By Alex Joy
When it’s time to install a new roof, you have plenty of choices. From clay to tile to shingles and back, how does one choose what type to purchase? Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular types of roof on the market and you can find them on homes all over the country.
Since asphalt roofing is something of a standard choice, most people do not think too hard about installing one or purchasing a home with one. However, just like any other type of roof, there are a few things you need to know about asphalt shingle roof installation. Here are a few tips and answered questions from the experts. Visit our website for more information about asphalt shingle roof installation.
Is An Asphalt Roof the Same as Shingles?
Asphalt roofs do have shingles. Unlike a flat roof, which would be applied with a membrane, asphalt shingles (of which there are a few different types) must be installed in order to create an asphalt roof. Roofers may use flat or dimensional shingles, depending on the shape and pitch of the roof.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation
Why are asphalt shingle roofs so popular? Homeowners across the country choose asphalt to protect their homes and families, and for good reason. Here are just a few of the advantages of asphalt shingles over other types of roofs:
- Asphalt shingles are by far one of the most affordable roofing options on the market, making them an attractive option for American homeowners. The average cost of asphalt shingles is about $1 per square foot, according to HomeAdvisor.
- An asphalt roof, if installed and maintained properly, can last for 25-30 years. Regular roof maintenance and gutter cleaning can help to ensure that your roof stays in great condition for up to three decades.
- Easy to change. Asphalt shingles are a very light roofing material, which makes it easy to tear off or replace your roof when the time comes.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation
As most things do, asphalt shingles have their disadvantages. Here are a few things to consider about asphalt shingles before installing them:
- The lightness of asphalt shingles can be an advantage when tearing off a roof or replacing shingles but a disadvantage in windy weather, when they may be more prone to being torn off.
- Lifespan is shorter than some. Though the 25-30 year lifespan of asphalt is nothing to sneeze at, it’s true that some materials (such as clay) last longer.
- Energy efficiency. If energy efficiency is a crucial consideration as you select your new roof, asphalt shingles may not be the best choice for your home. Metal roofs tend to be more energy-efficient.
Tips for Investing in Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation
If you have decided to invest in a new roof for your home, we have a few tips to make the purchase and installation process easier.
#1: Get Multiple Estimates
A good rule of thumb is to get three estimates from three different companies before hiring a roofing company. If someone quotes you a price that is significantly higher than the other two companies, it’s worth asking why. Getting recommendations from friends and neighbors can be helpful as well, especially if they have similar homes to yours.
#2: Ask a Roofing Company Their Opinion
If you’re not yet firmly set on asphalt shingles and are still weighing your options as to the type of roof you’d like, ask a roofing company when they come out to your home to do an estimate. They’ll know what type of shingles or tiles would work best for your house, taking factors into consideration such as the slope and pitch.
#3: Research the Weather in Your Area
Weather can and often does cause roof damage. Shingles may be blown off by windstorms or dented by hail. Your roof will also have different maintenance needs if your home is surrounded by trees. Researching weather patterns in your area can help you decide which type of roof is best for you.
#4: Plan for Maintenance
The initial installation cost is just one part of the total cost of your roof. Factor potential maintenance costs into your budget while looking at roofing materials and types. Asphalt shingle roof installation has a clear advantage here- it’s one of the least expensive roofing materials on the market, leaving more room to plan for maintenance costs down the road.
#5: Maintain Your Gutters
Neglecting the gutters may not seem like a big deal at the time but it can lead to costly repairs, which may arise sooner than you expect. Investing in gutter maintenance by a local company is one of the best things you can do to maintain your new asphalt shingle roof after it is installed so that it lasts for as long as possible.
Overall, asphalt shingle roofs are a cost-effective and fairly long-lasting option for residential roofing. Contact a local roofing company for an estimate to see if they are the right choice for you and your home.
