We’ve covered the sheathing, underlayment and flashing components of your roof.
- Now we’ll take a closer look at the shingles.
Why it matters: All shingles are not created equally.
🔬 Zoom in: Keep this checklist to review the next time you need a roof.
👉 3 types of shingles belong on every roof: starter shingles, field shingles and cap shingles.
- The most common cost cutting move for a roofer is to substitute 3 tab shingles for starter or cap shingles —> in a word, “NO!” 😁
👉 Shingles should be part of a system.
- Every manufacturer makes underlayment, starter, cap and field shingles and provides the best warranties when all of their components are used together.
👉 Every shingle has a correct layout to make sure it looks right and performs right.
- Contractors with certifications from the manufacturer are more likely to do it right.
👉 6 nails in a shingle will qualify most shingles for a higher wind rating.
- The cost and effort to add one more nail per shingle is minimal.
👉 Class 3 and Class 4 shingles are rated for greater impact (hail resistance) and qualify you for insurance discounts.
- The small cost to upgrade is quickly recouped with insurance savings.
✅ For your Smart Homeowner list
- Make sure the shingle you’re getting is on this approved list by IBHS.
Best,
Travis