Asphalt Shingles – Pros & Cons

To a lot of people in Baton Rouge and the rest of Louisiana, installing asphalt shingle roofs is a standard practice.

According to Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, asphalt roofing is a top choice for most homeowners in North America. What are the reasons? And if asphalt shingles boast of many great benefits, what are their possible downsides?

Overall, do asphalt shingles deserve your attention this 2019?

Today’s blog post aims to address these aspects about asphalt shingle roofing:

• The basics of asphalt roofing shingles
• Asphalt shingles pros and cons
• Three asphalt shingles types
• The best asphalt shingles brands

What are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are primarily made out of 5 ingredients. These components (from top to bottom) include granules, asphalt, fiberglass, asphalt, and sealant.

When we look at asphalt shingles, the part that’s immediately visible is the granule layer. This granule layer boasts of reflective properties to prevent early sun damage. Some shingle granules also offer algae-resistance.

PROS

1. Cost-effective

If you’re after a roofing system that fits your budget, choose asphalt shingles. If we compare the installation cost of shingles to that of metal roofing, cedar roofing, and flat roofing, asphalt shingles rank the lowest. You can see the costs below:

• Asphalt shingles – $7,500 (average price) — most affordable 
• Flat roofing – $8,225 (average price)
• Metal roofing – $14,500 (average price)
• Cedar shake roofing – $18,000 (average price)

Please take note that prices vary depending on the manufacturer, your roofing size, location, and the steepness of your roof.

2. Long lasting

Not only are asphalt shingles affordable. When it comes to asphalt shingles pros and cons, you’d appreciate their lifespan. They last anywhere from 20-30 years. Higher quality shingles last more than 30 years. Of course, cheaper versions are more susceptible to sun and wind damage.

When you purchase shingles, be sure to check the manufacturer. Also, hire a roofing contractor that installs the material with quality in mind. Correct installation methods guarantee a longer lasting roof. That said, know that Top Team Roofing & Construction specializes in asphalt shingle roofing installation.

3. Easy to install

It’s impossible not to find a Baton Rouge Louisiana roofing contractor that’s skilled in asphalt shingles installation. Roofing companies that get themselves certified undergo proper training to make sure that the job is completed successfully. The basic steps to shingle a roof include deck preparation, ice dam protection, underlayment installation, and flashing particular areas.

4. Recyclable

It’s no secret that shingles are recyclable roofing materials. Recyclability isn’t seen as a huge benefit by some homeowners, but if you’re the type that cares about the planet, you’ll love this fact. Thanks to the asphalt content of shingle roofs, they can be reused instead of being thrown in landfills.

5. Tons of available colors and styles

Now comes the fun part. As a homeowner, surely you think of a specific shade that meets your individual needs. Perhaps you want a shingle roof color that cools down your home or blends with your surroundings. There’s also a shade that’ll make your property look bigger or smaller. These are just some of the many considerations when choosing specific shingle colors.

Here’s another thing to remember. Asphalt shingles imitate the look of other roofing materials. So if you love cedar wood or slate but have a limited budget, your next best move is to choose shingles that look like them!

CONS

1. Prone to breakage

The first disadvantage you should know is this — Shingles tend to crack if they’re installed in freezing temperatures. As you can see, wrong temperatures put shingles at risk for damage. 40-80 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature range for asphalt shingle installation.

Having mentioned this, you must always hire an experienced roofing contractor. The right contractor won’t rush to start the job if they know that the material’s integrity can get compromised.

2. Damage due to attic ventilation issues

Proper attic ventilation ensures that your shingles last longer. When your attic space gets too hot especially in the summer, increasing temperatures distort the shingles. The effect is that your shingles buckle. Buckling shingles indicate that you got a big roofing problem. You can blame your lack of attic vents.

We already discussed the common asphalt shingles pros and cons. If you’re getting more interested in a shingle roof, perhaps you want to know if there are certain types to choose from. That’s a yes! Below, we enumerate three common types of asphalt roofing shingles.

1. Strip Shingles (or “3-Tab” Shingles) – If you’re looking for the most basic (and cheapest) type, pick strip shingles. One recognizes strip shingles easily because of their plain and flat appearance. Strip shingles achieve a spotless look. The downside is that they’re thinner which makes them more fragile.

2. Architectural Shingles (“Dimensional” Shingles or “Laminate” Shingles) – These shingles are more attractive. They add a dimensional look to your roof with their light and dark areas. Best of all, they’re made of 2 or more layers, making them thicker and more durable.

3. Luxury Shingles (“Designer” Shingles) – Luxury shingles are what you think they are. They’re the best asphalt shingle roofing type. They imitate the appearance of other premium roofing materials like cedar. Luxury shingles come in various styles too! If you’re ready to spend more money and enjoy superior longevity, choose designer shingles.

Our Asphalt Shingles Brands

Indeed, there are so many manufacturers in the residential roofing industry. But we, Top Team Roofing & Construction, only recommend and use the best brands for roof shingles. Check our top 3 brands below:

• ATLAS
• GAF
• Owens Corning

Finally, you reached the end of this guide about asphalt shingles pros and cons. Did you enjoy it? We hope so. Lastly, we’re here to tell you that if you need a new shingle roof, we offer this service.

Top Team Roofing & Construction is a licensed, insured, and certified installer of roofing shingles in Baton Rouge LA. We specialize in asphalt shingle roofs and other roofing options. We back our products and services with strong warranties for your peace of mind.

Interested to learn more? We’ll answer all your questions and give you a quote, on the house. Just call us at 225.571.1740.