Selecting a Shingle
As you prepare to have a new roof installed, it may seem to be a long and complex task. But, it’s important to remember how important this process is, since it will directly affect what may be your largest single investment – your home.
In order to simplify this process, we have taken our more than 60 years worth of roofing knowledge and experience in the industry, and developed this step-by-step guide to help you through the many choices to be made.
The first step in the life of your asphalt shingle roof is selecting a shingle. At first glance, with so many different styles and colours to choose from, it may seem a little intimidating. But when you get right down to it, there are really only three decisions to make.
1. Selecting a Shingle Style
The different styles of shingles can be divided into two basic categories: Architectural shingles and Traditional 3-Tab Design shingles.
The first type is the architectural shingle. Their remarkable dimensional thickness and deep, blended shadow bands simulate the appearance of classic wood shakes, enhancing the beauty of any home.
The traditional 3-tab shingle design gets its name from the three tabs incorporated into its profile. Always a popular choice, traditional 3-tab shingles are available in a wide variety of colours.
Here are some additional questions you may want to ask yourself when selecting a roof shingle style.
Do I have a steep pitched roof?
With a steep pitched roof you can see more of the roof while standing on the ground. To give your roof an interesting and complex texture, consider using architectural shingles. With their multi-layer, laminated design, architectural shingles are a perfect match for steep pitched roofs.
Do I want my home to stand out from the crowd?
If you want to give your home a more distinct and individual look, consider using architectural shingles. Use Armourshake for a classic woodshake appearance or Crowne Slate, Biltmore®, Regency, Cambridge IR & Royal Estate architectural shingles for a slate or shake-like appearance.
Do I live in an area where algae discoloration is a concern?
If you live in an area where algae discolouration is a concern consider our Regency, Biltmore® or Superglass® shingles. These shingles feature an algae resistant system to protect against algae discoloration. You may also want to consider selecting a dark color shingle, which is less likely to show the staining associated with algae discoloration.
2. Choosing a Limited Warranty Length
Architectural and traditional fibreglass shingles also come in different weights and limited warranty period lengths. Once you have decided on one of these shingle styles, check the CRC Premium Roofing Products Catalogue, product brochure, or this web site to determine the choices in warranty periods offered. A limited lifetime warranty is available with Regency and Biltmore® architectural shingles. While architectural shingles may cost more than Traditional 3-Tab shingles, it is important to remember that laminated architectural asphalt shingles may last longer*. Amortized over that length of time, the difference in price between Traditional 3-Tab shingles and upscale architectural shingles is less than you might think.
3. Choosing a Colour
Now, it’s time to choose a shingle colour. Although it sounds like a simple process, it is usually the step that causes the homeowner the most difficulty. After all, choosing a colour is a very personal and subjective process.
Since everyone has a unique sense of style and taste, it is impossible to give a hard-and-fast rule on how to choose a shingle colour. One of the best ways to pick a colour is to drive around your neighbourhood. Check out the different colour combinations of roof, brick / siding, and trim colours that your neighbours have tried. Make a list of the ones you like, and steer clear of the ones you don’t. Once you have narrowed down your choices, it is important to view several full size shingle samples, or an existing roof completed with the same style and colour shingles, before making a final decision. Often overlooked, getting actual shingle samples from your contractor is the best way to see how a shingle colour will look in combination with the other colour elements (brick / siding, and trim colour) of your home.
If you are considering new trim paint or siding, grab those samples as well, and take them outside. Hold them out in the natural sunlight, and see how the colours interact together, and how they change under different lighting conditions.
To aid in the selection of a new roof, we have developed the CRC RoofViewer™ Interactive Shingle Selector Tool. This is an interactive tool which allows the customer to easily select a shingle style and color to co-ordinate with brick or siding and trim. It’s an easy way to find out how your house may look with a particular shingle.
NOTE: Since each region has a different selection of colours available, please refer to the CRC product brochures or this web site to determine what colours are available for each shingle & roofing product. To ensure complete satisfaction, please make your final colour selection from several full size shingles and view a sample of the product installed on a home.