The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingle roofing is an excellent choice for your home. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of choosing shingle roofing for your home.

Close up picture of asphalt shingles after a roof replacement done by McCoy Roofing.

The worldwide asphalt shingle roofing market will reach $9,722.4 million by 2027. The market is growing at a 3.8% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR).

Besides, there are various options for roofing, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. Before you make a decision, take a close look at the roofing material. After all, a roof is essential for protecting your home and your loved ones. We can help you discover the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing over other roofing choices.

Furthermore, the last thing you want is to choose a roofing material that not only fails to protect your home, but also requires continuous maintenance. This can quickly become extremely costly.

When it comes to roofing materials, asphalt shingle roofing is one you should consider. Here are the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt is mainly a semi-solid state of petroleum that makes your roof waterproof. Here are the three main types of shingles:

1. 3-Tab

These shingles have three tabs that cut out along the shingles’ lower edge. 3-tab is currently the most popular type on the market.

2. Dimensional

Also known as laminate or architectural shingles, dimensional often have a random pattern. Also, they might try to look like a wood-shake roof.

Though not common as 3-tab, they are now growing in popularity countrywide. Dimensional shingles also have a high wind rating.

3. Luxury

Also known as premium or designer, luxury shingles are often larger than the standard asphalt shingles. They tend to imitate a slate appearance.

Luxury shingles are expensive,often double the price of 3-tabs.

Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles are a popular type of roofing countrywide. Here are the benefits of asphalt shingle roofs.

Inexpensive to Install

Low installation cost is probably the main advantage that drives homeowners to install this type of roofing. The installation cost is more affordable than other popular roofing materials.

If you want a new roof but are working on a tight budget, consider using asphalt shingles.

Provide Curb Appeal

When deciding to install new roofing, functionality is not the only variable you should consider. Most smart homeowners or investors care about their apartments’ curb appeal or appearance.

The type of roofing you choose has a powerful impact on its appearance. So, if you ever decide to sell your house, curb appeal will be more critical when deciding the value of your property.

A Flexible Option

Asphalt shingles will suit your home’s aesthetics, style, and color scheme. The shingles come in various styles like 3-tab, laminated, premium, etc.

Quick and Easy Installation

Apart from being cheap, asphalt shingle roof installation is also quick. Also, considering how stressful roof replacement is, this can be a desirable option.

Note that it’s easy to cut asphalt shingle, and they are also lighter than most roofing options. The roofing team doesn’t have to do much prep work before installing your new roofing.

The team won’t also need special tools or equipment. Such variables make the installation easier and faster and contribute to the low installation cost.

No Worrying About Rust

Metal roofing options become rusty fast, especially in coastal regions exposed to saltwater. But, asphalt shingles don’t rust or corrode.

You Can Replace the Shingles by Yourself

Even though it isn’t desirable, you might have to re-install your roof in the future. Consider accounting for it if you want to save yourself headaches in the future.

Replacing your shingles won’t mean replacing the whole roof. You can replace a single shingle at a time when they become damaged.

You don’t have to tear down the entire roof and start from scratch. The simple and quick installation process supports the ease of replacement.

The Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Though there are many pros to installing an asphalt roof, some of the cons are worth considering. Some cons may impact certain people more than others.

For example, the weather condition might make some disadvantages more unfavorable. Here are the cons of installing asphalt shingle roofing:

More Susceptible to Wind Damage

Do you live in an area that frequently has high winds? Asphalt shingles aren’t the most practical roofing materials for you.

But, that applies to cheap asphalt shingles, which are more vulnerable to uplift. High winds might cause some shingles to detach from the roof.

The roof becomes more prone to leakages. A leaking roof is a huge problem since it can lead to serious issues like mold and severe water damage.

Also, most damages caused by leaks will need costly repairs if they worsen over time.

Low Insulation Value

Adequate insulation saves money on your energy bill. But, asphalt shingles will not insulate your home well.

So, if insulation is very important to you, you should consider another roofing option.

Installation Requires Warmer Temperatures

It isn’t a great idea to install asphalt shingles during winter, especially if the temperature in your area is often below freezing point.

Shingles may be damaged during installation.

Environmental Effect

Asphalt shingles have a negative environmental effect because they are petroleum and fiberglass-based. Some organic options include more asphalt than fiberglass shingles.

Though landfills provide recycling options, there is more waste material in there, such as roofing nails.

Shorter Lifespan

Cheap asphalt shingles have a short lifespan. Options like clay/slate/concrete can last over a hundred years.

Wood may last for about thirty years, while metal might last seventy-five years.

Consider Installing an Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Now you know all about asphalt shingle roofing. Asphalt shingle roofs offer a fine balance between functionality and affordability.

Need help in deciding the type of roofing material that best fits your house?

At McCoy Roofing, we have over 10-years of experience in the roofing industry. Our experts will provide you with the highest standard roofing service.