If you are considering a new roof, you may be weighing the pros and cons of different roofing types. Asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate or tile roof shingles, wood shakes…there’s a huge variety of different roof types available to you, and it can be a little overwhelming when trying to choose.
Today, we are going to talk about asphalt roofing, because at Wagner we want to be sure you understand all the roofing options available to you.
First, what is asphalt roofing? Put simply, asphalt roofing uses asphalt shingles for waterproofing purposes. They come in many different shapes and textures, and have varying resistance to wind, hail, and fire damage. Asphalt roofing is one of the most popular roof types in North America due to their relatively inexpensive up-front cost and decent durability, with most asphalt roofs lasting up to 20 years.
So, now you know what asphalt roofing is, what are some of the benefits? Cost effectiveness is a big one. Supply is plentiful and many contractors know how to work with asphalt shingles. They are also relatively easy to install, so you will not have to deal with a long, tedious roof repair project. Most asphalt roofs can be installed in a few days, providing you with durable, affordable coverage for your home. Check out this video of the Wagner team installing an asphalt shingle roof on a home in Defiance, Ohio.
Asphalt roofs are also easy to maintain, and do not require any sort of additional structure to carry their weight the way some heavier roofing materials do. Though they can potentially suffer some discoloration caused by algae or fading, especially for darker shingle colors, these issues can be remedied fairly easily by either the homeowner or your roofing contractor.
Plus, asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of different colors, allowing you to customize your roof’s look – in fact, that is one of their greatest benefits. As asphalt shingles are so widely popular, suppliers have developed a huge selection of shades to match nearly any home, whether you want a classic style or are looking for something sleek and modern. You can even get asphalt roofing that looks like other styles, such as wood or slate, allowing you to enjoy the look of a more expensive roofing material for less money.
There are a few downsides to asphalt roofs. They do not last as long as some of the heavier materials, like metal shingles or concrete tile, and they are not particularly environmentally friendly to produce. However, while asphalt tiles used to be unable to be recycled, you can now recycle them at the end of their useful life, with services available in most major metropolitan areas.
In the end, choosing the type of roof that is best for your home depends on your budget, your needs, and what you hope to get out of your roof. The team at Wagner can help you select and install the best roof for your home or can provide you with skilled repair for your existing roof. We believe that our customers should be educated in the different types of roofing materials available, so that together we can make the best choice for you. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation!