Asphalt shingles are a favorite among homeowners of all tastes as a roofing material. Its versatility, durability, and longevity make it the best on the market for many. But, before you decide what type of roof will best fit your home, take some time to get familiar with the pros and cons.
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are roofing materials created from asphalt, fiberglass, and other materials. The materials mix to create a durable and water-resistant product.
Asphalt shingles are best for roofs with slopes. The most common asphalt shingle roofs include flat, slanted, or steep slopes. It is important to use asphalt shingles specific to your roof style. This makes them withstand the weather conditions on your roof.
A common asphalt shingle is the three-tab or strip shingle. This is a flat piece of asphalt that is attached to your roof using an adhesive. A builder can use nails to secure the pieces in place in some cases. These types of shingles come in different colors and textures. You can choose one that will match the rest of your home’s exterior.
Architectural or dimensional shingles are another common choice for many homeowners. They have two or three layers that overlap, providing extra durability.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of shingle in the United States. Asphalt is a popular material because it’s affordable, long-lasting, and has color variability. Manufacturers can also design it to look like other materials like slate or wood shakes. There are three asphalt shingles: fiberglass, organic mat, and laminate.
Organic Asphalt Shingles
Saturated paper mixed with asphalt is key to making organic asphalt shingles. This makes it waterproof. It is then coated on one side with colored ceramic granules. The paper strengthens when wet and dries out again as it cures. This feature makes it an effective roofing material. Homeowners have been using organic asphalt shingles since the early 1900s. They are inexpensive to produce and last for decades when maintained.
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
Fiberglass asphalt shingles are a lighter-weight alternative to organic shingles. It results from woven glass fibers woven into a mat with asphalt. Ceramic granules cover one side of the shingle for extra durability.
Laminate Asphalt Shingles
Laminate asphalt shingles have many layers of asphalt bonded with adhesive. This makes it thick and durable. They come in different designs to look like wood or slate. They are the most expensive type of asphalt shingle on the market.
Pros of Asphalt Shingles
There are many benefits to choosing asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for homeowners installing a new roof. So, if you’re thinking about getting a new roof, here are the pros of choosing asphalt shingles.
1. Easy to Install
Asphalt shingles are easy and fast to install. Asphalt roofing is the easiest roof to work with since it is light. This makes installation possible for about anyone. Often, people will have professionals come in and do repairs and have complete re-roofs done in a day or two. This will depend on the size of the home.
2. Inexpensive
Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing options. The low cost is due, in part, to their popularity. Many use them, and manufacturers can produce them at a cheaper price.
3. Minimal Maintenance
Shingle roofs need little maintenance and upkeep. This adds to their affordability over time. They can last between 15 and 30 years with basic maintenance. Make sure to maintain your shingle roof by cleaning out its gutters and inspecting its flashings. With proper maintenance, you can get a great return on your investment.
4. Wide Color and Style Selection
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular choices for roofing. This is because of the wide selection of colors and styles available with this material. They come in a large number of colors. This gives you many options when trying to find shingles that match your home’s exterior. Also, they come in varying shapes and sizes, which means its possible to find shingles that suit the style of your home as well.
Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are common in most homes. They come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes to ensure that they match your house or building. Being so common, you may think that they have no cons. But, there are several cons of asphalt shingles that you can’t ignore.
1. Need Regular Maintenance
Preventing these issues involves performing routine inspections and addressing problems that arise. While asphalt shingles are durable, they can only last as long as they’re maintained. You must inspect them for signs of damage and have repairs done immediately.
2. Affected by Strong Winds
It’s not uncommon for asphalt shingles to come off in strong winds. That’s why we recommend installing a roof under felt paper or synthetic materials. This improves their wind resistance.
3. Dust and Dirt Is Hard to Remove
Roofs accumulate dust and dirt over time, given their outdoor location. But, this can be difficult to remove with asphalt shingles. Any harsh cleaning materials, including pressure washers and solvents, can damage the material. Thus, you need to be gentle when cleaning your asphalt shingle roof.
4. Flammable
The making of asphalt shingles involves the use of petroleum products. This makes them dangerous if you live in an area prone to wildfires or other fires. It may be better to choose clay or slate tiles for your roof in these situations instead.
5. Difficult to Repair
If single shingles become damaged or broken on an asphalt shingle roof, they can be tricky to replace. This is because of the weight of the material. Asphalt shingles also tend to absorb water and swell after rainstorms. They then curl and crack if they become wet.
Asphalt Shingles: What’s Your Choice?
Asphalt shingles may be the best choice due to their longevity and affordability. The best way to decide if they are the right pick for you is to research each type to see which one meets your specific needs. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. But in the end, it comes down to one thing: it’s up to you to decide what’s right for your home. After all, the benefits of a quality roof will outweigh any negatives that may come with it in the long run.
At Indy Roof & Restoration, we provide free consultation on your roofing needs. We serve Indianapolis, IN with top-quality roofing materials. We also offer roof installation, inspection, and repair services. Contact us for storm damage services, too.
Moreover, we are your next-stop insurance agent for your real estate. As a top-rated realtor in Indianapolis, we can help you sell or buy your next house. We want to see you satisfied with our top-rated services. Are you wondering about the best roofing material to use? Call us today to book an appointment!
