Choosing The Right Roof Shingle

Choosing the right roofing material for your home is a critical decision, especially here in the Dover, NH area. Your roof is your home's primary defense against the elements, and selecting the appropriate shingles can significantly impact its longevity, performance, and overall value. Let's explore your options, focusing on practical choices for New England homeowners.

Importance of Choosing the Right Roof

In New England, where snow loads, coastal winds, and unpredictable storms are the norm, homeowners need to look beyond the aesthetics of their roof. Selecting the right roof shingles ensures your home can withstand the harsh weather conditions characteristic of the region. A durable and reliable roof protects your home and family from the elements, preventing costly damage and maintaining the structural integrity of your house, which means considering more than just curb appeal.

Overview of Asphalt and Composite Shingles

High-performance asphalt shingles continue to be the smart, durable, and budget-friendly choice for homes here in Dover, NH, and throughout New England. For over a century, asphalt shingles have been protecting homes in Dover, NH, and surrounding areas. Asphalt shingles aren’t just the “traditional” choice; they’re the practical, proven, and smarter choice for homes across New England. For homeowners looking for proven durability, curb appeal, and a roof ready to handle New England’s harshest weather, asphalt shingles remain the smartest choice. 

Composite shingles, particularly those from DaVinci Roofscapes, offer a premium alternative that blends advanced engineering with timeless style. Unlike many synthetic roofing products that rely on recycled rubber or plastics, DaVinci uses a proprietary engineered polymer made from virgin resin. This resin is infused with fire retardants and advanced UV and thermal stabilizers, creating a roofing material built to perform in the most extreme climates, from blistering summer sun to freezing coastal winters

Definition and Composition of Shingles

Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles or laminated shingles, are a type of asphalt shingle known for their multi-layered design that adds visual depth and dimension to a roof. This type of asphalt roofing material is constructed with a heavier base mat than traditional 3-tab shingles and multiple layers of asphalt that create a more durable and aesthetically pleasing roofing solution. Asphalt shingles consistently offer more flexibility, cost efficiency, and ease of maintenance, especially here in New England. This makes architectural shingles a popular choice for homeowners seeking both performance and curb appeal.

DaVinci uses an engineered polymer made from virgin resin, infused with fire retardants and advanced UV and thermal stabilizers. In plain English: the tiles are built to handle year-round exposure to extreme temperatures, sun, and storms. Using virgin resin (instead of recycled content that can vary from batch to batch) helps ensure every tile meets exacting standards - key to long-term performance in a climate like ours.

Environmental note: Every DaVinci tile is 100% recyclable. Scraps, unused pieces, and even used tiles can be returned to their Lenexa, Kansas, facility for repurposing.

Durability Comparison

When comparing the cost and durability of different roofing materials, it's essential to consider the long-term investment. While metal roofs are marketed to last 40–70 years, quality asphalt shingles can last 20–30 years. Asphalt shingles consistently offer more cost efficiency and are a budget-friendly option for many homeowners. 

Composite shingles bridge the gap between asphalt and high-end materials like natural slate. DaVinci’s composite shingles typically last 30–50 years with minimal upkeep, offer exceptional fire and impact resistance, and are priced competitively with older synthetic slate products—while delivering superior aesthetics and durability. 

Popularity of Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are increasingly favored by homeowners for their durability and aesthetic versatility. Made from a blend of materials, including recycled plastics, they offer an appealing alternative to traditional asphalt or wood shake roofing. Composite shingles can convincingly replicate the look of slate or cedar shakes, giving homes a high-end appearance. Many homeowners consider the long-lasting durability and low maintenance of composite shingles well worth the slightly higher installation cost.

Brands we carry

Weather Resistance

Our regional climate demands roofing that can handle snow, ice, heavy rain, and coastal winds. Asphalt shingles have proven their reliability here for over a century, while composite shingles like DaVinci add extra resilience - offering UV stability and impact resistance. 

Aesthetic Appeal

Shingles play a major role in your home’s curb appeal. Asphalt offers a wide palette of colors and profiles, including architectural designs with dimensional depth. Composite shingles take it a step further, replicating the natural beauty of slate or cedar shakes with varied widths and thicker profiles for a truly custom look.

Energy Efficiency & Value

Both asphalt and composite options can support energy efficiency - especially in lighter colors that reflect sunlight. Asphalt remains a cost-effective, dependable choice, while composite offers exceptional longevity and minimal upkeep, making either a smart investment for New England homes.

Call for a Free Site Inspection

Choosing a roof can feel overwhelming - that’s why we’re here. As your neighborhood roofer, we’ll walk your roof, answer your questions, and help you compare options based on your home and budget. Call or text us today for a FREE roof estimate, and let’s find the shingle that’s perfect for your home and give you expert recommendations tailored to your budget and style.