Of all the types of residential roofing, asphalt shingles are the most popular. However, if you need a new roof, you may wonder if you should spend more on more durable roofing.
While metal and tile roofs are attractive and durable, asphalt shingles can protect your home well. Shingles may not last as long as premium roofing, but a shingle roof is less expensive. Here's why asphalt roofing is still a good choice, especially when the cost is a concern.
Shingles Protect Against Rain, Fire, And Impacts
Since asphalt shingle roofing is so common, several manufacturers make the shingles. They may vary their manufacturing process so the shingles have different qualities. Shingles come in different grades and have different ratings. However, even three-tab shingles can have different ratings among manufacturers.
This gives you the ability to compare a wide variety of shingles to find a brand that will protect your home well while still being within your budget. Shingles are marked with their wind-resistance rating, impact score, and fire rating so you know how well different shingles will protect your home.
If you live where hurricanes or strong storms happen occasionally, you'll probably want new asphalt shingles with a high wind rating and high impact score.
Asphalt Shingles Have A Classic Look
Asphalt shingles have been used on homes for decades, so they have a classic look. Plus, most of the homes in your neighborhood may have asphalt shingles. The shingles are a good match for all types of homes, so you know you'll make a good aesthetic choice with asphalt shingles.
Shingle Roofing Can Last A Few Decades
While shingle roofs don't last as long as other types of roofing, they will still last for decades. Luxury shingles last longer than basic shingles, but even budget three-tab shingles could last a couple of decades or so if cared for properly.
Shingle Roofs Are Easy To Maintain
Proper care for shingle roofing includes regular inspections, maintenance, and quick repairs. Maintenance includes cleaning twigs from the roof, keeping tree branches away, and discouraging squirrels and other pests from going on your roof. Repairing shingles is fairly easy, and if you like to do home repairs, you might be able to replace or repair shingles yourself if you're safe on a roof.
You can always call a roofer to make repairs and do the inspection too so you can feel confident all damage is found, even tiny things. By doing repairs when damage is small, the repairs are easier to do and you can avoid escalating damage that could affect the roof deck. For more information, contact a company like The Edge Contracting LLC.
