Asphalt shingles remain the most popular method of roofing on the North American continent, despite the preponderance of other choices. While there are plenty of varieties of roofing materials, each of which brings its own benefits, the majority of homeowners still opt for asphalt.
When choosing asphalt, however, there are a few facts you need to know. Read on for our top five most important considerations with regard to asphalt roofing shingles:
1. Asphalt Shingles Can Last for Decades If Properly Maintained
When it comes to longevity, asphalt shingles can far outlast many of their competitors. There are several factors that can have an effect on the longevity of a roof. Assuming that the shingles have been installed properly and are regularly maintained over time, an asphalt roof can often last 20 to 30 years. Indeed, most manufacturers include a warranty for their shingles that lasts about that long.
There are several different types of roofing warranties, which you should discuss with your contractor. Some cover only the materials, while others cover the installation as well. Some extend for a fixed period, while others are lifetime warranties. Which one you receive will depend upon which company you choose to work with for your roofing installation.
It’s important to note that these warranties require the initial installation to be performed correctly. If the installation is defective, the warranty is likely to be void, which is why it’s important that you have a trusted professional contractor such as Interstate Roofing perform the initial task. They will ensure that your roof is installed correctly so that it can last for many years to come.
2. Asphalt Shingles Can Be Extremely Energy Efficient
People don’t necessarily associate asphalt shingles with energy efficiency, but they certainly can be, if you make the right choices with regard to the climate in your area. As you may be aware, the color of a roof has a significant impact on its energy efficiency. A darker roof can absorb heat from the sun, which is perfect for warming the home during colder climates. A lighter roof, on the other hand, reflects sunlight away and helps keep the home cooler during the hottest days of the year.
Asphalt shingles can be equipped with a reflective coating that helps to keep your home cool during the summer. This can save you a small fortune on air conditioning costs over the years. Look for roofing materials with the ENERGY STAR label to find the most effective ones. Your roofing contractor can also install an energy-efficient underlayment to maximize your roof’s ability to protect you from the elements. They can also improve the insulation in your attic, helping to keep warm or cool air inside the home, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced energy bills.
3. Asphalt Shingles Are Extremely Versatile
There are as many different kinds of roofs as there are roofing materials. Some roofs on residential buildings are almost flat, with the minimum pitch for asphalt shingles being impressively narrow. Others, such as the iconic gable roof, have steep slopes, known as pitch. The type of roof is chosen based not only on aesthetic considerations, but on the weather and climate of the area. Some roofs are better adapted to heavy winds, while others have a steep slope to ensure that rain and snow will roll off easily.
Asphalt shingles are capable of being adapted to nearly any roofing type. They can be utilized on essentially any shape or style of rooftop. They can be made to imitate other types of roofing materials and fitted to any shape or angle. They can be made almost entirely flat. Note, however, that the minimum pitch for asphalt shingles is about 2/12, or 2 inches of rise for every 12 inches of run.
4. Asphalt Shingles Can Reduce Noise Pollution
Sound travels differently throughout different mediums. This is why some buildings seem to be extremely loud—indeed, concert venues are built in such a way as to maximize acoustic performance—while others are quieter. Your roof has a major effect on how sound enters your home, which means it can also have a major effect on your comfort level, especially at night. This is particularly true during a heavy rain or hail storm. Hail pounding on your rooftop throughout the night can rob you of your much-needed rest—not to mention damage the rooftop itself—but asphalt shingles can afford you a measure of protection.
Not only are asphalt shingles impact-resistant, that is, able to endure a lot of the damage caused by nature, they are also somewhat sound-resistant, helping to keep your home quieter during the night.
5. Asphalt Shingles Are Among the Most Cost-Effective Types of Roofing Materials
There are many different types of roofing materials, of course, and they tend to vary wildly in price. Wood, slate, and metal are all common, but asphalt remains the most cost-effective. This is partially because of its impressive longevity—you can’t get 30 years out of most roofing materials—and its ease of repair. It’s also resistant to many of the most common types of damage that can befall roofs: wind, rain, ultraviolet radiation, and fire.
Their ability to resist damage also extends to the growth of algae, another common factor in the eventual decay of roofs, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Conditions such as heat and moisture help to promote the growth of algae, which can rot through many other types of roofing materials, shortening the life of a rooftop. Fortunately, asphalt shingles are not as conducive to the growth of algae, helping save you a great deal of money on your roof repairs over time.
In order to ensure you can get the maximum cost-effectiveness out of your asphalt shingles, you will need a roofing contractor who can perform repairs for you whenever the need arises. Contact a company like Interstate Roofing, which can perform routine maintenance as well as emergency repairs after heavy winds or other inclement weather conditions damage your roofing materials.