Dale Yalanovsky’s article for SFGate.com identifies several important factors to consider when choosing the best shingles for one’s home. Yalanovsky points out that unlike other roofing products, shingles come in a variety of materials, styles, and colors, which makes choosing a bit more challenging. With several factors like cost, climate, and style to take into account, you need to pick a shingle style that is likely to last and boost the beauty of your home.

Yalanovsky shares the following tip to calculate the potential material cost:

Determine the cost. Use a tape measure to measure the approximate square footage of your roof. Shingles are sold by the square, and each square will cover 100 square feet. Measure the length and width of your roof area to determine the square footage. Multiply the results together. For example, a 10- by 18-foot roof equates to 180 square feet of roofing area. Add in 10 percent to cover waste for a total of 198 square feet.

Roof shingles are also priced according to their material composition, and in some cases, their ability to endure severe weather conditions. In Alexandria, Virginia, for example, the frequency of rain has a considerable impact on the cost of roofing materials. Meanwhile, in terms of durability, Yalanovsky recommends asphalt and laminate shingles.

Choose the type you want. Asphalt shingles are the standard of the industry and are priced accordingly. They have some of the longest warranties available and are always a good choice for durability and effectiveness. Laminate shingles offer the durability of asphalt shingles with architectural style. Laminates can be made to look like other shingles but without the high maintenance and hassles.

In any case, shingle roofing requires a long and intricate installation process. Such meticulous installation explains how this type of roofing can withstand natural forces and maintain its exquisite beauty for many years. To ensure the best results, shingle roofing in Alexandria, VA is best done by professional roofers from a trusted company like Northern Virginia Roofing & Exteriors.

After identifying the right shingle material for your Alexandria roofing system, you need to hire a reliable roofing contractor for the installation. You may also want to inquire about the various maintenance tasks you can carry out throughout the lifetime of your roof. Should problems with your roofing arise in the future, you can also count on these professionals for the necessary repairs.

(Article Excerpt and Image from How to Select the Best Roof Shingle, SFGate.com)