Whether you are replacing the roof on your home out of necessity or simply as part of a remodeling process, there are quite a few decisions to make when it comes to choosing a roof.

One of the primary judgements you’ll have to make is what type of shingles to have installed. While there are quite a few different options, the right one for you might not be the same as the right one for your friend or neighbor. There are many factors to consider, including appearance, cost, and durability. On top of that, different homeowners have different priorities and concerns.
Some place a strong emphasis on sustainability, for example, while others’ priority is resistance to extreme weather patterns.

Although there are other many roofing options available, there are two main types of shingles that are the most common: oxidized asphalt shingles and polymer modified shingles. Both have their advantages and their downfalls. We will walk through the pros and cons of both options, as well as what our recommendations are at Indy Roof & Restoration.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your New Roof Shingles

Before you jump into deciding which roof shingles are the right choice for your home, we encourage you to think through some of these questions so you have an idea of what is possible for your situation.

How Much Do the Roof Shingles Cost?

Whether you are footing the bill for roof shingles or your homeowner’s insurance is covering the cost due to damage, the price of each type of shingle you’re considering is an important aspect of your decision. In both instances, you have a specific budget you are trying to meet, so make sure you talk to your roofing contractor about your options and if they will work with your wallet.

What is the Slope and Pitch of Your Roof?

Depending on how steep your roof is, it may not be suited for heavier types of shingles. Although your contractor will take this into consideration when giving you recommendations and guidance, it’s helpful if you know that this is a factor. Particularly if you have a custom home or an unusual roof, you may have more significant limitations to what you can install.

What Are the Weight Limits of Your Home?

Some types of shingles can weigh quite a bit more than others, especially options like clay or slate. All buildings have a limit on how much weight the structure of their home can take, and this can be particularly important if you live in an area where you get heavy snowfall, since that can add additional weight to your roof during the winter.

How Will Your Local Weather Affect Your Roof Shingles?

Snow isn’t the only weather consideration when it comes to roofing. If you live in an area where there are strong winds, frequent rainstorms, or even extreme hot or cold temperatures, choosing shingles that can withstand those weather patterns is essential.

Oxidized Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have been a popular roofing option for decades. Their durability and lightweight construction make them an excellent solution that is still budget-friendly. However, they can be vulnerable to stronger winds and their durability declines over time as granules come off of the top layer of the shingle.

With that in mind, our team at Indy Roof & Restoration recommends that if you do choose asphalt shingles, you ask for dimensional shingles. These are typically more durable and don’t cost much more than the traditional style. For example, dimensional shingles are typically rated for 110-130 miles per hour and last for 30-50 years depending on climate and make/thickness. Traditional 3-tab shingles are only wind-rated for about 60 miles per hour and 20-25 years. There is a very minimal cost difference, so it’s well worth it to opt for the dimensional version.

Polymer Modified Shingles

We have found at Indy Roof & Restoration that polymer modified shingles tend to be an exceptional roofing option for a number of reasons. They look identical, but they are constructed of a rubber compound that makes them much more flexible than their counterpart. They are also far more resistant to UV rays, less likely to tear (and therefore need repairing), and have a lifespan of up to 50 years. For these reasons, they do well in extreme weather conditions and can withstand much more than other types of shingles. In fact, they are typically rated as a high-impact shingle.

It’s worth mentioning that many home insurance providers also offer discounts to customers with polymer modified shingles on their homes because they are so much more durable and more likely to hold out against a storm. While polymer modified shingles may have a higher installation cost upfront, the long-term savings you get from saving on your homeowner’s insurance really helps to mitigate that cost.

Trusted Roof Replacement in Indianapolis

If you are located in the Indianapolis area and are in need of roof replacement, Indy Roof & Restoration offers top-notch service and industry expertise. We cater to homeowners just like you and have unique experience when it comes to dealing with storm damage claims and communicating directly with insurance providers. Our roofers provide friendly guidance and exceptional service that is respectful of your home and your property.

To learn more, contact our office today!

Aaron Christy

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