Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in the United States. They are affordable, durable, and easy to install. But there are also some downsides to asphalt shingles. In this blog post, we will discuss the pros and cons of asphalt shingles so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not they are the right roofing material for your home!
How To Choose The Best Asphalt Shingles?
When deciding which is the best asphalt shingles to buy, it is essential to consider the climate in your area. If you live in an area with a lot of snow and ice, you will want to choose a shingle that is rated for that type of weather. If you live in an area with high winds, you will want to select a shingle to resist wind damage.
Asphalt shingles come in various colors, so you can choose the color that you think will look best on your home. Since a new roof costs mainly labor, picking a more expensive shingle is not as financially painful as you might think. Doubling the cost of your shingles adds only a tiny increase to the total cost of a roof.
What Are the Advantages of Asphalt Roof Shingles?
Fiberglass is layered between ceramic and asphalt in the construction of asphalt shingles. While the fiberglass lends strength, the asphalt ingredient renders the roof cover watertight. Along with providing color to the shingles and UV protection for the cover and ceramic particles.
However, asphalt shingles also come with additional advantages.
Durability: The prevailing consensus is that metal roofs offer greater strength and durability. It has been observed, however, that conventional asphalt roofs can withstand severe weather. Additionally, it can withstand snow and liquids not getting inside. Furthermore, they can last for up to 50 years or more if built correctly.
Versatility: For various roof angles, forms, and shapes. Asphalt shingles work well on all roofs, including cross-hipped and Dutch gable roofs.
Numerous Designs: There are many different architectural styles of asphalt shingles. There are dimensional shingles, premium shingles, and 3-tab shingles. Additionally, some shingles can imitate the appearance of other roofing materials, such as slate or cedar shakes.
Sustainability: Due to their ability to be recycled, asphalt shingles are green. A landfill would have been the only option if the shingles were not recycled. However, if you have asphalt shingles, you can take off your old roof coverings and recycle them so they can be made into new products.
What Are The Disadvantages of Architectural Asphalt Shingles?
Due to their relatively lightweight nature, architectural asphalt shingles are occasionally vulnerable to wind damage to the roof. These shingles tend to lift or tear off rather quickly in strong gusts.
Slate roofs, metal roofs, and tile roofs are perhaps more resilient and have a longer lifespan while being the most economical alternative. The lifespan of the asphalt shingles might be shortened by excessive heat and dampness. By exposing your roof structure to the elements, these damaged shingles risk further harming the system. Additionally, too much moisture can encourage the growth of moss and other plants on your roof, which could prevent water from draining off your roof.
Are Asphalt Roof Shingles Cost-Effective?
The initial investment for an asphalt roof is relatively low. The cost of installation and the price of materials are both reasonable, making asphalt shingles one of the most cost-effective roofing options on the market. In addition, asphalt shingles are easy to install, which can save you money on labor costs. Asphalt shingles also come in various colors and styles, so you can find an option to match the look of your home.
While asphalt roof shingles are a cost-effective roofing option, they have some disadvantages. Asphalt shingles are not as durable as other roofing materials and may need to be replaced more frequently. Asphalt shingles are also not as fire-resistant as some other roofing materials, so if you live in an area at risk for wildfires, you may want to consider another option.
Are Asphalt Shingles Energy Efficient?
Maintaining the correct temperature may be a top priority for homes in urban settings. The warmth of the house can be decreased by a few degrees, though, using asphalt shingles. Additionally, an underlayment layer aids in reflecting the sun’s infrared rays, keeping the house cool while building the entire roofing system made of asphalt shingles.
Additionally, doing so would enable the home’s occupants to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature on hot, sunny days with reduced energy use. Asphalt shingles are thus shown to be energy-efficient.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most energy-efficient roofing materials available. Asphalt shingles reflect heat, which can help keep your home cool in the summer. In addition, asphalt shingles are made from recycled materials, which makes them a more environmentally-friendly option.
Are Asphalt Shingles Easy to Install?
Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the easiest roofing materials to install. Asphalt shingles are easy to cut and nail and can be installed over an existing roof. Additionally, asphalt shingles are available in various colors and styles, so you can find an option to match the look of your home.
Asphalt shingles are a good option if you’re looking for easy-to-install roofing material. However, asphalt shingles are not as durable as other roofing materials and may need to be replaced more frequently.
What Are The Best Way to Install Asphalt Shingles?
It is best to install asphalt shingles on a roof with a minimum slope of four inches per foot. For roofs with a lower pitch, it is recommended to use self-adhesive or fiberglass-based asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles installation should be over solid plywood sheathing or at least ¾ inch thick OSB boards. The shingles should be installed in rows, starting at the bottom of the roof and working up. Each row should overlap the previous row by two to three inches.
When installing asphalt shingles, stagger the joints, so they do not line up with those in the row below. Asphalt shingles should be nailed in place using ring-shank nails. The nails should be driven into the sheathing to flush with the shingle’s surface. Be sure to seal around each pin to prevent leaks.
Why Choose Asphalt Shingles?
The longevity of asphalt shingles is one of their outstanding qualities.
Asphalt shingles can preserve the structural integrity of your home whether you reside in a hot or cold climate. Asphalt shingles can endure up to 30 years, depending on their quality and upkeep. They also offer good fire resistance and lift.
There is practically no weight to asphalt shingles. Since heavy-duty roofing materials are more expensive to install, less work is required.
A further factor that makes asphalt shingle roofs one of the most popular options for roofing in the US is their broad availability in high-quality.
Finding roofers that can repair your asphalt shingle roof will also not be difficult. A new roof is an excellent chance to update the appearance of your house. Asphalt shingles may match any home design because of the extensive range of textures, colors, and sizes available. It has also a type of luxury shingles. In addition, an asphalt roofing shingle can replicate the natural appearance of cedar shake, tile, and slate if you’re seeking ways to improve your property’s curb appeal.
Thoughts
If you’re considering installing an asphalt shingle roof, carefully weigh the pros and cons. Architectural asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material choice for many homeowners because they are easy to install and come in various colors and styles more than other asphalt shingles. However, asphalt shingles are not as durable as other roofing materials and may need to be replaced more frequently. When installing asphalt shingles, following the roofing contractor’s instructions is essential to ensure long-lasting, leak-free roof roofing products.
Asphalt shingles may be the right choice if you’re looking for easy-to-install, energy-efficient roofing material. However, keep in mind that asphalt shingles are not as durable as some other roofing materials and may need to be replaced more frequently. They also do not a reliable and strong wind resistance or extreme weather.
When installing asphalt shingles, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure a long-lasting, leak-free roof. Roofing contractors like TCI Manhattan provide quality roofing projects as one of the leading providers of roofing services in the roofing industry.
