Shingle roofing is incredibly popular for a reason. Approximately 80% of all homes in the United States have shingle roofs. The reasons for this vary widely, from the materials’ relatively low costs to its attractive look on most residential buildings.
Benefits of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
It’s affordable -Many homeowners are concerned about the cost of installing a new roof. By choosing an affordable roofing material, you can instantly slash costs for your project. Asphalt shingles are often the most economical option for many roofing projects.
It’s effective – Of course, you wouldn’t want to install a roofing material on your home if it didn’t serve its purpose well, no matter how inexpensive it was. Asphalt shingles are an effective roofing material that serves its purpose well, standing up to the elements and keeping you safe and dry.
It offers a traditional look – If you’re going for a more traditional look with your home, you might like asphalt shingles. Not only are they a popular roofing option now but they have been popular for many years. Many homeowners feel that they lend a more traditional look than metal roofing or some of the other modern roofing options that are out there.
It’s available in different colors and styles – Although you might have a certain style in mind when you think about asphalt shingles, the truth is that they come in a wide variety of options. Black and brown are popular choices, but you can also choose asphalt shingles in colors like blue, red or green. In addition to choosing a color that complements your siding and shutter colors well, you can also choose the shape and style that you think will look best on your Florida home.
Individual shingles can be replaced – Good-quality asphalt shingles that are properly installed should last for many years, but they can sometimes be damaged by issues that are out of your control. If just a couple of shingles are damaged by the weather, you can have just the damaged shingles replaced. This is not an easy option with some roofing types, such as traditional metal roofing.
Drawbacks of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Most building materials have both advantages and disadvantages, and asphalt shingles are no exception. Although there are many advantages to choosing asphalt shingle roofing for your home, there are some disadvantages that you should be aware of, too:
It’s not the most durable roofing option – Investing in a roofing material that will last for many years to come only makes sense, since it can save you a lot of money and hassle in the future. Asphalt shingles are typically fairly long-lasting, and a properly installed and maintained roof should last for about 20 years. Metal roofing, on the other hand, is often warrantied for up to 50 years and may last for 60 years or more. A tile roof can also last for approximately twice as long as an asphalt shingle roof.
Shingles can be damaged by high winds – High winds can be a major concern for Florida homeowners. If you live along the coast, you are no stranger to windy days. There is also the obvious concern of being prepared for tropical storms and hurricanes. Asphalt shingles can be damaged or ripped off of your roof during periods of high winds, which is something to be aware of. Also, your homeowners’ insurance might cover a replacement roof if there is a storm that causes damage.
Mildew is a common problem – If you aren’t careful, mildew can grow and spread on your asphalt shingles, particularly if parts of your roof are shaded. To combat this, you will need to have your roof inspected and cleaned from time to time. Although occasional cleaning can help keep mildew at bay and should not damage your roof, avoid doing it too frequently if you want to avoid damaging your asphalt shingles or shortening their lifespan, so it is wise to consult with a professional roofing company for advice.
It isn’t the most energy-efficient option – Some roofing options are more energy-efficient than others. Although replacing an older asphalt shingle roof with a new one could help you make your home more energy-efficient, asphalt shingles are not typically thought of as the most energy-efficient option. If you want the most energy-efficient roofing option possible, you may want to look into metal roofing instead.
Overall, many homeowners find that asphalt shingle roofing offers a nice balance of affordability and functionality. For these reasons and more, you may decide that asphalt shingles are just the roofing option that you and your family are looking for. However, it pays to look into all of your options before settling on one roofing type for your home. You do not have to make this important decision on your own. Contact Dynasty Building Solutions to learn a little more about asphalt shingle roofing, metal roofing and other popular options for your Florida home.