How To Choose Asphalt Shingles Based On Mike Holmes' Advice

There are few things worse than spotting a large brown stain on the ceiling inside your home. Although an unsightly water spot can be caused by a faulty HVAC system or attic condensation, it usually means you have some kind of roof leak. These leaks occur when water trickles through old shingles or flashing, into the deteriorated membrane beneath them, and seeps into the wood underlayment below. Before long, water soaks deeper into your home's interior, picking up dirt and debris along the way. Discoloration starts to appear when the water evaporates, leaving behind deposits that have soaked into your ceiling material. Although it can be tempting to simply cover up discolored spots with a coat of paint, leaving a significant roof leak unchecked can cause serious and costly problems down the road. There are many factors to consider when determining if it's best for your roof to be repaired or replaced. But if it's time to invest in new asphalt shingles, HGTV star and Canadian contractor Mike Holmes has several important tips to keep in mind.

"Do your research," Holmes advised via YouTube. "There are a lot of different materials to choose from for your roofing as well as different brands, styles, and features available to enhance your roof and curb appeal." Holmes recommends using shingles with Scotchguard Protector by 3M. He says it's one of the best roofing materials to prevent staining on your home because it blocks algae, but your roofer may have other recommendations. 

When you talk with your roofing contractor, it's likely that you'll be offered shingles in several different colors. You'll want to consider the exterior color of your home and any energy efficiency goal you have before deciding which is better: light-colored or dark-colored shingles. But according to HGTV's Mike Holmes, there's an even more important factor to consider first. "Not all asphalt shingles are created equally," Holmes cautioned. "Make sure to choose a shingle that has at least a 25-year warranty," he emphasized. The building expert also recommends asking your roofing contractor to explain exactly what the warranty covers, as well as any proration periods that will impact your warranty the older your roof gets. It's a good idea to ask for a copy of both the material and labor warranties that will apply to your new roof so you can take time to review them. 

This is also a good time to discuss another critically important element that can strongly impact your investment. Holmes says you should only use a roofer who will remove the original roofing and repair the sheathing underneath. "A roofer should never lay your new roofing material over the old stuff," he warned. Holmes says to make sure your contractor will pull up all existing shingles and repair any damaged areas before installing your new shingles. Removing the shingles also allows your contractor to put down a new membrane over the entire roof, offering better protection from leaks in the future.