Why Asphalt is a Popular Roofing Material for Homeowners
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in North America, but why are they such a popular option? Turns out there are a number of reasons, including, among other things, their versatility and resistance to bad weather. If you're choosing a roofing material or are looking to replace the material you have already, you may want to consider asphalt as a good option.
For the highest quality covering over you and your loved ones, making the right decision is crucial. Here are some reasons why asphalt shingle roofs are such a popular type of roofing material and why they may be your best option.
1. Won't Break the Bank
When considering options for a roof, one of the first things you should think about is your budget. Fortunately, asphalt is one of the most cost-effective roofing solutions on the market. As compared to alternative roofing materials such as standing seam metal roofs and tile roofing, the average cost of asphalt shingle roofing is far more affordable. Not only is it cheap to install, but also to repair, so you don't need to worry about your roof needing a touch up! Asphalt shingles as a roofing material are both efficient and long-lasting. Asphalt shingles are not only the most cost-effective roofing material in the short term, but they're also durable enough to give the best long-term value.
2. Long-Lasting
While cost-friendly installation and low repair are amazing stand-alone benefits of asphalt, another consideration is durability. If you have to install a new roof every couple years, the cumulative costs are high, and the stress of getting the job accomplished is an added burden. With proper installation by roofing experts, though, an asphalt roof can last up to 50 years without needing to be replaced or repaired. Asphalt shingles are very durable and can withstand a lot before needing any attention. Choosing the correct roofing material can save you time, money, and many headaches.
3. Resistant to Algae Growth
Something little considered when choosing a roofing material is algae. The growth of algae on roofs is a very common issue, especially for wood shake shingles where algae presents as black stains on the surface. Having algae-resistant shingles minimizes the potential of problems such as loose shingles or decreased ability to deflect heat. If you live in a wet climate this is especially important, so asphalt could be the perfect option for you and your home.
4. Eco-Friendly
While budget and personal concerns are important when considering roofing materials, so is the environment. Lucky for you asphalt shingles are not only a great decision for your pocketbook and overall peace of mind, but they're also eco-friendly. Previously, shingles were disposed of in landfills after usage, but now they're recyclable. After the roofer removes your old shingles, the asphalt may be transformed to create other recycled materials, which are often used to build and repair roadways.
5. Lots of Design Options
Having a roof that matches the rest of your house is an important part of building a home you can be proud of. When it comes to asphalt shingle roofing, there's something for everyone. Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes. In the design arena, other roofing materials just can't compete. Another advantage of asphalt shingles is that they may be designed to resemble alternative roofing materials such as slate or cedar shakes. So in addition to their longevity, asphalt roofing shingles may enhance the aesthetic of your property. Improving the curb appeal of your home is not only good for the neighborhood - and sometimes neighborhood relations - but also beneficial for the future sale of your home.
6. Install and Repair is Easy
Asphalt shingles are easy to install - cutting, attaching, and fitting the shingles is a simple operation. Ease of installation can also lead to a speedier project completion, saving you money on labor expenditures. Another reason asphalt shingles are so popular is their ease of maintenance. As the roof is divided into small segments, repairs are sometimes as simple as replacing individual tiles.
7. Great Noise Insulator
Maybe you live on a busy street or highway that generates a lot of noise or maybe you just require complete silence to get a good night's sleep. Either way a roof’s ability to keep your home quiet is important. The capacity of a shingle roof to insulate sound is an often overlooked benefit. Asphalt shingle roofs are recommended by home remodeling specialists for customers who seek more peace and quiet in their houses, as asphalt is very good at suppressing sound transmission. Sound insulation is provided by the composition of asphalt roofing shingles in a full roofing system, reducing the amount of noise that enters your home from the outside. Even during strong rains and hailstorms, depending on the particular form of your asphalt roof, your home can remain quiet and peaceful.
8. Resistant to the Elements
No matter where you live, having a roof that can withstand the elements is extremely important for your safety as well as your wallet. Asphalt roofing shingles are designed to withstand damage from strong outside factors or severe weather conditions such as hail storms, wind and rain. Wind, for example, can lift the shingles causing water to get trapped underneath, leading to leaks in your home. Hail is also destructive, damaging the shingles and making your home more vulnerable to water, shortening the lifespan of your roof, affecting temperature, and more. Having a roof that can withstand this type of damage can help you avoid all of these problems.
9. Works with Many Different Roof Types
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of cuts, resulting in a large variety of shapes and sizes. As a result, they can operate with practically every type of roof, even large and complex ones. The individual shingles are flexible so even if you’re thinking about making additions later on - a skylight or a chimney for example - there would be no issue switching out small sections of the roof. Due to their versatility, asphalt shingles per se have very few slope regulations. while regular asphalt roofing does carry a minimum slope requirement, which is something to keep in mind.
10. Energy Efficient
Add energy efficiency to the benefits! So not only could you save money on your roof by installing asphalt but you could also save on your electric bill. When you install a new roof, including underlayment, it's possible that by lowering the temperature of the roof's surface, it can help your home become more energy efficient. This is achieved because the shingles - which are available in light, medium, and dark tones - reflect the solar heat. Your cooling system won't have to work as hard in order to keep your home chilly, especially if you live in a hot climate, resulting in a much cheaper energy bill.
Conclusion
The benefits of an asphalt roof are many and varied, so it's not surprising that they're gaining so much popularity and becoming the material of choice for North America. With proper installation, they could also be an excellent choice for your home, providing you with a quality roof that will last for many years.
