Why are Asphalt Shingles So Popular in the US?

When you think of a roof and its shingles, what material immediately comes to mind?  Asphalt.  Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials available to homeowners, costing almost half as much as their tile and slate roofing counterparts.  Affordability is certainly one of the prevailing reasons for asphalt shingles’ popularity, but there’s more than costs to consider for roofing materials.

Versatility & Endless Options

Asphalt shingles are chameleon-like in their versatility.  This shingle type possesses the ability to mimic the look of slate, wood shakes, and even tile, so when asphalt shingles are installed properly by a professional, they’re nearly impossible to identify.

Now, homeowners can match an old roof they’re replacing like slate or tile without having to break the bank paying for the look.  Asphalt shingles can be scalloped in favor of a Victorian architectural style or squared to compliment a traditional Colonial style.

Asphalt shingles allow homeowner their pick of colors, shades, and hues, too.  There’s no shortage of what you can choose from with this material with colors ranging in beiges, reds, browns, blacks, greens, blues, and all the shades in between.

Shingle manufacturers create their products with specks of contrasting colors as well as solids so homeowners can have options to bring out or enhance other exterior color themes found in shutters, front doors, brick facades, landscaping, and more.  Asphalt shingles can be made to create a weathered look for a historical home and layered with alternating shades of dark and light for multi-dimensional aesthetics.

Ease of Installation

Playing into the overall cost of asphalt shingles is the ease of installation.  Asphalt roofs are easy to tear off to replace and easy to install, making this a one-day project completed by professionals.

Although the pricing for roofing labor varies between companies and even more noticeably between geographical locations, asphalt is still considerably cheaper than installing a slate roof or metal roof.  To find the best price for an asphalt roof installation, it’s always best to at least obtain three to four quotes from professional roofing contractors.

Longevity & Durability

A material that doesn’t thin out your wallet and is guaranteed to last a long time?  It almost seems too good to be true, but that’s exactly the reason why asphalt has held its own as one of the top-selling roofing materials since its market debut.

Manufactures often give out a 15- to 30-year warranty on new asphalt roofs, allowing room for areas that are prone to adverse weather and environmental factors.  Still, even with the wide warranty gap aside, 15 years is a considerable amount of time for a roof that’s constantly exposed to the outer elements.

And in the face of severe weather such as hailstorms, lightning, fallen branches, and heavy snow, shingles prove their worth.  This type of shingle is waterproof and wind-resistant, standing up to the fiercest outside element that Mother Nature throws its way.

These days, asphalt shingles are manufactured to even be fire-resistant, too.  In case of damage, shingles can be replaced easily and individually, and without having to tear off sections of the roof to repair it.

Energy Efficiency

These days, homeowners are concerned about energy efficiency—and they should be.  The cost of running a house can quickly become expensive, and one way to save money is by making upgrades for your home, a new roof being one of them.  Asphalt shingles are an energy efficient solution that can help drive down monthly bills dramatically.

Today’s asphalt shingle is manufactured to be UV-resistant, meaning that they reflect the sun’s damaging rays instead of absorbing it.  This keeps your home cooler, regulating inside temperatures for the hotter and cooler months.  For you, this means protecting your attic, your home’s structure, and cutting down on your energy bills, which can save you money long-term.

Resale Value

Asphalt shingles are popular because simply put, they look attractive.  Asphalt shingles allow homeowners to incorporate unique patterns and color choices captured in a traditional medium.  While metal roofs have become the flavor of the month, you’ll come across many home buyers and homeowners with dissenting opinions about its aesthetics, but the same can’t really be said about the classic look of an asphalt roof.

Asphalt shingles don’t sacrifice looks for cost or energy efficiency, and they truly give homeowners the best of both worlds, with the added gift of boosting resale value as well.  Home buyers know that an asphalt shingled roof will last 15-30 years, deflect the sun’s harmful rays in keeping their home cool and temperature regulated, and will be a lasting style.

Asphalt Shingles—Only Getting Better

Asphalt shingles have a lot to brag about—their energy efficiency, durability, versatility, and long-lasting good looks.  Most importantly, asphalt shingles are affordable, the rest of their benefits are added bonuses for the average homeowner looking to replace a roof.

There’s a reason why asphalt has been the premier roofing material choice, holding its popularity for decades, and from the looks of it, asphalt shingles aren’t going anywhere any time soon.

There’s no better place to get asphalt shingles other than Feldco Roofing. We are a local roofing company that will serve you quality roofing styles and colors for your home. Speak to a product specialist and get a free quote online today.