If you’re considering having a new roof installed, you’re probably wondering what your different roofing options are and which one is best. The vast majority of American homes have asphalt shingles, and this definitely isn’t a coincidence. Simply put, asphalt shingles provide a number of important advantages that other styles of roofing simply cannot compete with. What are these advantages, you ask? Read on to learn all the reasons why asphalt shingles are so popular.
Versatility and Flexibility
Asphalt shingles are far more versatile than most other roofing materials, which means they can be used on almost any home. Compared to harder clay, slate or wood shingles, asphalt shingles are extremely flexible. This allows them to seamlessly cover roofs of any size, style or design. In addition, asphalt shingles are available in a huge range of colors and styles, which makes it far easier to find an option that perfectly matches the rest of your home’s exterior.
Energy Efficiency
Another reason that asphalt shingles are so popular is that they are highly energy efficient. When hiring a roofing contractor such as Top Ridge Roofing & Restoration to replace your roof, they don’t simply tear off the old shingles and replace them. Instead, they first install an underlayment on the roof and then put the shingles over the top. This underlayment is part of what makes asphalt shingles so energy efficient as it essentially adds another layer underneath the shingles that provides additional protection and insulation. Asphalt shingles can also contribute to energy efficiency in another way by helping to reflect more of the sun’s rays and thus heat away from your home.
High Performance without the High Price
Maybe the biggest benefit that asphalt shingles have over other types of roofing is the price. Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles tend to have a far lower upfront cost while still providing almost the same level of performance and durability. Depending on which style of shingles you choose, your new roof should last anywhere from 20 to 30 years. Although some other roofing materials do last longer, asphalt shingles are still the most cost-effective option in both the short and long term.
Now that you know about all the advantages that asphalt shingles provide compared to other types of roofing, it should be fairly obvious why most people choose this type of roofing. Simply put, no other roofing materials can really compete when it comes to versatility, style, price, and performance.
Repairs are Cheaper
Typically, when replacing wooden or ceramic shingles, you have to invest a significant amount to get repairs. Depending on where the damaged roof shingles are, the repairs can be very time-consuming, costing you additional money. However, due to the flexibility of asphalt shingles combined with the relatively affordable price for each sheet, the price to replace damaged shingles or small holes in your roof is usually cheaper and faster to repair.
Warm and Humid Environment-Proof
When considering if you should get asphalt shingles compared to other types of roofing, consider the environment that you live in. As mentioned in the energy efficiency section, asphalt reflects the sun better and thus is more valuable in warmer climates. In addition, they are more fire-resistant, meaning that it would be ideal for environments that are more prone to fire. Interestingly enough, they are also more resistant to algae growth so you’re more likely to benefit from asphalt shingles if your area has an algae problem.
Lighter Weight
When getting a roof installed on your home, one of the major considerations a contractor takes into account is the weight capacity of the roof. Tile roofing, for example, requires significantly more support than wood or asphalt shingles. A huge benefit of asphalt shingles is that they are lightweight. Not only does this mean that you have less weight on your roof and it may be safer in case of a roof collapse, but it also means that getting it installed or repaired will be cheaper due to less equipment needed to ship and bring it up to the roof. Plus, the pallet of asphalt shingles will be smaller than a pallet of wooden shingles or tile shingles so you will need less space to transport and store them during construction.
About the Author
Anica is a professional content and copywriter who graduated from the University of San Francisco. She loves dogs, the ocean, and anything outdoor-related. You can connect with Anica on Twitter @AnicaOaks. She recommends Top Ridge Roofing & Restoration when it comes to roofing.
