In America today, asphalt shingles are arguably the most used type of roofing material. According to residential roofing experts, asphalt shingle roofs are present on almost 80% of American homes.
But what are asphalt shingles exactly? Asphalt shingles are bases covered in asphalt and constructed of fiberglass or organic components. While the fiberglass shingles are constructed from glass fiber coated in asphalt and minerals like mica, schist, quartz, slate, ceramic, or stone, the organic shingles are a combination of waste paper, asphalt, salt coatings, and ceramic granules. The waterproof and fireproof properties of the shingles are due to the asphalt and mineral coatings.
Although asphalt shingles are frequently cut in a “three-tab” pattern, they can come in a wide variety of forms, designs, and colors.
For a variety of reasons, asphalt shingles are a widely popular roofing material, but are they the best choice for you and your home? We discuss a few of the benefits and drawbacks of asphalt shingle roofing.
Pros
The least expensive roofing material available is by far asphalt shingles. They are quick and simple to install, and if installed and maintained appropriately, they can last for roughly 25 to 30 years.
The shingles are also very simple to remove, fix, or replace if necessary. They don’t need to be installed with any specialized equipment or extras, like roof edges, vent flashings, or wall terminations, which contributes to their low cost.
Because of their versatility, you can style them as you like for your preferred aesthetic by choosing from a variety of various forms, styles, and colors. The shingles give extra safety to your property in case of emergencies because they are waterproof and fireproof. They are compatible with the majority of roof types and also perform well on houses with steep, sloping constructions. The mineral grains on the shingles assist to reflect harmful, roof-damaging UV rays, which is another fantastic advantage.
Cons
The lightweight nature of asphalt shingles makes them occasionally vulnerable to wind damage. These shingles have a tendency to lift or tear off rather easily in strong gusts.
Slate, metal, and tile roofs are the most expensive alternative, but they may also be the most resilient and long-lasting. The lifespan of the asphalt shingles might be shortened by excessive heat and dampness. By exposing your roof structure to the elements, these damaged shingles risk further harming the structure. Additionally, too much moisture can encourage the growth of moss and other plants on your roof, which could prevent water from draining off your roof.