Whether you are having a new home built or if you are hoping to replace your current home’s roof, you could be wondering about the best roofing option for you. As you might already know, there are a variety of different roofing options that you can choose for your home, such as asphalt shingles, tile, and metal. Talking to a good roofing contractor and understanding the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing will help you determine if it’s the best option for your home.
As far as your roofing options go, one that you should be sure to look at is asphalt shingle roofing. The following are the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing that you should take into consideration when comparing roofing materials:
What Is Asphalt Shingle Roofing?
Asphalt shingle roofing is a roofing material that uses shingles made from a material called asphalt, which is a semi-solid form of petroleum that helps to waterproof the roof. There are three main types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.
3-Tab
3-tab asphalt shingle is so named because it has three tabs, which are cutouts along the lower edge of the shingles. This is the most popular type of asphalt shingles on the market.
Dimensional
Dimensional shingles, also called laminate or architectural shingles, provide a random pattern to give your roof dimension or simulate the look of a wood-shake roof. This type of shingle is not only the most common asphalt shingle but also the most common roofing material used on homes today. Dimensional shingles have a high wind rating and are generally considered to be the best value.
Luxury
Luxury shingles, also known as premium or designer shingles, are designed to look like natural slate. They tend to be significantly larger than standard asphalt shingles. They are often meant to imitate the appearance of slate. They are more durable, offer the highest curb appeal, and are the most expensive of three types of asphalt shingles — sometimes double the price of 3-tabs.
The Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The following are the benefits of using asphalt shingle roofing for your home:
- Easy to install – Because they are so light and easy to cut, they are relatively easy to install. Very little prep work is needed and no special tools are required. This means that it won’t take as long to install an asphalt shingle roof as it might if you’re using another roofing material.
- Easy to replace – First of all, you can replace your shingles one at a time since you don’t have to replace the entire roof. Secondly, because of how easy they are to install, replacing asphalt shingles is easy.
- Fit any style – Curb appeal is important, especially if you ever plan on selling your home. One of the benefits of using asphalt shingles is that they are very visually flexible. They come in a number of different styles, including laminated, three-tab, and premium versions. This means that they can fit a wide variety of home styles without looking out of place.
- Inexpensive – Out of all the roofing materials that are available, asphalt shingles are probably one of the most affordable choices, making them a good option for homeowners on a budget.
- Non-corrosive – With asphalt, you don’t have to worry about rust. Metal roofing can become rusty, particularly in coastal areas where it is exposed to saltwater. Fortunately, asphalt shingles do not rust or corrode.
Offers a traditional look – If you’re going for a more traditional look with your home, you might like asphalt shingles. Not only are they a popular roofing option now but they have been popular for many years. Many homeowners feel that they lend a more traditional look than metal roofing or some of the other modern roofing options that are out there.
The Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The following are some of the drawbacks to using asphalt shingle roofing for your home:
- Cracking – Because of how light they are, asphalt shingles can crack more easily, especially when they are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause shingles to expand and contract, resulting in cracks. Extreme heat can also cause asphalt shingles to crack.
- Don’t last quite as long – Because they are lighter, cheaper, and more prone to damage, asphalt shingles simply don’t last as long as some other options.
- Don’t offer a unique look – Although they won’t damage the curb appeal of your home with their look, asphalt shingles aren’t exactly unique. You won’t make your home stand out with the use of asphalt shingles as you might with other roofing materials, such as wood shingles or shakes.
- More vulnerable to wind uplift – Cheaper versions of asphalt shingles can be more vulnerable to strong winds, which can cause them to detach, thereby making your roof more vulnerable to leaks.
- Must install in warmer temperatures – It’s generally not a good idea to install asphalt shingles during the winter, especially if temperatures are below freezing. This can cause the shingles to become damaged during installation.
- Not the most energy-efficient option – Some roofing options are more energy-efficient than others. Although replacing an older asphalt shingle roof with a new one could help you make your home more energy-efficient, asphalt shingles are not typically thought of as the most energy-efficient option. If you want the most energy-efficient roofing option possible, you may want to look into metal roofing instead.
There you have it; you now know the main pros and cons of asphalt roofing. After reading this article, you should have a good idea if it’s the right roofing material for your home. But what if you’re unsure or want to know your other roofing material options? Or what if asphalt shingle roofing is your choice, but you need information about a roof replacement? If you answered “yes” to either question or even both, don’t wait another moment. Call our team of experts here at Elo Roofing in Palm Coast today, where we’re ready to help you get all the info you need to make the best roofing decisions for your home.
