When you’re looking for a new roof, you have a lot of different options available. Modern roofing materials come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. However, sometimes it’s worth sticking with a classic. Despite their many competitors, asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing options and for several reasons.
Asphalt Is Affordable
If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat asphalt shingles. On average, asphalt shingles are much more affordable than other roofing materials. Not only are the materials less expensive, but they also require less labor to install. Overall, asphalt shingles cost about $4 to $15 per square foot. This is much lower than the costs of other roofing materials, which can range from around $7 to $35 per square foot.
You Can Choose From Multiple Colors and Styles
Another major benefit of asphalt shingles is their versatile style. This roofing material comes in almost every color imaginable. In addition to classic black and gray, you can find attractive shades of green, red, blue, and more. Manufacturers make them in rectangular, square, and even rounded shapes, so you have access to all sorts of simple, classic, and elegant styles. Some asphalt shingles are even designed to look like fancy slate or cedar shingles. All these exciting options let you customize the look of your roof to perfectly match your home.
Asphalt Shingles Are Easy to Install
Asphalt shingles are one of the most straightforward types of roofing material. As long as you overlap them and secure them properly, they provide a durable, waterproof barrier. Their design lets you place them in tight spots or strangely shaped corners, and asphalt shingles even work for roofs with an unusually high or low slope. This makes asphalt an excellent choice when you want installation to be fast and easy. The typical installation takes three days or less, and it’s very rare to have any unexpected problems.
They Don’t Prevent Roof Access
Some types of roof materials, such as clay tiles, aren’t very supportive. If a person walks across them, they can easily crack. Asphalt shingles don’t have this problem. While they aren’t meant to be a walkway, they can easily withstand someone walking on them occasionally. This is especially important if you ever need roof access. With asphalt shingles, simple tasks like replacing a chimney cap or mounting solar panels don’t have to be a complicated project.
Asphalt Lasts a Very Long Time
Asphalt shingles are made from exceptionally durable materials. The typical asphalt shingle roof lasts at least 15 years, and some can last up to 30 years. With such a long-lasting roof, you don’t have to deal with the hassle and expense of frequent roof replacements. Instead, a new roof can easily last you for decades, so you can enjoy your home without having to worry about leaks.
Almost Everyone Likes the Look of Asphalt Shingles
This classic style is one of the best options if you need to consider more than just your personal tastes. Since they’ve been around for such a long amount of time, most people see them as the default shingle type. If you’re dealing with a picky homeowner’s association, asphalt is a low-conflict option everyone agrees on. They’re also the ideal choice if you’re refinishing your roof before you sell it. Since asphalt shingles are a pleasantly neutral choice, they make it easier to sell your house if you should decide that is what you want to do.
Asphalt Shingles Are Lightweight
The weight of your roof can make a significant difference to the overall structural soundness of your home. Some types of roofing material, like concrete tiles or slate, can be incredibly heavy. Homeowners who pick these types of roofs often need to retrofit their houses and add extra support structures to hold up the weight of the roof. Asphalt shingles are a wonderful way to avoid this problem. They’re lightweight enough for just about every type of dwelling. You can add them straight to the roof without needing to put a lot of effort into adding a support structure underneath.
You Can Repair Asphalt Shingles With Ease
The unique design of asphalt shingles makes them extremely easy to fix. Other roof materials, like metal, may require you to replace a full panel of the roof if any damage occurs. Meanwhile, asphalt shingles come in small sections, so you can perform targeted repairs. Replacing them is often as simple and easy as removing the old, damaged shingle and slotting a new one into place. It doesn’t require specialized materials or labor, and your roofing repair company can often perform repairs in less than an hour.
Harsh Weather Rarely Destroys Asphalt Roofs
Practical homeowners often choose asphalt roofs because they do such an excellent job of withstanding harsh weather. Asphalt shingles don’t rust or dent like other roof materials do, so wet weather and hail aren’t a huge concern. While extreme storms can cause some issues, it’s rare for them to completely destroy an asphalt roof. Instead, homeowners might just need to replace a few individual shingles every now and then. If you live in an area with a lot of rain and sun, an asphalt roof may be a good option for you to choose to protect your home.
Asphalt Resists Water Stains and Microbe Growth
Unsightly dark spots that appear on a roof are usually due to either hard water buildup or algae and mildew growth. Asphalt does a better job of resisting water stains like these compared to roofing materials like concrete. Furthermore, modern asphalt shingle coatings can provide even more resistance. With these antimicrobial benefits, it’s no wonder that homeowners who want a clean-looking roof will often choose asphalt shingles.
It’s Easy to Procure Home Warranties or Insurance Policies for Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Another reason so many people choose asphalt shingles is because they make it a lot easier to protect their homes from accidents. Asphalt shingles have a great reputation, so most insurers and home warranty providers are happy to provide a policy for roofs that are constructed using these materials. In fact, many homeowners choose to install asphalt shingles because they’ve been told no one will insure their current roof. These sorts of policies can provide help with covering costs if your roof faces any accidental damage, so being able to have one is a good reason to get an asphalt shingle roof.
As you can see, asphalt shingles provide a lot of great benefits. For many homeowners, they offer the perfect blend of affordability, practicality, and style. Whether you decide to go with tried-and-tested asphalt or are interested in another type of roof, Blue Sky Energy Solutions can help. Our team has plenty of experience helping Irving residents get the perfect roof for their homes. To learn more about our roofing services, including repair, replacement, and inspections, as well as gutters and insulation, contact us today.
