Choosing Shingles: Why the Whole Roof System Matters

When homeowners plan a new roof, color usually gets the most attention, and it should matter. But the shingle type and the parts you never see decide how long the roof lasts and what the warranty covers. Here is what to compare.

Architectural versus three-tab shingles

Three-tab shingles are flat, single-layer shingles with a uniform look. Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminated shingles, are thicker, layered and give the roof more depth and texture. Most homeowners today choose architectural shingles for their appearance and their generally higher wind ratings.

A roof is a system

The shingles are only the top layer. A complete roof system includes:

• Roof deck protection (underlayment) over the whole deck.
• Leak barrier in valleys, around chimneys and along eaves.
• Starter strip shingles at the edges to lock the first row down.
• Ridge cap shingles along the peaks and hips.
• Ventilation that lets the attic breathe.
• Drip edge and flashing to steer water off the roof.

Shingle manufacturers design these parts to work together, and their stronger warranties usually require using their matching components and having a certified contractor install them.

Certified installers

Tatum's Roofing is GAF Certified and an Owens Corning Preferred Contractor. Those programs mean we install to the manufacturer's standards and can offer the warranty options they make available to certified contractors.

Picking a color

Look at full-size samples outside, on the house, at different times of day. Consider your brick or siding, your trim and your neighborhood. Lighter colors reflect more heat; darker colors hide streaks and can look richer on traditional homes.

When you are ready to talk about a new roof, we will bring samples to your home and walk you through the options side by side.