When it's time for a new home roofing installation, you may wonder if you have choices in the type of roof you get. If you have an asphalt roof now, you could get something entirely different or stick with what you're familiar with. Asphalt shingles are a popular and common type of residential roofing. Here are some things about asphalt shingle roofing you may want to know.

You Have Choices In Looks Even With Budget Shingles

Asphalt shingles come in several colors, so you're able to match your roof to your siding, trim, or shutters. Shingle colors have trends just like house paint, so you may want to get help from your roofer when you choose the color. You might want something trendy if you're putting your home on the market, but you might want a more classic color if you plan to stay in your house for many more years.

Shingle Roofing Comes In Different Thicknesses

Basic, economical shingles are the least expensive. Thicker and stronger shingles are of higher quality, but they also cost more. You may want your roofer to explain the different grades of asphalt shingles so you make a good choice for the weather in your area when you get a new roof.

The Granules Can Reflect The Sun Or Kill Algae

You've probably noticed how asphalt shingles are covered in small granules. These ceramic granules are in place to protect the shingles from the sun and premature aging. Some shingle manufacturers put specialty granules on for different purposes.

Some are made to reflect the sun so your home stays cooler in the summer. Others kill algae so your roof won't grow ugly black streaks. If you have a problem with roof algae now, you may want to get shingles that will keep the algae off of your roof.

Asphalt Shingles Can Be Layered

Shingles are fairly light, so they can often be put on with another layer of roofing and stay within codes and not be too heavy for your roof to support. You might want to cover old shingles with a new metal roof or with new asphalt shingles. However, you'll want to talk to your roofing contractor because it may not be a good idea to have two layers of roofing on your home.

Shingles Are Suitable For All Climates

Asphalt shingle roofing matches all kinds of climates. They can be used in areas with freezing temperatures and snow as well as places with hot weather and high humidity. They often stand up to typical storms, so they're a good choice for any home no matter where you live.

If you're wondering how well asphalt shingles will tolerate a storm, look at the ratings on the shingles. Ratings tell you the wind speed the shingles can handle as well as their degree of impact resistance so you can match the shingles to the type of weather in your area. For more information, contact a company like Ludemann Construction LLC.