Choosing Asphalt Shingles
Most homes in the Cincinnati, Ohio area, like most of the country, have asphalt shingle roofing. While that is the economical choice in roofing, there are many benefits as well that make this a popular choice.
Versatility: Asphalt shingles work on roofs with different angles, forms, and shapes.
Variety: Asphalt shingles come in a variety of rich architectural styles. The basic 3-tab shingles are the more traditional ones found in a variety of architectural styles. The dimensional and premium asphalt shingle roofs are found in a variety of styles, including mimicking other roofing materials, like cedar shakes and slate tile.
Colors: Asphalt shingle roofing is available in a wide range of colors so that you can preserve an existing home’s curb appeal or improve its appearance.
Quality: Perhaps the top advantage of asphalt shingle roofing that other roofing materials don’t offer is a lower cost with high performance. There isn’t any secret that asphalt shingle roofs are the most cost-effective material for roofing at the installation. And with the lifespan they provide, you can go up to 20 years before needing another roof.
Efficiency: Yes, asphalt shingle roofing is energy-efficient when installed correctly with an underlayment. The higher quality asphalt shingle roofing material, like the architectural style, offers a reflective feature against the sun’s UV rays which keeps a home cooler in the summer. Does roof shingle color matter for energy efficiency? Yes, the lighter the color, the cooler the roof is in the summer, and the darker the color, the warmer in the winter.
Impact: Homes, where the weather can go from one extreme to the next, asphalt shingle roofing, is durable to the impact that hailstones and high winds can bring. Choose a specially modified asphalt shingle roof material that has an improved impact resistance rating of Class 4, the highest possible classification.
Fire: Asphalt shingle roofing has a Class A fire rating that provides superior protection against the penetration and spread of an external fire.
Sound: The sound insulating benefit is underestimated when it comes to an asphalt shingle roof. External sounds are muffled, making your home quieter inside when it comes to hailstorms and rain.
Algae: One of the biggest problems for roofing regardless of what kind of material Asphalt shingle roofs have a built-in algae resistance that inhibits the blue-green growth and protects the color and appearance.
Additionally, asphalt shingle roofing is the easiest of all roofing to install because this is the roofing material that all roofing contractors know how to install roof shingles! There isn’t any need for engineering inspection to confirm the structure can hold the weight like a tile roof, an asphalt shingle roof repairs are the easiest type of roof repair, and if you have an emergency, there isn’t much to learn when it comes to how to patch a shingle roof, almost any homeowner can do a temporary patch.
An asphalt shingle roof is flexible and can be integrated with any additions like a skylight. If being environmentally conscious is a concern for you, asphalt shingle roof materials today are made from recyclable materials.
Is a shingle roof better than tile?
It is going to be determined by your budget and your home’s architectural style. In certain architectural styles and time periods, a tile roof is the better choice. A tile roof has an upfront install cost that can be three to four times more than an asphalt shingle roof installation and takes longer.
Not all roofing contractors are experienced in installing a tile roof and it takes three to 4 times longer to complete the installation. When it comes to life expectancy, a tile roof will last longer than an asphalt shingle roof, but when comes to budget matters, ease of installation, and upkeep, an asphalt shingle roof for the win.
Which is better – a shingle roof or metal?
Like a tile roof installation, a metal roof installation can’t be done by every roofing contractor. A metal roof will have a longer lifespan than an asphalt shingle roof, but it can be nosier if not installed correctly with insulation and strong roof decking.
However, a metal roof will typically sustain high winds better and is known to have better reflectiveness with the sun. Metal roofing is fire-resistant and can get you a better discount on your homeowner’s insurance. Metal roofing has always been a recyclable material and today, they are made from recycled materials, making them a 100% recycled material.
Can a shingle roof be painted?
Yes, with proper prepping, an asphalt shingle roof can be painted. It is recommended to have it professionally painted, an additional expense to keep in mind. The downside to this endeavor, it will need to be repainted every 3 to 5 years to maintain the look you desire, until the time comes when to replace a shingle roof.
Asphalt shingle roofing should be replaced when one or more of the following are evident:
- Cupped or curled shingle edges.
- Bald spots on shingles indicate granules are missing.
- Broken or cracked shingles.
- 20 years old, an asphalt shingle roof should be inspected for durability.
- Old and worn looking, which begins around the 20th year.
- Several homes in the neighborhood are getting a new asphalt shingle roof.
- Dark streaks of algae and moss that cleaning the roof doesn’t remove, it is time to replace an asphalt shingle roof.
In Closing
To keep your asphalt shingle roof looking good and viable, having it professionally cleaned every two to three years by a contractor that knows how to clean roof shingles is recommended. Not just any type of power wash is recommended because the wrong method can damage the roofing.