Asphalt Roof Shingles – Pros and cons

There are various types of roofing materials but one of the commonly used is the asphalt
shingle. It is also known as the composite shingle. Many homeowners prefer this type of roofing
material because of its price. It is least expensive when compared with other available roofing
materials. If you are currently working on a roofing project and contemplating whether to
choose asphalt or other roofing materials, then this article is for you.
What are asphalt roof shingles?
They are asphalt-saturated base primarily made from fiberglass or organic materials covered in
asphalt on one side or both sides. The top part is coated with a mixture of schist, mica, slate,
quartz, ceramic, or stone. The back part is covered with talc, sand, or mica. There are different
sub-types of asphalt shingles but the most common one is three-tab.
What are the advantages of using asphalt shingles for your roof?
One of the primary advantages of installing an asphalt shingle roofing is its price. It is
reasonably priced and way cheaper compared to other roofing materials. Labor-wise, you won’t
need to pay a huge amount to the roofer as asphalt shingle is easy to install. The installation
process is pretty quick and easy to put up. It also gives the roofer the option to layer one set on
top of the existing set. It will result in more saving as the owner can significantly cut down the
time and cost of installation.
Asphalt roofing is also effective in deflecting the ultraviolet rays of the sun. as we all know, the
ultraviolet rays of the sun can heat up the home and over time damages the roof. Aesthetic
wise, you will not be disappointed as asphalt roofing material comes in a huge array of colors. If
you are living in a humid environment, it is best to stick with light colors as they can reflect heat
from your home.
If you are willing to spend more money, then better go for fiberglass shingles. Why? Well, it is
fire-resistant. It does not catch fire from the stray sparks. They are not prone to the kind of
damage caused by algae. When it comes to durability and longevity, you can surely count on
asphalt roofing. It can last for 20 years and even more, with proper care and maintenance.
To sum it up, below are the advantages of installing asphalt roof shingles:
 It is the most commonly used kind of roofing material.
 It is more affordable when compared with other types of roofing materials.
 It is lightweight and resistant to fire.
 With proper care and maintenance, it can last for about 30 years.
 It comes in different colors, sizes, and styles. Most importantly, you can modify it to look
just the way you like it to be. As a matter of fact, you can make it look like other types of
shingles such as slate, wood, and tile.

 Asphalt shingles are energy-savers. They have cool-roof technology, which can greatly
reduce the absorption of heat, which in turn lowers your energy consumption.
 It requires low maintenance. If the shingle is damaged, you can easily fix it.
 It is easy to install. It requires less time and simple installation processes.
 It is the least expensive of any kind of shingle.
 Installing asphalt shingle means you are doing something good for the environment.
New asphalt shingles can be layered directly on top of the existing roof making them a
recyclable material.
Are there any disadvantages?
Although asphalt roof shingles come with so many advantages, there are still some drawbacks.
There is a tendency that the granules that cover the shingle can be dislodged, especially if the
weather is unforgiving such as in the case of hail storms and typhoon. Eventually, the roof will
become weak. If you are living in an extremely humid environment, there is a possibility that
the moisture will be trapped beneath the moss causing the shingle to break down prematurely.
The last thing you notice is the appearance of curling edges and corners. When this happens,
water will get in causing further damage not only to the roof but to the structure of your home.
Proper installation is a must. If it is not properly installed, there is a tendency of cracking or
breakage, which then again, leads to leakage and water infiltration. Although asphalt roof
shingle can last for a very long time, not giving it the tender loving care it deserves may lead to
the premature weakening of the roof.
Below is a summary of the disadvantages of installing asphalt roofing:
 It is less durable, especially with improper care and poor maintenance.
 It is not really ideal when living in places with an unforgiving climate such as hailstorm,
typhoon, and severely humid places.
 It is not suitable for the flat roof because it will wear out from weathering.
 Under extreme heat, asphalt shingle may crack. It also causes the color to fade away
with time.
 When installing at a below-freezing temperature, the material can get damaged.
Asphalt shingles do come with advantages and disadvantages. However, it is clear that the
advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If you are contemplating still as to whether you would
choose an asphalt shingle for your roof, the best thing to do is to ask the opinion of experts. Get
in touch with professional roofers as they know what works best for your roof. Of course, there
are a lot of things that need to be considered such as your budget, weather condition, aesthetic
appeal, and the likes. Professional roofers know exactly what works best for your preferences.
Should you wish to do the roofing project on your own, you can ask the opinion of the roofing
material suppliers. They will be a great source of information too.

The post Asphalt Roof Shingles – Pros and cons appeared first on Spring Hill Roofer.

from
https://spring-hill-roofer.com/blog/asphalt-roof-shingles-pros-and-cons