Choose roofing shingles for your home that fit your budget while providing you with beauty and durability.
What Are the Components of a Roofing System?
A roofing system consists of various components that help protect your home from the elements.
- Roof deck protection: Asphalt-saturated felt or a synthetic material that provides a water-shedding secondary layer of protection between the shingles and roof deck to prevent wind-driven rain from infiltrating.
- Shingles: These are typically made of asphalt, fiberglass mat, and ceramic-coated granules. Shingles act as the primary roof covering and are installed in overlapping layers to protect the structure and help ensure proper water shedding.
- Starter strip shingles: The first course of roofing installed at the eave or rake edges of a shingle roof to improve wind resistance.
- Hip and ridge cap shingles: Shingles designed for installation over the ridge and hip areas of the roof where two roof planes meet.
- Leak barrier: A self-adhered waterproof underlayment typically installed on top of the roof deck at the eave edge of the roof and other vulnerable areas. This helps protect against leaks caused by wind-driven rain and ice dams.
- Ventilation: A balanced system of intake and exhaust vents that allows air to continuously flow through the attic space in order to exhaust excess heat and moisture.
Consider your Roofing needs and preferences
When you choose roofing shingles for your home they should meet your budget, provide the durability your roof needs, and create the curb appeal you want.
Your budget
Your roof may be one of the largest investments you make in your home, and with so many types and styles, you can choose roofing shingles that fit a range of budgets.
Great value
According to a survey of 380 real estate agents and certified appraisers of single-family residential homes, upgrading a roof with GAF Timberline® roofing shingles can increase the value of a home by an average of 10%.*Timberline® is North America’s #1-selling shingle for a reason. You can enjoy the modern architectural style and dependable performance at a practical price.
Most economical
GAF 3-tab shingles come in a variety of colors adding beauty and protection.
Durability
If the wind is a significant part of your area’s weather patterns, our most popular Timberline® Shingles offer all-around durability and performance. And now, Timberline® Shingles with LayerLock™ Technology may qualify for WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, the industry’s first wind warranty with no maximum speed limitation when installed with the required combination of GAF accessories.1
Concerned about hail? Impact-resistant shingles like Grand Sequoia® AS and Timberline® AS II may be good options if your area is impacted by significant hail storms. They have rubber-like flexibility, allowing them to recover from the impact.
If heavy sun exposure and energy efficiency are concerns in your area, check out our GAF Timberline® Cool Series Shingles. The highly reflective shingles of these cool roofs can help reduce temperatures in your attic and keep your house cooler.
If you are in a region with high moisture, you can help prevent roof stains with GAF Time-Release Algae-Fighting Technology, now built into our best-selling Timberline HDZ® shingles.
Insider Tip: Regardless of where you live, check local ordinances and codes, especially if you belong to a Home Owner Association (HOA), to find out if homes in your area are required to use certain types of roofing materials. Your local roofer may also be a good resource on this topic.
Choose Roofing Shingles based on Curb Appeal
Roofs are a key and often-underestimated part of a home’s look. They can represent up to 40% of curb appeal, so it’s important to consider style and color.
Style
Our shingles fit with both current and historical home designs. Looking for a roof that works well with your home and complements what’s in your community? Start by looking at similar homes in your neighborhood and take note of their roofing shingles. Contractors can help you identify the products.
Color
GAF shingles come in a range of colors. Consider a color that complements your house or neighborhood. Neutrals are always safe — and enduring — if you don’t have a preference. Or, start with our most popular shades: Weathered Wood, Charcoal, Pewter Gray, Barkwood, and Shakewood, and be sure to try the color on with our Virtual Remodeler!
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt is the most popular shingle in the U.S. because they’re affordable to buy, install, and maintain. They are made from a sturdy fiberglass base, coated with waterproof asphalt and tiny granules of ceramic-coated mineral. The asphalt shingles you look at will fall into one of three main categories: 3-tab, architectural, and designer shingles. While these types mostly differ in look, some may offer better durability as well.
3-tab shingles
A 3-tab shingle is the simplest type of roofing shingle.
Sometimes called “strip” shingle, they’re built from a single layer of asphalt, which makes them lie flat right against the roof.
Architectural shingles
An architectural shingle, also known as “dimensional” or “laminate” shingle are manufactured with multiple layers of asphalt fused on top of each other.
The result is a richer, multidimensional quality that looks a bit like wood or slate roofing. Timberline was actually the first laminate shingle, invented in 1967.
Designer shingles
A designer shingle, often called a “premium” or “luxury” shingle typically offers highest-end multidimensional designs, premium protection from weathering, and maximum energy efficiency.
Designer shingles take on the most realistic look of old-world roofing materials.
We are GAF Certified MASTER ELITE® Contractors and why are they valuable?
A mark of roofing excellence! Only 2% of roofers in North America are invited to become GAF Master Elite® Contractors. It can’t be bought. It can only be earned. As a GAF Master Elite Contractor, here at Avsten Construction, using GAF high-quality shingles is the first part of protecting your roofing investment. GAF offers a variety of warranties so you can choose the right level of coverage for your project, plus workmanship coverage is available through GAF Master Elite Roofing Contractors.
Residential shingle roof types, colors, and style options have grown tremendously in the past few years. In addition to increasing the beauty of your home, our shingle options include low-maintenance and stain-resistant options.
The residential roofing team at Avsten Construction takes great pride in our workmanship and warranty on every roof we install. Our integrity and profound belief in roofing service after the sale means you will always be able to reach us should a problem arise after an installation, and we WILL make it right! Give us a call today at 513-795-7467!