Asphalt roofing is one of the most common roofing materials, but in light of so many other materials becoming available, many homeowners find themselves asking about the pros and cons of asphalt roofing. We’re going to get into the list of benefits and the biggest drawbacks to them as well. Here are the most common pros and cons of asphalt roofing.
The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Roofing
Pros
Highly Affordable
One of the most commonly-cited benefits of going with an asphalt shingled roof is the initial cost-benefit and savings. Roofing and the expense that goes along with it can be incredibly intimidating to the average homeowner, and as such, they tend to look at the cheapest material first.
Asphalt shingles are one o the cheapest materials that you can get for roofing, cutting the cost of a roofing project dramatically. This also means that there are likely going to be some other compromises to be made.
Relatively Effective
Asphalt shingles would never have become as common as they are if they didn’t work. No matter how you look at it, shingles are an effective way to roof your home.
They may have a long history, and there may not be that many innovations in the asphalt shingle industry, but there don’t need to be. They keep out rain, allow the roof to breathe, and last for years.
Looks Conventional
The look of shingles is what most people probably think about when they picture a roof in their imagination. Shingles offer a conventional, traditional, honest appearance to your home. They are as popular today as they have been for 100 years, and with good reason. While you can customize your shingle appearance, it will continue to have the traditional look of a shingled roof.
Endless Colors & Styles
As coloring technology advances, there are more and more colors to choose from when picking out shingles for your home. This means homeowners have a greater variety than ever before, of colors and styles of shingles to create the exact look they want. The color lasts longer as well and is more resistant to fading than ever before.
Straightforward Installation
Another big advantage to using shingles for your roof is that you don’t need to make sure your installer is certified in some other roofing system. You know that they won’t need any proprietary training and that the job will be relatively straightforward. Later on, if one or two shingles are damaged or lost, they can easily be replaced individually as needed.
Cons
Lack Of Energy Efficiency
Shingles aren’t among the most energy-efficient materials that you can find. While it is true that newer asphalt shingles will be more energy-efficient than older ones, the efficiency will still lag significantly behind other roofing materials. On the other hand, one of the most energy-efficient materials is stone-coated steel.
Mildew & Moss Are Common
Roofs that have portions of shaded areas are prone to having their shingles develop mold, moss, or mildew. This can be avoided by making sure that you get periodic inspections. Regardless, the homeowner will need to have that area of the roof cleaned now and then to keep the growth down.
High Winds Can Easily Damage Them
High winds are a big problem for shingles, and in winds of 60 mph or more your roof can begin to lose shingles. Once you have the wind raising the shingles, rain can get underneath and there is an increased risk of physical damage to the shingle system and the roof.
They Are Short-Lived
Most shingles will last about 20 years. This may seem like a long time, but there are roofing systems out there that can give you 50 years or more. The initial cost is the trade-off here, the cheaper material simply needs to be replaced more often.
For More Information On The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Roofing
There are many more pros and cons for asphalt shingles, some of which may or may not even apply to your project. If you would like more information about the pros and cons of asphalt roofing or would like to schedule an estimate, reach out today to The Roofing Center.
