you have special requirements, this will also affect the price of your roofing installation. The complexity of your roof will also contribute to the cost of the project.
The underlayment will also affect the cost of your roof. Also, the slope of your roof plays into how much it will cost to have your new roof installed.
How Much Is A Bundle Of Shingles
A bundle of asphalt shingles may cost $18.44 25, depending on the shingle brand and your location. I
n some areas, a bundle of asphalt shingles can cost as much as $30-35. Each bundle should cover at least 32 square feet. On a typical roof, you will need about 3 bundles of shingles to cover 100 sq.ft. of your roofs surface.
Also Check: Can You Put A Roof On In The Rain
What Makes Real Cedar The Right Building Material For Your Next Project
Well, for starters, this highly revered, durable wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks, which means anything you build with it will last longer and require less maintenance.
BEAUTY
Nothing else can match the natural beauty of real Western Red Cedar. It creates a timeless character that is the most discerning architectâs choice for both traditional looks, and cutting edge homes. Depending on the finish and other factors, cedar changes color as it ages to further add to the character of your home.
VERSATILITY
Because western red cedar is pitch and resin-free, it easily accepts and holds a wide range of beautiful finishes including elegant dark stains, bleaches, traditional solid colors, and naturally beautiful semi-transparent finishes.
INSULATIING AND LONGEVITY
Western Red Cedar has unsurpassed natural insulating properties which means itâs energy efficient. It also has natural resistance to rot and insects, which makes it virtually the perfect natural material for roofing and siding.
SUSTAINABILITY
Not only is the production and processing of wood highly energy efficient, giving wood products an ultra-low carbon footprint, but wood can often be used to substitute for materials like steel, aluminum, concrete or plastics, which require large amounts of energy to produce.
Energy Efficient Rubber Roofs

Rubber roofing shingles consist of up to 95% recycled materials, including recycled rubber and a number of other recycled materials, such as plastic and slate dust. Additionally, used shingles can be melted and recycled into a new product. Rubber roofing is available in a number of different colors and styles, so you dont have to feel limited by the dark gray shade that is usually associated with rubber. In fact, if you live in a warm climate, investing in white-on-black rubber roofing can help increase energy efficiency as it is highly resistant to UV rays and absorbs heat.
Read Also: Does Red Roof Inn Have Microwaves
Custom Shingles Can Supply You With Other Specialty Products
Although cedar shingles and cedar shakes are our primary products, we can supply you with other materials that will elevate your project to new heights. We can also provide you with original designs using exotic woods, allowing you to make a never-before-seen statement. Here are some of the materials we regularly supply to bring bold, imaginative roof designs to life.
Recommended Reading: Should I Replace The Screws On My Metal Roof
Trust Country Towne To Get The Job Done Right
Of course, you are probably still wondering if these metal wall sheets or corrugated roof sheets are for you. The answer to that question is definitely an emphatic yes!, especially if you are using these metal wall sheets to protect one of your personal buildings. As we have said before, they definitely stand the test of time. However, you also should realize that not all metal wall panels or roofing companies within Ontario and Canada are the same.
You shouldnt go with just any company that you come across in the phone book! Make sure that you go with a company like Country Towne Builders. Our dedicated and knowledgeable associates are what make our company great, and that is one of the main reasons why we have a proven track record of success. Give us a call today for your next metal roofing project!
Recommended Reading: How Much Does Tesla Solar Roof Cost
Also Check: How Much Does A Roof Cost For A House
Fix Curled Roof Shingle Corners With Caulking
As asphalt shingles get older, their corners often begin to curl downward or upward. If you notice a shingle starting to curl, you can forestall the inevitable curling by gluing down the curled section.
Use a caulking gun to apply a dab of roofing sealant under the corner. Weigh it down with a brick leave the weight in place for at least 24 hours until the sealant dries. Thatâs all there is to it.
Cracked Roof Shingles Repair
If a shingle is simply cracked or torn, you donât have to replace itjust repair it. Start by applying a thick bead of roofing sealant under the crack. Press the shingle down and apply a second bead of sealant on top of the crack. Then spread the sealant with a putty knife.
The best part of this fix is that no one has to know you made it. Itâs easy to camouflage: Check the gutter for an accumulation of colored granules that have washed down the roof from the shingles. Then gather some into a small cup and sprinkle them over the sealant to mask the repair.
Read Also: Can You Claim Roof Repairs On Insurance
Top 10 Best Brands Of Roofing Shingles
You can narrow your roofing material search down with a few tips about the best roof shingles on the market. Consumer Reports conducts reviews of various products, including the best roofing shingles brands.
Its been ten years since the consumer group reported on roofing materials. The company assessed asphalt roofing shingles because its currently the most popular choice in the nation.
The report reveals that its easy to distinguish the thicknesses of various roofing brands. The report states that some brands shingles are so thick that you can easily see theyre three times more durable than other brands.
Longevity is the most important feature of a roofing shingle. Resultantly, Consumer Reports conducted a test that replicated the load and conditions asphalt shingles endure over time.
The consumer group focused on the weak spots in shingles because thats where they typically incur damage. The magazine used various devices to simulate intense hail to tell which ones will bend, crack or dent. They also conducted a test to see which shingles will stand up to the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The report reveals that standard single-layer asphalt shingles can only stand up to around 60 mile-per-hour winds and moderate hail and debris impacts. Multilayered asphalt shingles, however, can withstand winds of 110 mph.
Rubber Shingles And Roofs
Rubber shingle roofs offer a budget-friendly option that is durable, eco-friendly, and available in a variety of colors and designs. They are generally resistant to rotting, cracking, mold, discoloration, denting, and moisture absorptionmost manufacturers provide at least a thirty-year warranty. Made of affordable recycled materials, a rubber roof can also help you save on your energy bill, as rubber is well-known for its insulating capabilities. Additionally, if your rubber roof starts to leak, it usually only requires a simple repair, a fresh application of a strong sealant or possibly the replacement of a few shingles, to get your roof back into great shape.
Combine these features with the ease of rubber roof installation, the variety of available colors and styles, and the low maintenance associated with rubber roofing, and you will find it to be a great option when it is time for you to put a new roof on your home.
- Lasts: 15 30 years.
- Usually a 30 year manufacturer warranty.
You May Like: How To Shingle A Shed Roof Pictures
Get Started Planning Your New Roof Today
5Estimates.com can help you find a contractor who will help you choose the best roofing shingles for your home. We can help you receive quotes from reputable local contractors easily.
Our platform is passionate about helping homeowners. We do our absolute best to find the right company at the right price for your unique needs. For instance, our local contractors can answer any of your questions, from Whats the best color for roof shingles? to Which roofing material brand offers the best value?
Bookmark 5Estimates.com and visit every time you need an expert contractor. After answering a few quick questions, you can sit back and relax and have the right contractors come to you.
Cost To Install Shingles

The cost to install shingles differs depending on whether youre installing a new roof on a new construction home or replacing an old roof on an existing house.
Of course, in each situation a variety of factors also drive the installation cost up and down. As we mentioned earlier, roof installation makes up 60-70% of the total cost.
On average, roofers charge anywhere from $60-90 per hour for labor depending on location, with the common average being $75-85 per hour.Factors that increase roof installation cost
There are multiple variable that will impact how much you will end up spending on your new roof. First of all, roof size will dictate the base price since it determines how many shingle bundles the roof requires.
Also, depending on the local labor market and real estate prices, roofers charge an average of $2.25-3.75 per square foot to install shingles on a simple one storie roof without many penetrations. Low income states such as Alabama, can see roofer installation rates as low as as $1.25 2.00. On the opposite end of the price spectrum, you can have very expensive states such as Massachusetts, California or New York, were roofers can easily charge $4 -5 per square foot for labor alone!
Another important factor is roof pitch and architectural design. If the roof has sections that are particularly steep, if there are valleys, skylights, chimneys and other penetrations all of these factors will greatly increase the cost.
Don’t Miss: How To Get A Roofing Permit