SBS shingles for residential roofs

While SBS shingles have been around since 1986, they’ve almost been exclusively used on commercial buildings until recently. Now, they’re one of the fastest growing trends in roofing. As homeowners—particularly in varying climates like West Michigan—begin to understand the benefits of SBS shingles, they’re becoming much more popular in residential areas.

What are SBS shingles?

Styrene-butadine-styrene (SBS) shingles are made with a polymer-modified asphalt (PMA) to create stronger, impact-resistant roof shingles. They look just like the common asphalt shingles you likely have on your home right now, but they weather better.

Benefits of SBS Shingles

Simply put, when compared to standard blown-asphalt shingles, SBS shingles are more durable, flexible and have better granular adhesion and retention. If you replace your roof with SBS shingles, you could also save on your homeowners insurance.

Durable

SBS shingles are tear- and impact-resistant, especially important in areas with high winds, hail or surrounded by trees.

Flexible

With freezing and thawing, like we experience here in West Michigan, traditional asphalt shingles are prone to cracking. Thanks to the PMA, SBS shingles can withstand fluctuating temperatures, making them less likely to crack.

Better Granular Adhesion/Retention

SBS shingles hold the small surface granules better and for longer, so an SBS-shingled roof is likely to weather better, meaning it will last longer. Granular adhesion and retention also helps reflect the sun’s UV rays, further improving weatherability.

Homeowners Insurance Savings

Your roof is the most important thing protecting your home and its contents from the elements, and insurance companies know this. Because SBS shingles deliver better protection for longer, your homeowners insurance company may offer you an additional discount if you use them on your roof.

Are Impact Resistant Shingles Worth it?

SBS shingles are more expensive than traditional asphalt shingles. Depending on the specs of your home, you could end up paying 10-25% more for them. That being said, your return on investment could be worth it with the higher durability, possible insurance discounts and potential energy savings.

Are SBS Shingles Right for Your Home?

The SBS trend is growing particularly fast in West Michigan because we have the ideal weather conditions to require a bit more durability in our roof shingles.

Cold temperatures alone can put strain on shingles, but when those temperatures frequently fluctuate below and above freezing, the added flexibility of the SBS shingles is invaluable in avoiding cracking and other damage, as previously mentioned.

When the wind picks up and tree branches start falling, the superior granule adhesion and retention is a much better deterrent to potential tears and cracks than blown-asphalt.

Interested in SBS shingles? Give us a call or contact us online. We’ll answer all your questions and help you determine if SBS shingles are right for you.