how to buy a roofing shingles guide?

Public Comments

1. Visit your local lumberyard, home center, or roofing supply business. They will have tons of free manufacturer's guidelines and product literature to give you. You will find recommendations based on geographical location, climate, architectural style, and budget. If you live in the desert southwest, asphalt shingles will not be highly recommended because the extreme dry heat and wind will cause them to fail prematurely. If you live in the Gulf Coast or Pacific Northwest areas, asphalt shingles with a fungicide additive will probably be recommended. If you have a low slope roof (under a 3" in 12" pitch), rolled asphalt or other types of roofing will be recommended rather than standard tabbed asphalt shingles. You get the picture. The literature will answer questions you haven't even thought to ask. A work of advice. If you are in the market for asphalt shingles, spend the money to upgrade from the cheapest 20 year shingles. The cost of 25 and even 30 year shingles is only marginally higher than 20 year shingles and the labor cost to install them is the same. The protection offered from asphalt shingles is provided by the colored mineral granules on the surface of the shingles. The mineral granules prevent the sun from prematurely destroying the asphalt impregnated body of the shingle. A rule of thumb in the roofing business is that walking and working on the shingles during installation removes up to 5 years of the expected life of the shingles. Just another reason to upgrade. Don't intend to be living in your current home 10 years from now? Upgrading is still a good idea for resale value down the road. Good luck with your project.
2. Exbuilder is correct. He knows what he's talking about. Spend a little more. Those 3 tab shingles suck.