Replacing your roof can be a very exciting time! You will have a lot of choices to make, and they can do a lot to extend the life of your structure. The decisions you make now can affect your home for up to 50 years. Read on to find out what San Diego roofers recommend!

There are two main categories of roof material types: 25-year shingles and 50-year shingles. The main difference here is how each type was made and if it was intended to last up to a quarter or half a century.

The best way to decide is to assess your own future plans and needs. If you plan to live in your home for any time less than two decades, roofers in San Diego recommend that you invest in the slightly less expensive 25-year shingles.

However, if you intend to live in your home for upwards of 30 to 40 years, 50-year shingles are worth the higher financial investment! They will last double the time of the 25-year shingles and be more resistant to breakage and corrosion.

Driving through any San Diego neighborhood, you will notice vastly different types of shingle styles! Each kind has pros and cons based on the price, sturdiness, and weight:

Luxury shingles are a great way to replicate a traditional slate shingle without a huge price tag. They also come with added durability and longevity.

Luxury shingles will present the same attractive appeal as a slate shingle in their appearance, so they will blend well with any home design you may already have!

These are very common types of shingles made of fiberglass. They have a mineral coating for aesthetic appeal. This building makes them extremely lightweight and weatherproof. You can expect these to last you about two decades safely.

Dimensional shingles are similar to the 3-tab style but are layered together to appear taller and more elevated.

By comparison, the 3-tab shingles are inexpensive and tend to appear flatter than the dimensional shingles, but the two have similar lifespan expectancies and durability.

The ultimate decision for your underlayment comes down to felt paper or synthetic. Here are some key pointers for each style of roofing in San Diego:

• Felt paper: inexpensive, tears easily, not waterproof
• Synthetic: costly, highly durable, fully waterproof, available in both thick and thin variations based on your structure’s requirements

San Diego roofing companies recommend thick synthetic underlayment as the best option because it provides the most protection against water damage during the storm season.

Learn our Tips for Preventing a Leaky Roof