Many homeowners don’t give much thought to the roof over their heads until it’s time to replace it. When it comes time to purchase and have new shingles installed, you’re likely to be confronted with several options, including the material your shingles are made of.
When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt shingles are the tried-and-true classic. No roofing material is more universally used than asphalt shingles. They are the most common roofing material on residential homes in the United States and for good reason. They offer a variety of benefits for the homeowners who choose to install them.
What Makes Asphalt Roofing a Great Choice
There are several different varieties of asphalt shingles, which can overwhelm you when selecting a new roof. Working with a reputable roofing company is the best way to help you make the right choice.
Like all products, asphalt shingles has advantages and disadvantages. Asphalt roofing has been used for decades and is still one of the be roofing materials available.
1. Economical: When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt shingles are the most affordable option. If replacing your roof on a budget is a primary concern, asphalt shingles are your best option. Metal and slate roofing both cost twice as much as your typical asphalt shingle roof. This is one of the main reasons asphalt roofing is the top choice.
2. Longevity: The lifespan of your roof will depend on the quality of the materials and the environment they’re exposed to. Strong winds and severe weather can impact the lifespan of any type of roofing shingles.
Asphalt shingles have a variable lifespan depending on the quality of the shingles themselves, but generally, they have a competitively long lifespan. On average, a well-installed and maintained asphalt shingle roof will last up to 25 years.
3. Variety of Choices: Asphalt shingles used to be easy to identify because of their limited options but manufacturers now offer a wide array of colors and styles. Asphalt roofing can be designed to mimic the look of tile, wood shakes, or slate. The shapes of the shingles can even be altered to complement a home’s architectural design.
Color choices are equally varied, with tones ranging from gray and black to beige, brown, and blue-green. These colors can even be mixed to achieve a custom look or give a vintage appearance to a roof on a historic home. If you have a particular vision for your home, your best bet for fulfilling your goals are asphalt shingles.
4. Easy Installation: Asphalt roof shingles cost less to manufacture, therefore making them less expensive than other roofing materials. Easy installation means significant savings on labor costs. Less brittle than slate, and with a simpler installation process than metal, asphalt shingles are the standard of the roofing industry and their ease of installation reflects that.
The Pros Outweigh the Cons
Asphalt roofing is so popular and reliable and has many advantages. The one complaint that homeowners, roofing industry professionals, and environmentalists all share is the effect asphalt shingles have on the environment.
Environmental Impact: Asphalt shingles are unfortunately one of the least environmentally friendly roofing option. The manufacturing process involves the use of fossil fuels, which makes them an unsustainable option. They take up space in landfills.
To compensate for this disadvantage, shingle recycling programs have become available. The process involves turning old asphalt shingles into pavement or other roofing products.
The roofing industry has been able to significantly reduce the amount of waste being sent to landfills this way. Combined with the regulations set in place by the Clean Air Act, the roofing industry has made great strides toward improving its environmental impact throughout the asphalt roofing process.
Maintenance: All roofs require periodic inspections and maintenance to ensure they are in good repair. Asphalt roofs should be checked to ensure shingles are secure. You’ll also need to have the flashing examined to confirm water isn’t seeping into your roof deck or frame, and checked for moss or algae growth which could damage your shingles if left unattended.
We Know Asphalt Roofing!
Overall, asphalt shingles are the best roofing option for homeowners. They are the most economical choice and easiest to install. The environmental impact will improve with time and research. Asphalt roofing will get the job done of protecting your home and increasing your curb appeal. For these reasons, we recommend them to our homeowners.
If you’re interested in installing an asphalt shingle roof on your home, choose Brian Dawson Roofing, We can help you choose the color, shape, and style for your home.