Which Roofing Shingles Should You Choose For Your Home?

Few aspects are as important to your home’s protection and overall curb appeal as the roof. A well-constructed properly installed roof not only protects your home from the elements, but it also adds to its appearance and value. And it starts with picking the right roofing shingles.

 

 

So what should you look for when choosing your roofing shingles and how do you pick the best material that will last longer and protect your investment? 

 

What To Look for When Picking Your Shingles?

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You’ve been keeping an eye on the condition of your roof for a while, and you’ve done a few repair jobs along the way, but now your roof is showing signs that it needs to be replaced. 

There are many different types of asphalt shingles on the market but you can’t go wrong with investing in high-quality products and getting a top-notch installation team.

 

 

Some factors to consider when picking your shingles include:

• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• Style
• Colour
• Features
• Size

 

 

RELATED: 

ASPHALT SHINGLES – 6 TIPS FOR PICKING YOUR ASPHALT SHINGLES

 

How Does The Right Roofing System Benefit You?

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Investing in the right roofing system could provide several benefits that go beyond simple weather protection. A well-chosen roof not only improves the curb appeal of your home, but also contributes to its overall energy efficiency, comfort, and lifespan. 

 

 

With the correct roofing system in place, you could benefit from increased insulation, comfortable temperature regulation, and improved energy efficiency. This results in bigger savings on your energy bills. In addition, a durable and well-installed roof gives you peace of mind that your home is protected against possible leaks, water damage, and structural issues. 

Not to mention, an aesthetically pleasing roof may improve the curb appeal of your property, leaving a lasting impression on visitors and possibly increasing its value especially if you’re planning to sell.

 

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Why Atlas Shingles?

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The right roofing system provides homeowners with superior protection and curb appeal. 

Most high-quality shingle manufacturers create a comprehensive line of materials to build a complete roofing system, and Atlas Roofing has one of the best complete roofing systems available. I’m talking about a selection of underlayment, shingles, and ventilation options, backed by industry-leading warranty coverage. 

 

 

Plus, Atlas packs value and assurance into an enhanced premium protection period, which includes non-prorated labour and materials coverage, tear-off and disposal fees coverage, coverage of the full roofing system AND transferability. Not many other companies offer that.

 

 

What Is Scotchgard™ Protector by 3M And How Is It Beneficial?

A trusted brand, Scotchgard™ Protector by 3M, protects your roof from ugly black streaks caused by algae, keeping your roof looking beautiful for years to come. 

 

 

Atlas Shingles with Scotchgard™ Protector are algae-resistant owing to the use of 3M(™) Copper Roofing Granules. Copper is well-known for its ability to mitigate the growth of algae, preventing the appearance of those dreaded black streaks. By integrating copper-containing roofing granules, Atlas shingles gradually release copper into the dew that collects on your roof over time. 

 

 

This innovative feature ensures proactive algae defence, safeguarding the visual appeal of your roof while offering you peace of mind.

 

 

When should you use Pinnacle® Impact Shingles?

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Our weather is becoming more unpredictable and severe and how we protect our homes is becoming more of a concern. Pinnacle® Impact Shingles protect your home against hail and extreme weather.

It has a unique polymer blend that provides each shingle with greater resiliency against the damaging impact of hail and strong winds up to 130 mph. That’s Class 4-rated! It’s even strong enough to handle hail up to 2” in diameter. 

They also have  StormMaster Shake architectural shingles that can withstand a staggering 150 mph winds! Both are great options and added protection for homeowners that live in areas with frequent hail and severe storms.

 

 

Pinnacle Impact offers an innovative set of features, including:

• 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules, which convert smog into water-soluble ions that help to combat air pollution;
• 3M Scotchgard™ Protector, which prevents black streaks and stains caused by algae;
• HP42® technology, which provides a wider format that makes for quicker installation and produces less waste on the job; and
• Wind resistance up to 130 mph, which helps shingles stay in place during extreme weather.

 

 

Added Protection of 3M(™) Smog-Reducing Technology in Select Atlas Shingles

Atlas Pinnacle® Sun and Pinnacle® Impact Atlas Shingles come with 3M(™)  Smog-Reducing Technology. These are granules formulated with a photocatalytic coating activated by the sun’s UV rays, transforming nitrogen gases in the air around your home, into a microscopic salt solid that washes away with rain. The 3M smog-reducing granules help remove smog similar to the smog-fighting capacity of 2-3 trees. How great is that —you’re protecting your home and the environment all at once. Now that’s Making It Right!

 

When should you use Pinnacle® Sun Shingles?

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Every year, our summers are getting warmer, and the sun’s powerful rays can cause asphalt shingles to prematurely breakdown. The sun’s rays also generate a lot of heat that gets absorbed into your roof and home —causing you to have higher energy bills as you’re forced to use your A/C more to keep your home cool. 

That’s where the Pinnacle® Sun Shingles come in. These shingles provide a cool roof solution with 3M(™) Cool Roofing Granules that help keep your home cool, increasing the overall efficiency of your home. This shingle is ideal, for regions with hotter, more humid climates, so your roof can look good while saving you money on your bills

 

 

They also come with 3M(™) Scotchgard™ Protector so you never have to worry about those ugly black streaks.

 

What is Cool Roof Technology?

A cool roof is made to reflect more sunlight than a typical roof, which results in less solar energy being absorbed and helps in reducing your home or building’s temperature. 

A lighter-coloured roof has the same cooling effect as wearing lighter clothing when it’s hot outside, but colour is not the only indicator of solar reflectance performance. Roofing material surfaces with a higher SRI (Solar Reflective Index) will be cooler than surfaces with a lower SRI under the same solar energy exposure, especially on a sunny day. Using materials with higher SRI values can enhance interior comfort and reduce air conditioning use.

 

Pinnacle® Sun shingles are manufactured to meet the SRI criteria of the Cool Roof Rating Council and may comply with local and state building rules for reflectivity.

 

 

Contractors, Shingle Size Does Matter!

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Atlas HP42® technology Pinnacle® shingles are 42 inches long creating a wider and taller shingle offering homeowners better curb appeal. Plus, the 1 ½” nailing area, called the Sweet Spot™, patented FASTAC® double sealant line means you’ll hit your mark every time. This helps avoid extra nail penetrations that could lead to leaks. The FASTAC double sealant line also creates a quicker and more secure seal for greater wind protection.

 

 

When is the Best Time to Get Your Roof Replaced?

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Most homeowners don’t realize that installation below 50F is not recommended. For the shingles to properly seal the shingles need to be warmed by the sun at a temperature of 70F. That’s why the best time to get your roof done is typically in the fall or spring

 

Finding A Roofing Contractor

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You know me. I always suggest getting at least three qualified, insured, and licensed installers to quote on the job, but my inside voice says more like 8 to 10! It’s a lot of work and I know that many locations across certain regions have a limited trade selection, but this is where the homeowner can step in. 

 

 

Do your research and understand the product and the recommended manufacturer guidelines and take advantage of certified installers. Knowledge is power. Find out the level of experience of the roofing installer, talk to their references and find out how they worked, and ask lots of questions like:

• Were they on time?
• Did they do what they said they would?
• Did they completely remove the old roof?
• Did they clean up after themselves?
• Did they cover the roof in case of weather changes 
• And remember NO CASH JOBS!

 

Finally, it’s also a good idea to ensure the installer understands the correct installation guidelines and follows them. Get that in writing!

 

Related

Nine Jobs To Leave to the Pros

 

 

Find a professional roofing contractor in your area by heading to AtlasRoofing.com 

 

Roof Warranty – Did You Know?

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Warranties are complicated and homeowners should review and understand the fine print, before signing it. 

However, did you know the most common reasons for roof installation claims to be denied are:

• Improper installation methods may void the shingle warranty

• Improper ventilation or lack of regular maintenance (regularly get your roof inspected)
• Using an unauthorized underlayment 
• Improper sealing of shingles
• Pressure washing your roof

 

Often the manufacturer’s warranty covers only material costs, not installation costs (labour, demolition, removal of old materials) unless the roofer offers extended coverage.

In reality, the material costs are much less than the roofing cost – that’s labour and disposal costs which are a big portion of the overall cost.

 

Be wary of local building codes and roofers that agree to install new roofing material over old – this is a recipe for disaster in my books.

 

 

Here are some things to consider when reviewing any warranty:

• Is the warranty prorated starting from the installation date, or is there an initial period of 5 to 10 years during which the full value can be recovered?
• How long is the warranty against wind damage, algae growth, and other sorts of damage still in effect?
• Does the guarantee simply cover the materials, or does it also cover some of the labour charges for tear-off, disposal, and installation?
• Is there a transferrable warranty?
• Does the manufacturer have a good reputation for warranty support in your area?

 

 

To see how the Atlas Signature Select Roofing System compares to competitors’ standard warranty coverages, visit AtlasRoofing.com/.

 

Best Roof Advice for Homeowners

Although warranties provide a safeguard, choosing a high-quality shingle and a reputable contractor should be your top priorities when getting ready for a new roof. It’s also a good idea to check if the warranty can be transferred to the new owner. A transferable roof warranty can be a benefit to a potential buyer if you decide to sell your house. 

 

 

Additionally, with the advancement of renewable energy options, if you ever intend to install solar panels, make sure this addition doesn’t void the warranty on the roof and that there is no conflict with the warranty of the solar panels themselves.

I’ve trusted Scotchgard™ Protector and other brands by 3M for years, and few products stand out to me like the Atlas Signature Select Roofing System.  That’s because the Atlas roofing system combines high-quality products with Scotchgard™ Protector by 3M that work together to protect your roof against everything from algae stains and extreme temperatures to high winds and hail impact. It’s a complete roofing system you can trust and that’s how you Make It Right.

 

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