Shingle roofs can be a great option for reducing noise from outside. Noise can be very disturbing to the quietness of your home, whether from road construction, a neighbor's party, or anything in between. Shingle roofs can help reduce this noise. To get started, consider installing a small acoustic pad or foam insulation. Whether you're building a new home or renovating an existing one, a sound-proof pad can help you achieve a higher STC rating. Shingle roofs made of asphalt are surprisingly sound-insulated and can significantly reduce noise from the outside. This type of roof can be considerably quieter than a metal or a wooden roof, even in large storms. The thicker shingles, for example, have more asphalt to add mass to the roof and reduce external noise.

Another way to minimize noise from a shingle roof is to add a layer of plywood or OSB. You don't need to go too thick, though. Underlayment materials such as foam insulating panels and nylon filaments are also effective in reducing noise. In some areas, metal roofs are permitted over shingle roofs. Another method to reduce the noise coming from the outside is to add insulation to the attic. This is the cheapest and most effective way to reduce noise from your roof. It is especially effective when applied to higher frequency sounds, and will also reduce the volume of other noises. For most new homes, R-38 fiberglass insulation is required and is the standard attic insulation depth. However, if you want to improve sound insulation in your home, you can opt for R-86 blown fiberglass insulation. Often, this will reduce external noise by up to -10 dB. A -10 dB reduction is considered half the volume of an average listener.

When replacing the roof on your home, you'll likely be looking for ways to maximize its resale value. One of the best ways to do that is to choose high-quality shingles. While inexpensive, these shingles may not have the same appeal to buyers as those made with higher-end shingles. The same goes for roofs that mimic the look of slate or wood. Premium shingles can add value to your home when sold. Although asphalt shingles are cheaper than metal ones, they don't last nearly as long. The average asphalt shingle roof lasts just 20 to 22 years, half the lifespan of metal roofs. You'll want to make sure to market your new roof as well as any other improvements you made to your home to attract buyers. And since a new roof adds so much to a home's resale value, it can be the perfect way to increase its price. Proper roof maintenance can also add to its value.

While new roofs can be expensive, they are still a wise investment. The average cost of installing a new roof in the United States is $22,636. Compared to the other popular home improvement projects, a new roof adds up to 68 percent of your home's resale value. You'll be surprised at just how much your home is worth after installing a new shingle roof.

Despite the differences in cost, shingle roofs are more affordable than metal roofing. Many homeowners choose shingles because of their low upfront cost and easy availability of materials. Whether you have the time or the money to hire a professional, shingles are still an attractive choice for a roof. You can compare both types of roofing materials to learn which is best for you. There are two main methods of shingle roof installation: racking and stair-step. The racking method is generally easier because it involves a continuous line of shingles across the roof and a pile of shingles next to the work area. On the other hand, a stair-step method requires a person to move every few shingles to get to the next one. Both methods are equally effective in creating a water-tight barrier, but racking is easier to do.

One important factor in the energy efficiency of a home is the color of the shingles. White shingles tend to reflect light while black ones absorb it. A black shingle roof will absorb light and convert it to heat. It is because of this rapid absorption of light that asphalt gets hot in the summer. White shingles reflect light and do not experience dramatic temperature changes. So choosing a shingle color that is lighter than your home's exterior will help save energy. Although asphalt shingles are widely available, they are not always the most energy-efficient roofing choice. Some shingles contain special reflective granules, called SRI, that limit heat absorption and promote sun reflection. Look for a shingle with coated granules. SRI rating for asphalt shingles will depend on the color and granules. Generally speaking, a sloped roof should have an SRI between 16 and 32.

A high SRI rating on a shingle roof can also reduce the amount of heat flowing into a home. It prevents hot air from escaping during winter and cool air from escaping during the summer. A high SRI value can result in substantial savings on your energy bill. If you live in a climate with short summers, these small savings can add up fast. But remember, energy-efficient shingles don't need to cost much more.