Pros and Cons of a Asphalt Shingle Roof

Asphalt Shingle

An asphalt shingle roof has many pros but you can’t ignore the cons

Whether you are having a new home built or planning to replace your existing home’s roof, choosing the right roof material could be a tough decision to make. Asphalt shingles are probably the most common choice of homeowners today. It is estimated that over 80% of American homes have asphalt shingles roofs.

An asphalt shingle is an asphalt saturated base made of an organic material or fiberglass that has been covered in additional asphalt on one or both sides. The top is coated with mixture of ceramic, slate, stone, mica or schist and the back is covered with mica, sand or talc to shingles from sticking together.

Like all other roofing materials, asphalt shingles have their pros and cons. You must consider these points carefully before choosing the right material for your roof.

Benefits of an asphalt shingle roof

Aesthetics

One of the key benefits of using asphalt shingles is that they are aesthetically very versatile and can suit any style. They are available in a huge variety of color and style options. So, no matter what style, color and design you have in mind for your home roof, you can easily find a roof that best suits your needs and aesthetic goals.

An asphalt shingle roof is easy to install

Asphalt shingles are lightweight and easy to cut. They are easy to install and require very little prep work. Asphalt shingles are much easier to handle compared to large pieces of metal roofing or heavy tile roofing. So, they can be installed easily and quickly.

Easy replacement

When installed professionally, asphalt shingle roofing can last many years. However, there are some factors that are out of your control and some shingles may get damaged over time. The good thing about asphalt shingle roofing is that you can easily have the damaged shingles replaced. This may not be possible with other types of roofing such as metal roofing.

Affordable

The biggest reason why asphalt shingles are so popular is that they are relatively inexpensive. Moreover, when you choose good quality asphalt shingles and they are installed properly, the roof can serve you through many years. While there are roofing materials that can last much longer, due to low initial costs and a decent lifespan, asphalt shingles prove to be an economical option.

Drawbacks of asphalt shingle roofing

Not the most durable roofing option

If you are looking to invest in a roofing material that will last for decades to come, asphalt shingles are not the best bet. As we said earlier, asphalt shingles are fairly durable when installed properly, but there are other roofing materials out there, which are far more durable. For example, metal roofing can last as long as 50-60 years. If budget is not a constraint and you would rather invest in a roof that would last you decades, you may consider other options.

Not the most energy efficient option

 Asphalt shingles are not the most energy efficient roofing option. If you have an old asphalt shingle roof, replacing it with a new one can make some difference but you cannot achieve very high energy efficiency with asphalt shingles. You will have to consider other options such as metal roofing for an energy efficient home.

Vulnerable to wind uplift

Some cheaper types of asphalt shingles can be more vulnerable to strong winds and may give way leaving your home susceptible to leaks.

If you are looking for roofing options for your new or current home, Guaranteed Roofing is your best option in CT, RI or MA. Call us today or schedule an appointment

Skip to content