A roof doesn't last forever so when your roof has reached the end of its life span, how do you choose what to replace it with? Do you go with something new or stick with the tried and true? When it comes time to pick new shingles, most Americans choose asphalt. In fact, it's the most popular option in the country. But is it right for you? Here are a few of the pros and cons of asphalt shingles to consider as you make your choice.
PROS
Cost Effective
The reason that asphalt is the most popular shingle material is largely because it's such a cost-effective option. The average price to re-roof your home with standard asphalt shingles is around $3500 or around $9000 for architectural shingles (a higher quality asphalt shingle). Compare that to cedar shakes, which will cost you between $18,000 and $20,000 on average for installation. The savings are clear.
Easy to Install
Another major reason that asphalt shingles are the number one choice is that they are very easy to install and that will save you money on installation and labor costs. It will only take one or two days for a team of experienced roofers to install an asphalt roof, whereas other materials like slate are more time consuming and can take up to a week or more.
Options
Another major reason people choose asphalt is because of the options. You can choose from a variety of colors and textures. You also have options when it comes to choosing the life span of the shingle. Based on the quality of the particular shingles you buy, your roof can last between 15 years to 30 or more when installed correctly.
CONS
Weather
The biggest problem with asphalt shingles is that they are susceptible to bad weather. Because they are made up of a series of tiny granules held together by an asphalt layer, it's possible for those granules to become dislodged. In particularly bad weather like hail or high winds, the granules can be lost and weaken the shingles, exposing your roof to water leaks. Additionally, exposure to UV light can also cause the granules to break down over time.
Not as Long-Lasting
While the top asphalt shingles can last as long as 50 years, it's still not as long as some other options like slate or tile. If you think you're going to be in your home for a long period of time, it might be worth investing in a longer lasting shingle material. You might try visiting websites to learn more about roofing and your choices before committing to this large investment!