When buying shingles you’ll purchase them by the square. A square contains enough shingles to cover 100 square feet at the recommended exposure. There are typically 80 shingles to the square, though larger shingles come 64 to the square. Each square is made up of bundled blocks of shingles. Most squares are made up of three bundles, but heavier squares are made up of four.
Shingle durability used to be rated by the weight of the square. The heavier the square, the thinker and longer-lived the shingle. Contemporary shingles are given lifetime ratings of 15, 20, and 25 years. Prices rise as the estimated lifetime of the shingles increase. Colors include white, black, and shades of brown and green and blue. Pressed texture and granule coloration combine to produce shingles that resemble wood shingles and shakes.
When choosing which color shingle you’ll use on your roof keep in mind that your roof will can last up to 20 years which if much longer than any current fashion trend.Neutral blacks, whites and grays remain the mos popular colors.
Composition shingles can put on any roof that has slope of 4 in 12 or more. If your roof has a double felt underlayment, they can be applied with a slope as low as 2 in 12; however, the shingle tabs must be sealed down.
Deciding to Re-roof
Composition shingles are incredibly versatile and can be used to cover almost anything that accepts a nail. You may not need to replace your whole roof because of some problem areas. Below are tips on how to re-roof depending on whih shingles you decide to use for your project.
Composition shingles. Nail down warped shingles and fill voids. Usually only three layers of shingles are allowed; check you local codes.
Wood Shingles. Add a thin beveled strips to fill the voids between courses, and notch in Timber Flat Roof Detail 1x4s at the rakes and eaves to create a smooth platform for a new layer of roofing.
Roll Roofing. If the slope is at least 4 n 12, roll roofing makes a smooth bed for a new layer of composition shingles. Remove all loose nails before re-roofing.
Tile and Slate Roofs. Tile and slate roofs, as well as metal and fiberglass panels, are impossible to nail through and therefore cannot be re-roofed with composition shingles. Shakes are too uneven to take new roofing and must be removed as well.
Different Types of Composition Shingles
Composition shingles come in a variety of styles and colors to complement the style and color of your home. The three most common composition shingle styles you will find on the market include Standard Three-Tab, Shadow Line Three Tab, and Mock Wood Shakes.
Standard Three-Tab Shingles.
These are the most common style in North America today. They typically are sold 80 shingles per square, three bundles per square.
Shadow Line Three Tab Shingles
The illusion of thickness is created by a line of darkened granules. These too come 80 shingles per square, three bundles per square.
Mock Wood Roof Nail Leak Shakes.
Added thickness and the clever use of color give mock wood shingles their wood-like appearance. Because they are thicker and heavier they are sold on 64 shingles per square, four bundles per square.
Having a secure and weather proof roof depends on choosing quality shingles that are appropriate for the job. Make sure you take the time to pick the best shingles for your home or contact a roofer for their opinion.
