roofing Asphalt Shingles

When it is time to replace the roof on your home, you will need to check out all of the different materials that are out there. Many homeowners are going to choose asphalt shingles because they are inexpensive and durable enough to last on the home for a long time. But is this the best option for you to choose or should you choose to go with a different option to help make sure that your home stays safe and sound for years to come

When you take a look at many of the single-family homes in the United States, more than 75% of them have asphalt shingles on them. However, this number is shrinking because many homeowners are finding that there are other materials that provide more energy efficiency to it and are more durable as well. But this does not mean that asphalt shingles are going to be a bad option for you to choose. 

The reason that these asphalt shingles are still dominating the market, even though they are losing their edge a bit, is because they are very affordable, they will provide a variety of attractive options, and they do a good job when it is time to protect your home from all of the elements of nature. 

Types of Asphalt Shingles

There are actually two types of asphalt shingles that you are able to choose. The first one is the fiberglass shingles. These will start out with a fiberglass mesh mat that will be covered with asphalt and then topped with some granules which will help reflect the sunlight and can provide a bit of color to the mix. Shingles that are made out of this fiberglass will be lightweight and can resist tearing in the process. 

Then there are the old school organic asphalt shingles. These are not as common as they were and it is unlikely that you are going to find them on the market any longer. These shingles would normally have paper, an organic material, saturated in asphalt and then covered with the right granules. The shingles will be heavier and often harder to work with compared to fiberglass, but they have the benefit of providing better stability when winds go high. 

Although there are many homes that still have these on them because they haven’t been replaced yet, these organic shingles are being phased out or discontinued in the process. The reason for this is because the organic shingles are more likely to dry out, are not as waterproof, and are more prone to taking on too much moisture, which does not make them the best option for many homes. 

The Benefits of Asphalt Shingles

There are a lot of good benefits that come with choosing to put asphalt shingles on your home, rather than going with some of the other materials that are available. Some of the benefits of asphalt shingles include: 

  • The fiberglass shingles will offer you a good amount of fire protection. 
  • These shingles are often going to be affordable, especially when you want something that will last a long time and is durable. 
  • These shingles can look good on most styles of home. 
  • The best asphalt shingles can last about 30 years, which makes them a good solution for your roof. 
  • There are many styles and colors that are available so you can choose the one that looks the best on your home. 
  • It is possible for you to install these shingles on the home yourself if you have the right equipment and skills. 
  • You do not need any additional support beyond the standard roof sheathing to put the shingles up. 
  • These can handle higher winds. If you live in an area that is known for strong winds, then you need to look into asphalt shingles for protection. 
  • Most of the repairs that come with these shingles will be easy to handle and cost effective, helping the roof last longer than before. 

With all of these benefits, it is no wonder that a lot of homeowners are going to choose to go with the asphalt shingles on their roof. 

What are the Negatives of Asphalt Shingles? 

With that in mind, there are a few drawbacks to choosing asphalt shingles rather than some of the other materials that you would like to use. Some of the negatives of these shingles will include:

  • The lifetime cost of the asphalt shingles will be higher than some of the others because they will not last as long as those materials. 
  • Rapid changes in the temperature in the area can cause the asphalt shingles to crack earlier than they should. 
  • If you do not have your attic vented the right way, it can trap in heat and will shorten the lifespan of the shingles too. 
  • While these products are boasted as being easy to recycle, there are few facilities that will take these shingles. 
  • After a second layer of the shingles needs to be replaced, then you need to take off all the layers, which can add to the expense and waste of the project. 
  • In some of the shady areas of the roof, you may need to use anti-stain and anti-algae treatments to make sure that the roof is safe to use and will not end up with a lot of work. 

With the right maintenance and repair on the shingles, you may be able to avoid some of these issues and they will not be that bad to work with. But you have to talk to the installer to see if any of these are major concerns that you need to worry about. 

When you are looking for a new roof for your home, you may be surprised to find out there are several different materials that you can use. While many homeowners will choose to go with asphalt shingles, there are other options that you can go with as well. As you debate all of your choices, take the time to check out our team. We are your Southern Roofing experts and we are here to answer your questions and make sure that you get the best roof possible to protect your home. Trust our team to be there for all of your roofing needs.

We hope you found this blog post on Should I Put Asphalt Shingles on My Home?  useful. Be sure to check out our post on Roof Checking Tips Before Moving In for more great tips!


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