Cost Comparison of Roofing Shingles

Home for How Long

One of the first questions that homeowners need to ask themselves before replacing the roof is how long they plan to stay in the home. If the answer is forever, the longest life shingles possible may be the best bet. If, however, the homeowners plan to sell the home in five or ten years, a roof that is guaranteed for 20 or 25 years may be actually more cost effective. Knowing how long the home will be in your possession will go a long way toward helping you make the right shingle choices.

Short-Term

Shingles Shingles may be considered short-term if they are only guaranteed for 15-20 years. Although this may seem like a long time, as any homeowner knows, those years go by quickly. This type of shingle is, generally, thinner than shingles with longer lives and not as durable. While it will do a good job of keeping out the elements initially, you may find that if the home is in an extreme climate where the heat is excessive or the snow is significant, that the shingles start to fail sooner rather than later.

Mid-Life Shingles

Shingles that are designed to last for a mid-range number of years are often the most popular choice. 20-25 year guaranteed shingles are usually better quality and in an affordable price range. Most typical asphalt shingles fall into this category. The cost is high, but the life span outweighs the added cost. Most roofers or roofing companies will recommend this grade of shingle over the shorter life span ones for the sheer quality of construction.

Long-Life Shingles

If you are planning on remaining in your home for the rest of your life, singles that are guaranteed to last 30-50 years are probably your best choice. Some asphalt shingles are in this category and their construction is much better than their short-life counterparts. Other shingle material in this category includes copper and slate. Both materials are much more costly, but when you average out the cost of the roof replacement and any maintenance with the initial cost, it may be very well worth it. Remember that not only do you have to consider the cost of the shingles, but you also have to factor in the labor charge that goes along with installation. In many cases, the installation fee is higher than the cost of the roofing material, so keep that in mind. To figure out your cost comparison, take the price of each grade of shingles, add the cost of labor and installation, and divide it by the number of years in the shingle’s guarantee. This will give you a much better idea of what you are getting for your money in both the long and short term.