Selecting the appropriate roofing material is crucial for safeguarding your home from weather-related hazards. Your roof is responsible for protecting the entire house, and it should be durable enough to withstand hot summers and occasional violent storms. With a large selection of shingles available today, it can be challenging to determine which type will best suit your needs.
What to Look for in Roof Shingles
When comparing different roof shingles in South Carolina, homeowners must evaluate specific attributes.
Durability
One of the most crucial aspects of any product is its durability—how long it can last before requiring replacement. For instance, if you were looking for a sturdy roof, you would want it to withstand strong winds without showing any signs of aging even after thirty years or more. Architecturally rated asphalt shingles, including some designer and metal variants, are known to last for over thirty decades.
Weather Resistance
It is essential to consider whether the shingles you are purchasing can withstand damage from the sun, heavy winds, rain, and hailstones without getting destroyed. Look for shingles that are labeled as over 130 mph wind-resistant and certified impact-resistant. They must be able to provide cover against weather-related issues. Fiberglass and organic-felt asphalt shingles are not as durable, whereas newer composite and metal options offer superior weather resistance.
Fire Resistance
Many areas are at risk of wildfires, making fire-resistant shingles a valuable addition to homes. These shingles are made of materials such as high-grade asphalt, slate, tile, and metal that can self-extinguish if they come in contact with flames. They are designed to prevent other roofing materials from catching fire quickly. Due to their fireproof properties, these shingles are particularly well-suited for homes located in high-risk fire zones.
Aesthetics
When choosing the right shingles for your home, it’s important to consider the materials that will look best with your particular style. You have many options available, from traditional wood shakes to more modern metallic finishes. High-definition shingles can provide a sense of dimensionality and create dramatic shadows.
Energy Efficiency
The emissivity of a roof’s surface plays a crucial role in determining its energy efficiency. The way it reflects sunlight and holds heat depends on its surface properties. Cool roofs made of specific shades of tile, metal, or composite shingles tend to remain cooler than traditional asphalt roofs.
Price
The costs for shingles and installation can vary significantly depending on the type, grade, and warranty length of the chosen material. However, it is crucial to consider the lifecycle costs – shingles that are more durable and have a longer lifespan will require less frequent replacement, ultimately saving you money in the long run despite their higher initial cost.
Warranty
Warranty periods and independent ratings are both excellent indicators of the quality and durability of roofing shingles. The warranty coverage for basic 3-tab asphalt shingles usually lasts up to thirty years, while premium architectural shingles may have warranty terms lasting up to fifty years. Tile, metal, and slate options often come with lifetime guarantees for both materials and workmanship. The longer the warranty, the more confident the manufacturer is in the product’s ability to withstand local conditions over time.
Best Material for Shingle Roofs in South Carolina
Here are the best shingle roofs you should consider using if you live in SC.
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in South Carolina, accounting for up to 80% of residential structures. However, their durability depends on the class of shingles used. Standard three-tab asphalt shingles generally last for only one or two decades, while architectural shingles with thicker construction and algae-resistant coatings can last for over 30 years. These shingles are available in a wide selection of designer colors and shapes to enhance the curb appeal of your home.
2. Composite Shingles
Composite shingles are a type of roofing material that incorporates materials like fiberglass mats, making them much more robust and more resistant than typical asphalt shingles. They are highly wind-resistant and can withstand stronger winds, hailstones, and UV rays than traditional asphalt shingles. Certain brands even come with class A or class four-star fire ratings. They have a 3D or dimensional look that provides a realistic texture of wood or slate. Warranties may cover them against impacts, leaks, and manufacturing defects for up to 25 to 50 years. Compared to high-end roofing options such as metal roofs, composite shingles offer good value for money.
3. Metal Shingles
Metal roofing provides a beautiful and durable alternative to standard shingles. It is made of materials such as copper, zinc, aluminum, and rust-resistant steels that can withstand harsh coastal conditions for over fifty years without significant fading or wear. These materials come in pre-formed shingle and shake styles or flat rectangular panels. Metal roofing has a Class A fire rating and can resist wind speeds of 130+ mph, providing top-notch protection. Although the upfront installation costs are higher than asphalt or composite roofing, it is warranted for the roof’s lifetime as long as it is properly installed and maintained. Metal roofing gives a contemporary and stylish look to both traditional and modern homes.
4. Slate Shingles
Premium natural slate shingles, also known as a “forever roof,” can create an exquisite atmosphere and are capable of withstanding the elements for centuries. These shingles are quarried from only a few locations worldwide, and they are available in the form of thick tiles or shingles with a riven “Cleff” surface texture. Although organic material can sometimes crack over decades, the risk of this happening is hugely minimized with proper installation methods. Slate shingles are known for their class-A fire resistance, 130+ mph wind ratings, and beautiful muted earth tones. While the initial cost of installation is high, often requiring lifetime roof warranties, the authentic quality of slate shingles retains 75% or more of their resale value.
5. Solar Shingles
New photovoltaic shingles have been developed that can serve as both a roof and a solar power generator. These shingles have a sleek, modern look that seamlessly integrates solar cells into slate- or tile-like interlocking shingle structures, making the solar array undetectable. This emerging technology can provide free electricity production for decades to offset installation costs and deliver ultimate energy efficiency for new construction or replacements. While still expensive for widespread adoption, solar shingles offer significant long-term energy savings and reduced carbon footprints for homes in suitable areas.
6. Wood Shingles
Cedar shake and wood shingle roofs have a classic look that adds a historic charm to any home. However, hand-split cedar varieties require careful maintenance to protect against dry rot, insect infestations, and fungal growth in our humid climate. To extend their lifespan of up to fifty years, ensure proper ventilation, quality underlayment, and regular preservative treatments every ten years. These roofs have a detailed rustic texture that complements Medieval, Tudor, or Craftsman architectural styles. However, wood roofing comes at a high price point and requires a craftsman’s touch, which may not be suitable for all budgets. Additionally, if not closely monitored, there is a risk of premature failure.
We Will Help Keep a Roof Over Your Head
Choosing the perfect shingles for your South Carolina home and budget can feel overwhelming with so many options available. But don’t worry. Expert roofers from Fraser Roofing, LLC are here to help! We are a local roofing contractor that has been serving the entire region since 2009. Our roofers have extensive experience in installing and maintaining all types of shingle roofing systems throughout all seasons. We offer free estimates. Contact our friendly team today to schedule an on-site consultation.
