The Hidden Cost of Inexpensive Roofing Shingles

Asphalt roofing shingles are often the least expensive option for new construction or a replacement roof for your home. However, did you know that all shingles are not equal? Most manufacturers offer a range of shingle options, and it’s rarely about color when the cost of roofing shingles increases.

Is a more expensive shingle a better option?

When looking for an entry-level asphalt shingle, an inexpensive shingle may be the lowest price. But more expensive shingles in a manufacturer’s line may offer better and longer-lasting protection for your home than the same manufacturer’s entry-level shingle. Again, the cost of the roofing shingle product is not the only indicator. An asphalt shingle’s performance can increase with weight. Premium shingles typically have more of the components that make up a shingle in their recipe, resulting in a more substantial shingle. As a result, premium shingles typically weigh more and could provide more protection for your home.

Roofing Shingle Design Can Affect Your Roof’s Performance

Additionally, shingle design can contribute to better performance as well. Three-tab shingles are the lowest performing and thus barely exist in the market today. Architectural laminated shingles offer better wind resistance and a nicer visual than three-tab, but they also have limitations.

Basically, open-tooth shingles provide the best protection by design. Their carefully calculated tooth design eliminates the exposed ends of the shingles, where organic growth is most likely to begin. In addition, open-tooth shingles have a discernible look, which is vital if you want your home’s value to increase in response to the investment (or to make your neighbors jealous).

How much more should you spend?

Start with selecting the manufacturer and consider their entry-level architectural shingle. Visit their websites and look for comparisons like the one below where we compare PABCO Premier® with PABCO Prestige®.

PABCO Roofing Products Comparison Table

When research manufacturers also check out their technical information. Which manufacturer offers the heaviest entry-level shingle? What is the cost of shingle comparison difference? The choice of manufacturer could be considered an upgrade in and of itself.

Once you have selected the manufacturer, contact a roofing contractor to obtain a shingle sample or visit a local distributor’s showroom to see and feel the other levels of shingle performance that they offer. You should also consider installation costs of entry-level shingles versus premium shingles and check with the contractor on their labor time. Also remember to consider any cost increase as a percentage of the overall project, not just the increased material cost. You want to get the most from the labor to provide your home with more protection.

Determining the Costs of Roof Protection

Budget is always a concern with any new construction or renovation project, especially one that involves the protection of your entire home. Certain risks are associated with the least expensive option in a significant undertaking, such as a roof replacement. When will you have to tackle this considerable expense again? Secondly, how long do you plan on staying in the home? Even if you plan on moving, what are the odds that those plans could be changed or delayed? The least expensive option is likely an entry level asphalt shingle and thus provides the least protection and the shortest expected life.

Certainly, “Expected life” is tough to define for any shingle. All things considered, every home is subject to a unique environment, with many factors contributing to the expected life for a shingle. We can rely on the fact that heavier, stronger, better-performing shingles will last longer than lighter, cheaper, entry-level shingles when exposed to the same unique environmental conditions.

Do Warranties Differ When Roofing Shingle Costs Increase?
In the past, warranties were a decent indicator of shingle quality but today, the lightest, or the least expensive entry-level architectural shingle could carry a limited lifetime warranty. Although, warranties are no longer an indicator of shingle quality, they can still be a reference for the manufacturer’s focus on quality. Be sure to look to the non-­prorated portion of the warranty when the manufacturer is 100% responsible for manufacturing defects. Comparatively, this varies by manufacturer and can vary by shingle. Look also at all the ways the warranty may end before its time:

• Do they require registration? If they do then, did you fail to register?
• Did you use enough of the expensive branded accessories?
• Did you keep your receipt?
• Did you sell the home?
• Did you file the proper transfer paperwork and, in some cases, pay the transfer fee?
• Did you know that some warranties are only transferable once or only once with a fee?

Wind warranties are consistent from one manufacturer to the next, but the laws of physics have something to say about wind resistance. Wind moves lighter items with less effort than heavier items. Leaves blow across your driveway, but the gravel stays put.  Properly nailed heavier shingles are more resistant to wind.

What are your risks?

If you choose the lightest option for your roof, you could be exposing yourself to some hidden costs:

• Earlier than expected replacement.
• Home inspector fails to certify roof at the time of sale, refinance, or for an insurance policy
• Greater likelihood of wind damage.
• Lack of or insufficient warranty coverage.

Please consider PABCO Roofing Products for your next roof.

Although the cost of roofing shingles is often the primary consideration for a homeowner, when it comes to choosing a roofing product, the most important thing is that you choose the right one for your home. When it comes to asphalt shingle roofs, PABCO Roofing Products has you covered. Generally, you can start with our entry-level high-quality Premier Architectural Shingle, or upgrade to Prestige heavyweight Architectural and Paramount Signature Cut products. PABCO Roofing Products is known for having some of the heaviest shingles in each category and one of the most uncomplicated warranties to get and to keep, with no registration or proof of purchase required. You also won’t need to worry about transferring your warranty — our standard warranty is transferrable. Choose PABCO Roofing for quality, longevity, and confidence.