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There are plenty of roofing materials out there to choose from. In fact, it is enough to make most homeowners’ heads spin. Perhaps one of the most common materials on the market and most well-known is the asphalt roof. This shingle type has been in existence since 1901 if you can believe that. Sure, over the years, the material has slightly improved, and there are more options available, but the foundational elements are pretty close to the same.
Replacing Your Asphalt Shingle With The Same
When faced with what type of roof to replace their current roof with, many homeowners do the easy thing. They will replace their asphalt shingle roof with another asphalt roof. But why? Is there any clear advantage to doing so? Why not change to something else? There are actually a few reasons you might want to keep what you have instead of changing to something else. One reason might be that your roofing contractor recommends what is known as a reroof. Reroofs are ideal for asphalt shingles. In this process, instead of removing all the older material, new shingles are laid on top. This is a great way to curb the cost of a complete roof replacement, and it is only available with asphalt shingles.
Amazing Benefits Of Asphalt Shingles
Are asphalt shingles a front runner for your roof replacement options? Are you weighing the options and want to know more about the advantages of choosing this material over any other type of roof? Take a look at the top well-known benefits of asphalt roofing and how it might push your decision over the edge.
Durability
What about the strength and durability of asphalt shingles? After all, this might be the single most important part of choosing a roofing shingle. The good news for homeowners is that asphalt is a solid option as far as durability goes. Most shingle roofs last 20 years, sometimes more, depending on the brand. Manufacturers will warranty products for a certain length of time. This will give you some indication of how long it will last. For example, CertainTeed has an asphalt product, Grand Manor, that comes with a 100% SureStart warranty for ten years. But they warranty up to 15 years with a 115-mph wind-resistance warranty. This is something to consider when shopping for shingles.
Cost
Whether you’re paying out of pocket for a new roof or insurance is picking up the tab, you’ll be interested in the cost. Cost is broken down into two parts. The first is the cost of the materials. The second is the cost of labor to install the roof. If the insurance company is paying to replace your roof, it is likely they will want you to get the cheapest option possible that is comparable to the roofing materials you have. That doesn’t mean you have to go with that option. You can upgrade your shingles at an added cost to your pocketbook. In general, asphalt shingles are the cheapest option for roofing. Note this doesn’t translate into an inferior product.
Lighter Weight
Asphalt is extremely lightweight, especially if you put it next to other roofing materials like metal or shake. What does this mean for your home? The need for additional support structures isn’t a concern for asphalt. Slate roofing will need major structural support due to the added weight. This can increase the cost of your new roof.
Variety of Options- Colors, Brand, ETC.
Something you might look forward to is choosing options for your roofing. Roofing isn’t a one-dimensional building material. Not anymore. There are tons of options out there, including styles and colors. You can completely transform the curb appeal of your home simply by selecting a premium roofing material and color. Next to styles, each brand will have many to choose from. We recommend looking at a few before settling on one option. Why? The roof should last upwards of a decade or longer. That means your home will look this way for quite some time. Now is not the time to make hasty decisions.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Speaking of shopping around for shingles—you might want to brush up on the different types of asphalt shingles available. There are three main types. Depending on the shingle type, your roof might look completely different. Choosing an excellent material or type of shingle can also add value to your property. Again, give some thought to the type of shingle you want to be installed.
Strip
Strip or three-tab asphalt shingles are one of the most common and inexpensive options on the market. These are simple strips that are horizontally positioned and lay flat and look flat. The three-tab asphalt shingle is lightweight and is the cornerstone of asphalt shingles across the United States. They were introduced back in the 1980s and quickly became the go-to choice for roofing materials. They are easy to install and are very popular among homeowners.
Luxury
Would you like to up your roofing shingles to something more luxurious? A luxury shingle might be exactly what you’re looking for. Unlike strip shingles, luxury shingles are quality shingles that are laminated and have a dimensional appearance. These are much heavier than the strip shingles, which does present certain challenges for homes without support structures.
Dimensional
The last option is a dimensional shingle. This lands somewhere between luxury and strip shingles. Dimensional shingles have different patterns and don’t look flat. This is a popular option for people who want their home to stand out from others and desire a ‘pop’ to their home. If you notice that shingles have a slightly raised look, these are dimensional. Completely flat or strip shingles are often found on sheds.
Critical Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Roof
Is it time to replace your roof? We recommend that if you’re questioning roof replacement for your home, you contact a local contractor for an inspection. They will determine if there is significant wear and tear, many areas that are damaged, or if the roof is passed its prime.