Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofs

There are a lot of different options when it comes to roofing, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to look carefully at the roofing material before you make a decision – the roof, after all, plays a vital role in protecting your home and family. Additionally, the last thing you’ll want is to pick a roofing material that not only does a poor job protecting the home, but that will end up requiring constant repair, something that can get quite expensive as it adds up.

As far as your roofing options go, one that you should be sure to look at is asphalt shingle roofing. The following are the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing that you should take into consideration when comparing roofing materials:

The Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

The following are the benefits of using asphalt shingle roofing for your home:

Affordability

Out of all the roofing materials that are available, asphalt shingles are probably one of the most affordable choices, making them a good option for homeowners on a budget. Asphalt is the go-to answer for homeowners on a budget. With proper installation and maintenance, a quality roof doesn’t have to break the bank, especially with our financing options.

Color Variety

From neutrals to statement colors, there are a variety of options to choose from. Based on your budget, you can even choose asphalt shingle roofing that emulates wood or slate.

Easy to Replace

First of all, you can replace your shingles one at a time since you don’t have to replace the entire roof. Secondly, because of how easy they are to install, replacing asphalt shingles is easy.

Simple Installation

Because they are so light and easy to cut, they are relatively easy to install. Very little prep work is needed and no special tools are required. This means that it won’t take as long to install an asphalt shingle roof as it might if you’re using another roofing material. Asphalt shingle roof repair is simple and the most cost-effective. Should the job require it, new shingles can be installed on top of existing shingles with little difficulty. Asphalt shingles last a lifespan of up to 20 years with proper maintenance.

Style Versatility

Curb appeal is important, especially if you ever plan on selling your home. One of the benefits of using asphalt shingles is that they are very visually flexible. They come in a number of different styles, including laminated, three-tab, and premium versions. This means that they can fit a wide variety of home styles without looking out of place.

The Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

The following are some of the drawbacks of using asphalt shingle roofing for your home:

Cracking

Because of how light they are, asphalt shingles can crack more easily, especially when they are exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations. Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause shingles to expand and contract, resulting in cracks. Extreme heat can also cause asphalt shingles to crack.

Common Look

Although they won’t damage the curb appeal of your home with their look, asphalt shingles aren’t exactly unique. You won’t make your home stand out with the use of asphalt shingles as you might with other roofing materials, such as wood shingles or shakes.

Need Installation in Warmer Temperatures

It’s generally not a good idea to install asphalt shingles during the winter, especially if temperatures are below freezing. This can cause the shingles to become damaged during installation.

Not Environmentally Friendly

Because they are lighter, cheaper, and more prone to damage, asphalt shingles simply don’t last as long as some other options. Asphalt shingles are non-recyclable, due largely to the harmful emissions they release. As the shortest roof lifespan, asphalt shingles contribute a lot of waste.

Susceptible to Weather

Cheaper versions of asphalt shingles can be more vulnerable to strong winds, which can cause them to detach, thereby making your roof more vulnerable to leaks. Wide-ranging temperatures and extreme weather conditions can cause cracks and warping of some asphalt shingle types.

Have questions about whether or not an asphalt shingle roof is right for your home? Are you ready to start your Saratoga Springs home’s new asphalt shingle roof installation? Don’t delay, give Hero Roofing in Newnan a call today!