Roof

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials on the market, and for good reason. They are affordable, durable, and stylistically versatile. However, like all roofing materials, asphalt shingle roofs have their pros and cons. In this blog post, you will learn about their pros and cons so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not it is right for your home.

Pros

Ease of installation

Out of all the roofing materials you can choose from, asphalt shingles prove to be the easiest to install.

This is because they are lightweight and can be cut to size with a standard utility knife. Asphalt shingles also come in pre-marked rows with adhesive strips that make it easy to align them on your roof.

Low cost

Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market. They are mass-produced and made from relatively inexpensive materials. And as mentioned above, they are easy to install, which translates to far less expensive labor costs compared to other materials.

High durability

Fiberglass mat is used to create asphalt shingles. Asphalt is then used to coat the shingles before getting covered with ceramic granules. This construction makes them resistant to high winds, hail, and fire. In fact, most asphalt shingles have a Class A fire rating, the highest possible rating.

Aesthetically versatile

Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and textures. This means that they can be used on just about any type of home, from traditional to modern. You can even find shingles that mimic the look of wood or slate. And aside from being stylish, they are energy-efficient as well. For all the reasons, asphalt shingles have become the go-to roofing material of choice by countless homeowners.

Cons

Shorter lifespan

The average asphalt shingle roof will last anywhere from 15 to 30 years. While this might look impressive, this is shorter than the lifespans of most other roofing materials, such as metal, tile, and slate.

Susceptible to damage

Asphalt shingles are susceptible to wind and hail damage. The granules that cover the shingles can also come loose over time, exposing the asphalt to UV rays and making the shingles more susceptible to cracking and breaking.

Low insulation value

Asphalt shingles have a low insulation value, which means that they are not very good at keeping your home cool in the summer or warm in the winter. This can lead to higher energy bills and discomfort for your family.

Periodic maintenance

Asphalt shingles require periodic maintenance, such as cleaning and repairs. This is because they are susceptible to damage from the elements and can degrade over time. Failure to properly maintain your asphalt shingle roof can shorten its lifespan and lead to costly repairs down the road.

To summarize, asphalt shingle roofs are a popular choice for many homeowners because they are affordable, easy to install, and versatile in terms of style. However, they do have some drawbacks, such as a shorter lifespan and susceptibility to damage. Be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before making a decision about whether or not asphalt shingle roofing is right for your home.

Your home is one of the most important investments that you will ever make. Not only is it an investment that will provide a great monetary return should you one day wish to sell, but it’s also an investment in something perhaps less tangible – but just as important, happiness. Your home is where you gather with friends and family and can simply relax and recover from the increasingly stressful modern world – it is a sanctuary.

However, it’s an investment that requires a focus on maintenance if it is going to continue to offer exceptional returns. One of the most important parts of the home, and one that may require attention from time to time, is the roof.

A well-maintained roof is pivotal in protecting the rest of the internal (and external) structures of the home from adverse weather and it also serves to protect your belongings, assets, and family. These are among the reasons that it is extremely important to choose a roofing contractor with great care.

The challenge is that there are many local roofing contractors – so how can you be assured that you are making the right choice? Here are some tips that will help you make the right decision.

First, take your time and do the research. Finding the perfect roof contractor involves evaluating a whole variety of factors. Given the value of professional service when it comes to maintenance – or even replacement of the roof, and the investment You need a level head and an unhurried attitude.

When you are developing your shortlist of local roofing contractors one of the most vital considerations is whether they are licensed and certified to get the job done safely and professionally (make very sure that they have liability insurance, otherwise you could end up fotting the bill for any injuries on site). Find out a little more about the company, and ask for their tax identification number, business website address, physical address, email address, and their contact phone number. That sort of detail will give you confidence that you are working with a professional organization.

A written contract is absolutely essential – and that can only happen once the contractor has visited your home to get an idea of the scope of the project. If the contractor is not willing to supply a highly detailed estimate covering items such as supplies and hourly rates (and much else, such as a payment schedule) then it is time to move on. Also, never do a ‘cash deal – it’s rare, but it should be a red flag if the contractor requests that sort of arrangement. It may mean they have cash flow issues or are simply a fly-by-night operation. they could very well simply disappear into the sunset. remember, in the case of dispute paperwork is essential.

Choosing the right Roof Contractor

Get recommendations from friends and family. They may have had a great roofing contractor experience – and make sure to also get references. See if they are willing to supply the names and contact details of previous clients. if they are not that is another red flag. there are also many websites where consumers leave comments about service providers – these can give you valuable insight into the professionalism of the roofing contractor you are considering.

The golden rule is to do the research. your due diligence will result in finding that roofing contractor that offers exceptional customer service and who will get the job done professionally, with minimum disruption to the household – and within budget.