Asphalt shingles are an ubiquitous component in home construction, and for good reason. A quick drive or stroll around your community or neighborhood will reveal that most of the homes nearby are topped with this roofing material. The ongoing popularity of asphalt shingles comes from the fact that they offer numerous benefits that make them a worthy investment for homeowners. Local roofing company ImproveIT! of Atlanta, LLC discusses some of them below.
Affordability
One of the primary reasons people gravitate toward asphalt shingles is their affordability. They are made of fiberglass or organic matting coated with asphalt and an outer layer of granules. These materials are widely available and can be manufactured in large quantities, thus reducing the cost of the shingles. Since they are lightweight, roofers can install them with ease, allowing for faster completion times. This, in turn, means fewer expenses. More importantly, the overall cost of ownership is reduced further because an asphalt shingle roof doesn’t require extensive maintenance to keep it in good condition.
Beauty
The roof is an important component that helps make a home visually appealing. As a homeowner, you’ll want to make sure your choice of roofing material can provide a great impression to visitors or just about anyone passing by. Asphalt shingles remain a popular choice because they are available in a wide selection of colors, textures, and thicknesses. This allows you to find a design that will match the rest of your home’s exterior components and tie everything together.
Asphalt shingles come in three varieties: three-tab, architectural, and designer shingles.
- Three-Tab Shingles. These shingles are the most basic and affordable option. Also known as strip shingles, they are distinguished by three uniform cutouts called tabs. With proper upkeep, they can last upwards of 20 years.
- Architectural Shingles. Also known as dimensional or laminated shingles, these shingles are of better quality than their three-tab counterparts. They have more depth and texture owing to the fact that they consist of two shingle strips laminated together. Available in many different shapes and profiles, they are specially engineered to create visually appealing home exteriors, especially when paired well with siding and trim.
- Designer Shingles. Also known as luxury shingles, these top-of-the-line choices are thicker and more expensive than the other two options. They often imitate the authentic appearance of wood or slate, offering a more elegant aesthetic at a fraction of the cost of said roofing material options.
Easy Installation and Maintenance
Asphalt shingles continue to be a popular choice for homeowners because of how easy they are to install. The labor required to top the roofing structure with this roofing material isn’t as intensive as the other roofing materials, saving homeowners and contractors valuable time and money. Faster installation times means you can enjoy your new roof and the benefits it can bring right away.
As already discussed above, an asphalt shingle roof doesn’t require extensive upkeep. As long as you keep up with scheduled inspections, cleanups and repairs, you can be sure that the structure will remain in good condition for the entirety of its life span. In case one section of the roof suffers damage because of a storm, replacing the affected shingles is relatively easy and inexpensive.
Durability and Performance
Homeowners want to rest easy knowing that their roofs can withstand various weather conditions and last a considerable time. Asphalt shingles offer impressive durability and performance that make them an attractive choice. They are designed to withstand heavy winds, with many shingles featuring wind resistance ratings up to 130 mph. Additionally, many asphalt shingles are resistant to fire and impact from hailstones and wind-driven debris.
With proper maintenance, asphalt shingle roofing systems can last a long time. Depending on the type and quality of the shingles used, they can have a 20- to 25-year lifespan. Furthermore, certain asphalt shingles have energy-efficient features, such as reflective granules, that can help reduce energy consumption and costs by decreasing the heat absorbed into the home.
Environmental Benefits
Asphalt shingles are considered one of the best eco-friendly options, making it an appealing choice for homeowners looking to go green. First, they are recyclable. When replacing them, old asphalt shingles can be processed and converted into materials for road construction and other applications. This recycling process reduces the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
Additionally, the energy-saving features of some asphalt shingles can contribute to reducing a home’s carbon footprint. By keeping the home cooler during hot weather, energy-efficient shingles lower the demand for air conditioning, thus minimizing energy consumption and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Other Benefits
- Soundproofing. Asphalt shingles offer a bonus benefit: soundproofing. The fact that they come in varying thicknesses means they can help reduce noise from outside sources like road traffic, making your home more peaceful.
- Weight. Asphalt shingles are lightweight and easy to install, meaning they don’t put undue strain on the roof structure. This benefits older homes that may not be as sturdy as newer construction. Also, they don’t require additional reinforcements to keep them in place — all it takes is sealant or correctly driven nails.
- Algae Resistance. Algae growth on roofs is a common problem in areas with high humidity and rainfall. But thanks to asphalt shingles equipped with algae-resistant granules, they are less susceptible to algae growth, helping keep your roof looking clean and new.
- Adaptability. Asphalt shingles are also highly adaptable, allowing them to be installed on various roofing styles and structures. This makes them great for complex roof designs like hip, gable, gambrel or mansard.
Get in Touch With Us!
If you’re looking to invest in a roof replacement, you can count on ImproveIT! of Atlanta! We are a CertainTeed® SELECT ShingleMaster™ roofing contractor, which means we are recognized by the manufacturer for meeting the highest standards of excellence, quality and knowledge in the shingle roofing industry. This allows us to offer top-quality CertainTeed products backed by industry-leading warranties.
Get all the features and enjoy the benefits in a roofing material at a price you can afford. Get in touch with us today by calling (770) 612-5635 or filling out our contact form to request a shingle roof estimate.
