10 Reasons Asphalt Roof Shingles Are Awesome!
If it’s time to put new shingles on your home’s roof, look into asphalt shingles.
Traditional tiles are pretty, but asphalt alternatives are generally affordable within even the tightest homeowner budget. Why use asphalt roofing shingles instead of more traditional options?
They Last a Long Time
The typical asphalt shingle lasts from 20 to 25 years, depending on weather and maintenance. This means you can put them on your roof and not have to worry about them until after you finish paying off your mortgage. You may even be able to transfer an existing warranty to a future homeowner if you decide to sell within the warranty period.
They Are Affordable
Asphalt shingles are one of the cheapest roofing materials available. They often cost less than half the price of traditional tiles, meaning you can cover an average roof for $5,000 or less.
They Look Great
Asphalt shingles fit on just about any roof, regardless of the slope. However, you cannot use them on a flat roof as the sealant is a tar-like material similar to paved roads. Although they usually come in black, the color can still be a nice contrast to a home’s siding or blend in well with the landscape of your neighborhood.
They Are Easy to Install
A good contractor can install asphalt shingles in a matter of hours, reducing labor costs significantly. You can even install them yourself to save money — the shingles come in squares that can be nailed to the roof and that seal themselves to the roof deck.
They Are Easy to Remove
To remove asphalt shingles, take out the nails and lift the shingles from the roof. Throw them to the ground (without hurting anyone or damaging property), then use a bag or bin to keep debris organized until you dispose of it. Most contractors offer clean-up services as part of their estimate.
They Are Easy to Replace
If you have a defective shingle, cut it out, replace it with another and throw the old shingle away. Only use extra shingles or those that have come off of the roof if they are still in good shape — they must have their granules and not show any signs of buckling or bubbling.
They Don’t Weigh Much
Compared to tiles, shingles are lightweight, which means you can use more than one layer before you have to tear off the entire roof, saving you time and money. They are also easy to transport to the roof and install.
They Protect Against the Elements
The granules on the shingle offer protection against the sun, wind and temperature extremes. While older shingles may get brittle as they age, they generally do a great job against extreme elements for the first 10 years of their life. You should inspect your roof regularly to look for and replace failing shingles.
They Are Damage-Resistant
While you should not walk on your roof unless you have to, you can walk on asphalt shingles without damaging them. Clay tiles or wooden shakes may shatter or fall off if you dislodge them, causing serious damage to the roof and the ground below. Asphalt shingles are typically less slippery underfoot, as well.
They Are Flexible
If you have wooden shakes or rubber shingles on your roof, you may be able to put asphalt shingles on top of them without causing problems. You should seriously consider asking a professional contractor to do an inspection prior to adding another layer of shingles, to ensure that the roof can handle the weight.
Asphalt shingles are cost-effective, last for many years and look great on almost any home. You can put them up yourself or talk to a contractor about installing them. If you’re on a tight budget, they’re an excellent alternative to traditional options.
If you are interested in asphalt roofing in the Chicagoland area! Contact us today! Feel free to read our reviews online.
Here are a few more articles we are recommending for you.
- Asphalt Shingle Roofing: An Affordable Choice for Roofing
- Cedar Shake Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingle Roof
