What are the Benefits of Asphalt Shingles for Roofing?

With winter almost over, if you are anything like us, you are looking forward to longer days and warmer months (even if they may be a while off - but they are coming!) As such, now is a good time to begin thinking about any home improvement projects you would like to tackle this year. Perhaps a new roof is on agenda? A new roof is an excellent home improvement project, even if it is one of the bigger ones. Due to the fact it is a big home improvement project, you want to ensure you do your research beforehand, which includes choosing the right roofing material. Your budget, where you live, and your style preference all play a part in choosing the best roofing material. There are a variety of roofing choices available to you, but in this article, we will be discussing everything you need to know about asphalt shingles. Let’s get straight into it! 

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are a type of roof shingle that is made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components. It is one of the most widely used roofing covers in North America thanks to its budget-friendly nature and ease of installation. They are available in two varieties — fibreglass and organic — and come in two different types: three-tab shingles and architectural shingles.

Cost of Asphalt Shingles 

According to Home Advisor, installing asphalt shingles in North America costs about $8,657 on average. Homeowners will typically pay between $5,689 and $11,847, depending on the size of their roof. The cost of an asphalt shingle roof also depends on shingle material – organic based materials are less expensive than fibreglass ones, for example. 

How Long Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last?

Asphalt shingles last from 15 to 30 years, homes in warm areas need to replace their roof sooner than homes in cooler climates. 

Why Choose Asphalt Shingles?  

There are many benefits to choosing asphalt shingles for your new roof. We discuss them below.

• Versatile

Asphalt shingles come in many shapes, forms and angles. No matter the size of your roof, asphalt shingles will most certainly be able to cover it all with ease. While there are slope requirements for asphalt shingle roofs, almost all homes in North America will suit asphalt shingles.

• Variety of Design and Aesthetics

Asphalt shingles come in 3-tab shingles, while dimensional and premium shingles are also available in a variety of styles. And, some asphalt shingle roofs mimic the look of other roofing materials, like slate or cedar shake but at a fraction of the cost.Asphalt shingles also come in a wide range of colors, more than other roofing materials offer. This means you can easily reserve your home’s curb appeal and choose a color that suits your personal style and taste preferences.

• Cost-Effective

One of the reasons asphalt shingles are so popular is because they are high-quality but also very cost-effective. Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing materials upfront, and they last long enough to provide the most value long-term. 

• Energy Efficient

While it might not seem like it, asphalt shingles are actually incredibly energy-efficient. When you buy an asphalt roof, the roofing contractor will install a whole system, including underlayment that can make your home more energy efficient. 

You can also buy specially designed asphalt shingles in light, medium and dark tones that reflect a higher amount of the sun’s infrared radiation, which in turn reduces the temperature of the roof surface.

• Wind Resistant

While both Maryland and Virginia experience relatively mild weather year round, high winds can be an issue. As such, you want a roof that is sturdy and can withstand high winds. Innovations in modern asphalt shingle manufacturing means it can withstand high winds much better than it once did. 

• Excellent Sound Protection

If you live in a particularly noisy neighbourhood, asphalt shingle roofs will provide excellent sound protection. The composition of asphalt roof shingles in a complete roofing system offers sound protection from external noise. It also makes large downpours and hail storms much quieter.

• Easy to Install

Finally, asphalt shingles are simple to install, which is one of the reasons installing a new asphalt shingle roof does not cost as much as other roofing materials.

However, as always, it is important you find the right home improvement contractor for the job.