Previous Article
The Difference Between Cedar Shakes & Shingles
The 9 Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
Apr 12, 2017
If you’re not looking to spend big bucks on replacing your current roof and would like to see some improvement in your home’s overall insulation, then an asphalt shingles roof could be what you need.
This type of shingle uses asphalt – fiberglass or organic - for its waterproofing properties. It has been used since 1901 and made in mass in 1939 to shelter America’s homes.
The 9 Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
There are several reasons why asphalt roofing is the most popular choice in America today.
Costs Less – As far as roofs with pitches go, asphalt roofing is the most affordable option to come by in terms of material and installation costs, starting at $120 per square and $1,700 to install professionally. Installing the shingles yourself can cost you as little as $680.
Ideal for Replacing Old Roofs With – While not the most aesthetically pleasing nor the most effective at reducing heating and cooling costs, it nevertheless does improve these qualities of your home by a considerable margin if its predecessor was old and worn out. Of course, curb appeal is crucial for a successful resale, but an asphalt roofing replacement can provide the perfect blend of keeping your home looking fresh and not going too far beyond your neighborhood’s market value – a mistake many overly excited homeowners make.
Can Be Made to Look Like More Premium Materials – Curb appeal isn’t always about honest advertising, sometimes it’s the thought that counts. Grabbing the attention of passers-by is always the first step towards a successful sale. Asphalt shingles have the largest variety of finishes and colors than any other material. And they can be made to emulate more premium materials like wood, slate, and ceramic.
Can Be Customized to Fit Any Roof Shape – Whether your house has a Dutch gable, dormer, or an overlaid hip roof, asphalt shingles provide a perfect fit easily and quickly.
Doesn’t Require Extra Structural Reinforcement – Asphalt shingles are the second lightest roofing material next to metal. Post inspection and after the “dead” and “live” (snow) loads have been calculated on your house, your contractor won’t need to work on reinforcing your walls, headers or support beams.
Poor Heat Protection Can Be Remedied with Attic Insulation – If you have an attic that hasn’t been checked for insulation performance already, maybe now is the time to consider it. The average cost of insulating the attic runs between $900 to $1,900, so the combined cost of that and asphalt roofing won’t violate your budget when you compare it to more premium options.
Can Be Built to Withstand Fires & Heavy Rainfall – While the organic version won’t have much to do with an all-out fire, its fiberglass composite counterpart will. Contractors have an abundance of fiberglass asphalt, complete our form for a free estimate.
Quick & Easy to Repair and Clean – Because of their relatively level overlapping seams, asphalt shingles are easy to climb on and clean with a simple garden hose and detergent when it’s time for an annual or biannual rinse or mold, moss, or algae removal. And if strips start to peel at the seams down the line, they’re easy and cheap to replace.
Extremely Cost Effective – Even though any roofing replacement will raise the home’s asking price and curb appeal, asphalt shingles have a comfortable investment-return ratio for most neighborhoods in America. It’s the cheapest after flat roof installations and will deliver the goods you’d expect from a makeover of this sort.
