Thinking about replacing your roof? That pitched structure up over your house is more than just a pretty top hat. It has an important job, namely to protect everything inside from the elements. A lot of equity is tied up in your home, so when it’s time to replace your roof, be sure to choose the right roofing materials.
Roofing has come a long way over the years, and today there are a lot of options for homeowners. For example, one can choose a metal roof, one made of wood shingles and shakes, slate, or clay and concrete tiles. These days one can even have a green roof installed! However, the most common and affordable type of roofing materials for residential construction is asphalt shingles.
There’s a reason why asphalt shingles are the preferred choice in four out of five new installations and roof replacements. When choosing roofing materials, there are a number of factors to consider such as longevity, appearance, uniformity with your neighborhood, energy efficiency, and affordability. Asphalt shingles are more affordable than most other roofing materials, and they’re built with these factors in mind. They also come in a wide variety of styles and colors that mimic their more expensive competitors.
Asphalt vs. Slate Roofing
There are three basic grades of asphalt shingles, but dimensional, also known as architectural shingles, are the most popular. The extra tabs in architectural shingles give them a three-dimensional look that allows them to mimic the appearance of more expensive slate shingles. In addition, not every home has the structural integrity to handle the added weight of slate shingles. With lightweight, dimensional asphalt shingles, that is never a concern.
Asphalt vs. Wood Shingles and Shakes
While the primary role of shingles is to protect your home from water penetration, it’s also important to have a product overhead that is fire-resistant. After all, the last thing you want is your home going up in smoke!
Wood shingles and shakes provide a textured, rustic appeal, but they are also naturally flammable. However, thanks to the wide variety of fire-resistant, dimensional shingles on the market today, it’s easy to replicate the aesthetic appearance of wood shakes without trading on you and your family’s safety. Dimensional asphalt shingles are also considerably less expensive than wood.
Asphalt vs. Clay or Concrete Tiles
When it comes to the ability to withstand harsh weather, there’s no argument that molded clay or concrete tiles perform better than asphalt shingles. Such tile roofs also last much longer. On the downside, however, tile roofs can be extremely heavy and, like with slate, many houses are not structurally capable of supporting them.
Tiles also cannot be installed on homes with severe slopes, whereas lightweight asphalt shingles can be installed on any slope. An asphalt shingle roof is easier to install and costs substantially less than tile.
Asphalt vs. Metal
Metal roofs have made progress design-wise with many more options for homeowners, and no longer are they limited to just industrial applications. However, despite the advances, metal roofs are still more expensive and challenging to install than easy-to-cut asphalt shingles. In addition, the structural capacity of many homes simply cannot support a metal roof.
Asphalt Shingles Are Still Your Best Choice
Asphalt shingles were first introduced to the housing market in 1903, and since that time they have only grown in popularity. And it’s not just because of their affordability. Asphalt shingles are durable, waterproof, and fire-resistant. They are also designed to protect against the sun’s harsh UV rays.
But it’s not just that. Lightweight and easy to install, these shingles come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures to mimic all the more expensive roofing options. If you’re looking for the perfect shingles to protect and complement your home, asphalt shingles are your best choice.