Getting a new roof on your home doesn’t mean you’ll need to get the same type of roofing material installed. In fact, you can choose from a variety of different roofing materials to use on your Michigan home. No matter what type of roofing materials you choose however you’ll want to be sure to hire a qualified roofing contractor in Michigan to install the products. In this article I’ll go over some of the more popular roofing material choices and how they differ to help you make a more informed buying decision for your homes roof. 

Best Roofing Material Options in Michigan

The roofing materials that are offered today all do basically the same thing which is protect your home from weather elements. They are designed to keep water, snow, and ice out of the home by adding a layer of protection over the home. And while they all perform the same function there are big differences in the products which I’ll go into more details below. One of the most popular and best roofing material to use in Michigan and across the United States is asphalt shingles. But the patterns, designs, colors, and build of the asphalt shingles can vary greatly.

One of the most popular and best roofing material to use in Michigan and across the United States is asphalt shingles. But the patterns, designs, colors, and build of the asphalt shingles can vary greatly.

Using 3 Tab Shingles as a Roofing Material

The most economical choice for roofing material in Michigan is the 3 tab shingle. The shingle is constructed using a layer of asphalt, then a layer of fiberglass, another layer of asphalt, and finally there are granules added to the top. 3 tab shingles come in a variety of colors which can help to match your existing design of your home. The look of 3 tab shingles however are all the same. They are a rectangular shape with two slit cut into the shingle so it looks as if three shingles are placed instead of one. This is where the 3 tab name comes from. The shingles don’t have much depth and are usually placed on lower cost homes. 3 tab shingles typically have a smaller warranty as well with many only carrying a 20 year or less warranty.

Using Architectural Shingles as a Roofing Material

If you’re not keen on getting 3 tab shingles installed on your home then architectural shingles are likely a better choice. These asphalt shingles are made with several layers of asphalt and fiberglass and don’t have any slits in the shingles that are not covered. Architectural shingles weigh a bit more but include more materials in them. The multiple layers of the shingles help the shingle to look more larger than it is. There is also shading on the shingles to give it more depth appearance which typically looks much like wooden shakes. The variety of styles and colors that can be used with architectural shingles is huge and it’s one of the more popular choices in roofing material. The warranties for architectural shingles can last from 20 to 50 years depending on the quality and manufacturer of the shingles.

Should Impact Resistant Shingles be Used on Your Home?

Another choice which may be a good idea for Michigan home owners is impact resistant shingles. They look and perform much like architectural shingles but they have one huge advantage. That advantage is they are much less susceptible to damage from debris and impacts. During a hail storm or ice pellet storm the roof can be damaged by the impacts of that ice and hail. Impact resistant shingles are made to withstand this hail and ice and continue to protect your home. Impact resistant shingles have warranties that can last up to 50 years or more.

The warranties for architectural shingles can last from 20 to 50 years depending on the quality and manufacturer of the shingles.

Getting a Qualified Roofing Contractor to Give You An Estimate

As you can see the choices for roofing material in Michigan can be difficult. However, the explanations above should help you make a more informed decision. A great way to compare the different materials and prices is to get a roofing estimate with the three different styles. Talk with a qualified roofing contractor in Michigan to learn more.