Think of the last time you admired a home. Chances are, its roof shingles played a big part in its charm. Roof shingles are one of the most recognizable components of any home’s exterior, providing not only protection but also adding curb appeal. However, there’s more to roofing shingles than meets the eye. From various types of shingles and materials to their role in protecting your home from the elements, shingles play a critical part in both function and aesthetics. Let’s take a look at all things roof shingles—what they are, the reason they matter, and how to choose the best ones for your home.
- Your Roofing System
- Types of Roof Shingles
- Factors to Consider
- Proper Installation
- Maintenance Tips
- Quality Shingles
Shingles as Part of Your Roofing System
While shingles are the most visible aspect of a roof, they are just one part of a much larger and more complex roofing system. Beneath the shingles, several layers work together to ensure the roof protects your home from the elements. These roof layers include underlayment, which acts as a waterproof barrier, roof decking that provides structural support, and ventilation systems that regulate airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
Together, these components form a complete roofing system. The shingles act as the outermost shield, ensuring everything underneath functions effectively. Without quality shingles, the entire system would be vulnerable to damage.
Types of Roof Shingles
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most common, cost-effective, and durable of the shingle types. This popular roofing material is available in several different types, each with its own pros and cons.
Architectural shingles and luxury designer shingles dominate the marketplace for good reason – they’re the longest-lasting, technologically advanced shingles on the market today. Although some contractors still install 3-tab shingles, many companies no longer use them due to their inefficiency and short lifespan.
Asphalt shingles are available from several top brands, including CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning, each with its own loyal following among roofing professionals. While opinions on the best asphalt shingle may vary, we recommend CertainTeed for its exceptional quality and longevity. In particular, their Landmark and Landmark Pro shingles offer outstanding durability and style. At Volpe Enterprises, Inc., we’re proud to be a certified CertainTeed SELECT ShingleMaster as well as a GAF MasterElite Contractor, ensuring top-tier expertise and installation for your roofing needs.
Read more about Asphalt Shingles
Cedar Shingles
Cedar shingles, often chosen for their natural beauty, bring a distinctive, rustic charm to homes. Known for their rich, warm color and unique texture, cedar shingles naturally weather over time to a soft, silvery gray, adding a timeless look to any property. They’re particularly well-suited for traditional or craftsman-style homes, where natural aesthetics are highly valued. Cedar’s natural oils make it resistant to insects and moisture, offering impressive durability when properly maintained. However, they do require regular care to retain their longevity and look, as weather exposure can lead to potential splitting or decay over time.
For homeowners drawn to the charm of cedar shingles, Volpe Enterprises, Inc. combines skilled craftsmanship with top-quality materials to ensure a professional installation that maximizes the benefits of cedar.
Read more about Cedar Shingles
Slate Shingles
Slate shingles are synonymous with luxury and longevity and are known for their classic, sophisticated look and exceptional durability. Often seen on historic or high-end homes, traditional slate provides a high-end aesthetic that can last for decades with proper care. However, natural slate can be heavy and costly, making installation a complex process that requires special expertise. For these reasons, many homeowners are now opting for synthetic slate, which replicates the timeless beauty of real slate without the added weight or cost.
At Volpe Enterprises, Inc., we recommend synthetic slate as a smart alternative to natural slate. Synthetic slate shingles capture the elegant look and charm of real slate but are lighter, easier to install, and more affordable. They’re engineered to withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a long-lasting and eco-friendly choice for homeowners seeking a premium look.
Read more about Synthetic Slate Shingles
Factors to Consider When Choosing Roof Shingles
Climate and Weather
While some areas have shingles that perform better than others, Southeastern PA has a moderate climate that really allows the homeowner to choose their preferred roof shingle. Areas by the beach may want to consider a heavier-duty asphalt shingle such as CertainTeed Landmark Pros to help with protection from the wind.
Durability and Longevity
Different materials offer varying lifespans and resilience, with asphalt shingles typically lasting 20-30 years, while higher-end options like synthetic slate can endure for 50 years or more. Architectural (asphalt) shingles and synthetic slate are both durable options that are designed to withstand wind and hail. Cedar shingles, when well-maintained, can also provide impressive longevity but lack some of the durability that asphalt and slate shingles have.
Durable shingles protect not only the roof itself but the entire home from leaks, weather damage, and costly repairs. At Volpe Enterprises, Inc., we prioritize quality materials and expert installation to ensure your shingles are built to last, offering both peace of mind and lasting value.
Colors and Design
Shingle colors and styles can make over your home’s curb appeal with dramatic results. Whether you’re styling a colonial home with a synthetic slate roof, a rustic lodge topped with cedar, or a cottage with luxury asphalt shingles reminiscent of old European charm, there are styles of shingles to elevate your home’s appearance while bringing the best of modern roofing technologies.
Recent trends of vibrant reds, blues, and green shingles continue to be popular, as well as traditional browns, greys, and black shades. Owens Corning announced their shingle color of the year for 2025 as Merlot. While CertainTeed and GAF have yet to announce their 2025 trends, they too offer a variety of bold choices to top off your curb appeal.
Let Volpe Enterprises advise you on the best color and design choices for your home design, or visit our North Wales showroom to see the multitude of shingle styles and colors available.
Proper Shingle Installation
The installation process is just as important as the materials themselves when it comes to roofing shingles. Even the best shingles can underperform if not installed correctly. Proper installation ensures that shingles lie flat, align well, and create a tight seal, protecting your home from leaks and weather damage. The team at Volpe Enterprises, Inc. has the skills and experience to manage each step with precision, from underlayment to flashing, ensuring a flawless finish. With professional installation, you not only gain peace of mind knowing your shingles are secure, but you also maintain any manufacturer warranties, which often require certified installation. Trusting an expert means your roof will look great and stand up to the elements for years to come.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Shingles
To get the longest life and best performance from your shingles, regular maintenance is essential. Seasonal inspections, especially after severe weather, can help you catch issues early, such as cracked or loose shingles, allowing for timely repairs. Simple cleaning, such as removing leaves, moss, or debris, prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to rot or mold over time. For asphalt shingles, watch for signs of curling or granule loss, which indicate aging and may signal it’s time for replacement.
At Volpe Enterprises, Inc., we offer professional roofing services to keep your shingles looking and performing their best. Call us for a free roof evaluation and see how we can help with maintaining, repairing, or replacing your roof before you run into problems.
The Value of Quality Shingles
Investing in high-quality shingles pays off in multiple ways. Quality, well-made shingles can withstand harsher conditions and last longer, reducing the need for frequent replacements. They not only protect your home from the elements but can also boost curb appeal, adding to your property’s overall value.
Premium shingles often come with better warranties, giving you an added layer of security. Additionally, high-quality shingles can improve energy efficiency, lowering heating and cooling costs. CertainTeed shingles meet that benchmark, making them our “best” choice for your home.
Choose Volpe For Your Roofing Shingle Needs
When it comes to roofing shingles, quality and expertise make all the difference. Volpe Enterprises, Inc. brings decades of experience, top-tier materials, and a commitment to excellence to every roofing project.
Protect your home with trusted roofing experts who have been helping your neighbors for the last 50 years. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and discover the Volpe experience.
