Architectural shingles were born in the ‘80s.  These shingles were offered as an alternative to traditional three-tabbed shingles.  They are high-quality shingles that will set your roof apart from your neighbors and add incredible curb appeal to your residence.  Architectural shingles are known as dimensional or laminated shingles that add richness and depth to your residence roofline.  They are made from a dense fiberglass mat base and ceramic-laced granules that are contained within a refined and water-resistant asphalt.  These shingles are high-quality and high-performing compared to standard or three-tabbed fiberglass shingles.  There are many options when it comes to selecting an architectural shingle.  

You can choose from simulated shake shingle options that are thick and similar to authentic shake shingles.  Other options include imitation slate shingles that create the look and feel of a slate carriage house roof without the weight restrictions these traditional roofing materials require.  Unlike traditional slate roofing, these shingles do not require the additional support of a slate shingle.  You can choose from a variety of colors to accent the gables and roof elevation planes of a residence.  

Traditional asphalt shingles are comprised of fiberglass that is layered between asphalt and ceramic granule, but they are not as dense as architectural shingles.   This creates a water-repelling effect that protects against ultraviolet light. Architectural and three-tabbed fiberglass shingles are similar in water repellency and resistance to the elements.  However, architectural shingles typically have a longer lifespan and warranty compared to traditional asphalt shingles.

Warranty

Typically architectural shingles have a longer warranty and wind gust protection versus three-tabbed fiberglass shingles.  The architectural shingles have two asphalt shingle stripes that are layers that create a shingle better suited for high winds and volatile weather.  Three tabbed shingles have a 20-30 year warranty while architectural shingles are a minimum of 30 years.  Architectural shingles can handle winds up to 130 mph versus traditional shingles that typically have a 60 mph wind resistance.  

Curb Appeal

Architectural shingles give homeowners a wider selection in terms of color, texture, and curb appeal.  They enhance the appearance and property value of your home.  These incredible roofing materials provide homeowners with a variety of options including colors, materials, flexibility, contour, and depth in appearance.   

Price

Typically architectural shingles run $15-20 more than traditional three-tab shingles.  It’s about 40-50% more expensive than traditional shingles, but the life expectancy, weather/wind rating in addition to attraction or curb appeal are to be seriously considered when re-roofing your residence.  

Whether you are considering traditional asphalt 3-tabbed shingles or architectural shingles Gilstrap Roofing has years of experience in helping homeowners decide what is the best bet for their curb appeal, budget, warranty life, and application.  Contact us today for a free roof inspection and consultation to explore opportunities to protect your home and increase your home value.

When considering a new roof or roof repair be sure to consult Google Reviews and the Better Business Bureau.  Make sure your roofer is bonded, licensed, and carries the required amount of liability and workman’s compensation insurance.    The last thing you want is a roofer with an injury impacting your homeowner’s insurance because they did not carry enough liability or workman’s compensation insurance.  

Gilstrap Roofing has been a family-owned and operated business serving the Upstate and the Midlands of South Carolina since 1935.  We welcome your questions, and scrutiny in searching for a roofing contractor.  We are a full-service roofing contractor with an A+ BBB rating.  

Brian Gilstrap, President

Gilstrap Roofing

Greenville, SC 29611

864.269.1232

office@gilstraproofing.com

If you are considering a new roof for your home there are many options.  The first is to decide what type of roof you want for your home and if your particular structure is right for the finished roof you prefer.  Among the finished options are asphalt and composite shingles, wood, tile, and metal materials.  These are important and diverse materials with each having its support and installation specifications as well as total cost for materials and labor.  

Budget: Many roofing choices or decisions will self-eliminate or select due to budget considerations.  Some options won’t be available for a certain budget, while others will be within your price range.  Starting with a working budget as you work with a professional roofing contractor is one of the best places to begin.  Talking with them will give you an idea of the price ranges for your particular scope of work.  Professional roofing contractors also know what will and what won’t work on specific roofs in terms of structural support.  

Aesthetics/Curb Appeal: Another factor is sheer aesthetics and curb appeal.  Your roof, front entrance, and garage door are the biggest spaces on your property especially in terms of curb appeal and drive-by appearance.  In other words, they are the primary points of real estate someone sees at your residence.  You can have an interior finish and layout to die for, but if your roof doesn’t compliment your residence and stands out it can affect value, and appeal for future buyers should you ever decide or need to sell the home.

HOA Communities: If you live in a community with an HOA there may be limitations on your roof finish choices.  For example, if every residence in your neighborhood has a tile roof (e.g., common in Arizona, Texas, and California) your HOA may require that kind of roof for consistency and aesthetics.  Many homeowners discover these agreed-upon covenants after purchasing a home because they did not read the fine print.  It’s a good idea to run any structural or finished changes by your HOA’s architectural committee if you live within a neighborhood with covenants.  

Weather: Geographic location can dictate what kind of roof you can have as well.  If you live in areas where it is extremely hot and humid in the summer you may want to consider a different roofing material than if you live in the mountains.  Humidity and insulation is an important factor when choosing a roof finish.  A professional roofing contractor can help guide you through this maze for homes in your specific weather zone.  

Selection:  Don’t assume that all shingles are alike.  Shingles are similar to tires.  Some last longer than others and perform differently.  Your roof professional can guide you through the process and explain the materials within different shingles, how long they last and how they perform in addition to the material warranty of any given shingle.  It doesn’t hurt to Google top-rated shingles or their manufacturers and gets an idea of their performance ratings.  However, your local professional roofing company can provide you with samples, colors, and textures as well as manufacturer warranties.  

Roof Removal: As you research and consider a new roof remember there is a labor cost in removing your old roof.  Remember to allow budget room for it.  Some roofing contractors include the cost in the overall quote.  Just make sure you know what you are paying to remove the old roof in addition to the new roof materials and installation.

Choices: There are composite shingles, asphalt shingles, shake roofing, wood shingles, tile, slate, metal, and a ton of roofing material options.  A professional roofing contractor can also help you understand roofing conversion costs.  For example, if you are switching from an asphalt shingle roof to a slate roof there is going to be a cost associated with reinforcing the roof to ensure it can handle the additional weight of a slate versus a shingle roof.   

Under the Hood Considerations:  If your home is 25-40 years old with the original roof there may be additional costs associated with a new installation.  Things like wood rot, water damage/ingression, valley construction, support, and gutter drainage all figure into the installation of a new roof.  Only a professional roofing contractor can determine the condition underneath your old roof by carefully inspecting the roofline and attic of your home.   

You Need a Pro: Assessing a new roof is something you need to consult with a professional.  You may know that your home is due for a new roof, but the only way to make that determination is to have a professional roofing company inspect your current roof and evaluate its condition.  Review roofing contractor online reviews, Better Business Bureau ratings, or complaints and make sure you are dealing with an ethical roofing contractor who can provide you with evidence of their contractor license, proof of liability, and workman’s compensation insurance.  A reputable company will not hesitate to provide all of these and much more including any material and labor warranties.

At Gilstrap Roofing we have been advising roof installation and installing new roofs in the Upstate of South Carolina since 1935.  We are a local and family-owned business that takes great pride in our record with the BB and other local ratings.  We treat your roof like it was our own.  Call, or contact us today for all of your roofing needs.

Brian Gilstrap, President  

Greenville, SC 29611

864.269.1232

office@gilstraproofing.com

Even minor roof repair can be dangerous for homeowners, or laypersons.  There is always the risk of a fall when you climb onto a roof and that is one of the most important reasons to call a professional.  If you fall off your roof and injure yourself it could put your family, financial and physical health in serious jeopardy.  While homeowners can make minor roof repairs it’s risky.  When should you contact a professional roofer?

Obstruction From Objects

If a big tree limb, satellite dish, or some other type of heavy obstruction from a neighbor, etc, has fallen on your roof there is the possibility that you have roof damage beyond what you can see from the roof.  Damage could be present in the attic and underneath the shingles.  A professional roofer can inspect the roof exterior and underneath to see if there is any hidden damage.  And never touch, or get near a downed power line on your roof.  Contact your utility company if there are downed power lines.

Loose/Curled/Missing Shingles

If you spot multiple missing, or loose shingles it could be the sign of something more serious.  If you’ve had your roof replaced in the last couple of years and are experiencing loose and missing shingles with no memory of bad storms, or weather, it could be that you had a poor roof installation and it’s just now showing up.  Typically, torn, loose and missing shingles are the result of storm damage which could be recent, or longer and they finally worked loose.   If excess water worked its way underneath some shingles and remained it could loosen the nails as well.  A professional will walk the roofline and inspect your shingles for proper installation, possible water breach,  and repair any loose, or missing shingles.

Poor Ventilation

Most roofs in newer construction are properly ventilated through the ridge, or other eternal vents that allow air to flow properly through the attic.  Roof ventilation is vital to prevent moisture and humidity from damaging the roof deck and rafters from mold, mildew and even wood rot.  The ventilation also helps your house avoid trapping fungi and mold that can pose serious respiratory problems, and aggravate allergies, asthma, etc.  Ventilation also keeps rodents, squirrels, and birds from entering your attic and setting up shop.  Faulty ventilation can allow these pests into your attic, or damaging moisture to be trapped inside.  A professional roofer will inspect any and all ridge, gable and even soffit venting and make repairs as necessary.  

Flashing Gaps

The metal and rubberized material around roof vents, chimneys, roof valleys and other sections where the surface comes together is called flashing and it is used to prevent leaks.  If you have leaks near these areas it could be an indication of old or damaged flashing.  A professional roofer can repair the leaks and if necessary replace the flashing before coating it and sealing out any water.  

Multi-layered Roofing

Multi-layered roofing occurs when a roofer installs new roofing over your old roof to save costs.  This practice is not that uncommon but multiple roofs can be a problem over time.  Most local/state building codes will allow two layers but anything over is not allowed or advisable.  If you have purchased a house and the inspector missed a multi-layered roof it could be the source of problems.  Professional roofing companies typically like a single layer roof because they know what is under it and how it was laid by their team.  A roofing pro can tell you whether or not you have a single, or multi-layer roof.

Leaks

Ceiling or leaks in your attic are like a warning light on a car dashboard.  It is a big indicator that water is intruding into your home and it has to be addressed before it causes further damage to materials, roofing and your family’s health.  Leaks can come from multiple sources, but a professional can usually pinpoint the source of entry in a very short time.  Do not let water leaks of any kind fester over time.  Procrastination in calling for help will only make matters worse and cause more damage.  Your roofer can determine if it’s a roofing or plumbing issue.  

Clogged Gutters

Water pooling or standing in your roof valley, or other areas is usually an indication of a clogged gutter, or french drain from the downspout that is clogged and backing water up to the roof.  A roof professional can determine the root cause but you don’t want standing water on your roof.

Loose Fascia

High winds, excessive rain, and heat can cause your fascia wood/material to shrink and expand pulling away from nails just below the shingle line of your roof.  Gaps can allow water to penetrate onto the roof deck and into the attic causing dry rot, mold, mildew and other damaging problems.  

Make sure you contact a licensed, insured/bonded and reputable professional roofer.  Ask for references and check online reviews as well as the BBB.

At Gilstrap Roofing we have been serving the Upstate longer than any other roofing contractor accredited by the Better Business Bureau, spanning four generations.  We live, work and play here so we have a lot at stake when it comes to providing quality roofing with certified crews.  We regularly perform roof inspections for these and other kinds of issues.  Contact us today.  

Brian Gilstrap, President  

Gilstrap Roofing

Greenville, SC 29611

864.269.1232

office@gilstraproofing.com