Bentsen Palm Home Builders Share Insight on the Differences Between a 20-Year and 30-Year Roof
The roof is one of the most important components of your Rio Grande Valley home, which makes deciding on the materials and how to maintain it for longevity a key decision when buying a new home. Rhodes Enterprises, Inc., leading home builders in the Rio Grande Valley and developers of the master-planned, family new home community, Bentsen Palm, share their expertise on the differences between 20-year and 30-year shingles and how to get the most from your new home roof.
Today’s shingles typically come with a warranty that varies by the grade. These grades are based on a few things as it relates to thickness, length, quality and materials used to make the shingles. The most common shingles are asphalt shingles, which are either made of fiberglass or organic materials. Fiberglass shingles are the newer of the two options and are typically thinner and considered more eco-friendly. The organic shingles are made of formerly living materials (wood, paper and cellulose) and melded with asphalt. It takes much more asphalt to make an organic shingle, which makes these shingles heavier and considered more durable, particularly in colder climates. Both require minimal maintenance and come in various types and designs.
The standard 3-tab asphalt shingle is the most common as they are the easiest to manufacture and least expensive. These typically come with a 20-year warranty. The dimensional shingle is another variation and is made of either fiberglass or slate and offers a more stylish appearance. These are essentially two layers of shingle material bonded together to create a three-dimensional appearance and come with a 30-40 and even 50-year warranty for the higher end shingles.
When it comes to functionality, the thicker the shingle, the longer they should last. The extra asphalt granules that go into making a shingle will help the shingle hold up over time and better protect your roof against weather and wind. Most home builders recommend the 30-year plus options as the best choice when it comes to the longevity of your roof. You have a broader selection of color options as well with the 30-year or higher shingles. However, if budget is a concern or you may only live in your new home for ten years or less you may want to consider the 20-year shingle instead to save yourself the added cost of the higher grade shingles.
Be sure to consult your Bentsen Palm Rio Grande Valley expert home builder for recommendations on the best quality shingle for your budget and design needs.
