Replacing Your Shingle Roof In Pittsburgh, PA: A Complete Guide

Are you looking to replace your shingle roof? If so, you’re in luck because below is all the information you might need to change your roof tiles and guarantee that they last for years to come. Keep reading to learn the factors to consider before replacing your shingles and how a roofing contractor in Pittsburgh, PA, can help.

Types of Shingles

The type of shingle that you should use depends on your budget and the way you want your house to look. The main types of shingles are:

luxury shingles: mimic the appearance of real slate but less pricey, heavyweight, and durable, attractive for most homes
Dimensional shingles: essentially two shingles bonded together, very expensive but moderately durable
3-tab shingles: generally the least expensive, comprised of fiberglass and very durable

Pittsburgh roofing companies recommend that you also factor in the intense sun, rain, wind, and especially snow Pittsburgh is famous for. All of these elements will place wear and tear on your shingles, and you’ll need the more durable shingles possible.

How Many Years Will You Get?

Typically, roofs are categorized into two groups based on their longevity.

25-Year Shingles

25-year roofs are a section of roofing that is expected to last about 25 years, as the name suggests. This type of roof is less expensive than its longer-lasting counterpart and less durable. This type of shingle is less resistant to damage from wind and bad weather.

50-Year Shingles

The second option is called a 50-year roof, which is expected to endure for up to half a century before replacing it. 50-year roofs are typically about 5% more expensive than the 25-year option, and they are also more durable and resistant to damage. Investing in 50-year shingles can save you lots of money on roof repair in Pittsburgh.

Underlayment Options

The underlayment of your structure is the material placed above the wood supports but below the shingles. You should always consult your Pittsburgh roofing contractor about what type of underlayment you should use. There are two main types that your roofing company will recommend: felt and synthetic.

Felt Underlayer

This type of underlayer is made basically of construction paper. It is older and less expensive, but not durable. This is because the paper material it is made of can be easily ripped and will decay if exposed to water.

Synthetic Underlayer

Synthetic underlayers are bothnewer and more commonfor roofers in Pittsburgh to install because of the trusted durability that they come with. This type of underlayer has fiberglass threads woven throughout that keep it resistant to ripping in strong weather and waterproof. You can also choose between a thin or thick synthetic underlayer, which helps to boost the durability if it is thicker. For this reason, even though they are more expensive, roofing contractors in Pittsburgh, PA, recommend thick synthetic underlayers.

Concluding Thoughts

When you start to redo your shingles, you should make sure to consult with your trusted Pittsburgh roofing team because they can give you personalized and accurate advice. Additionally, you can use all the information above to get more familiar with how to start the process and what your options will look like as you take on this huge project. If you decide you’re better off leaving this job to the pros, get in touch with a Pittsburgh roofing contractor right away.