What are asphalt roof shingles made of?

shingle roof on brick house

What type of roof shingles are best?

There are many types of materials that can be used for roofing a house. Asphalt shingles, ceramic tile, metal, wood shingles, and others, with asphalt roof shingles being the most common. A home with an asphalt shingle roof, pros and cons are many, and both make a good case in either direction, especially when comparing asphalt shingle roof vs metal roof, the asphalt roof shingles will win a customer over more often still today.

Asphalt roof shingles have been, and remain to be the most popular because of cost, installation ease, and color choices. While those are legitimate pros about asphalt roof shingles, that doesn’t mean they are the best.  Metal roofing, slate, and tile are also good choices, but each has the same con that keeps more people from going with them: Cost. 

Some roofing material choices are: 

Asphalt Roof Shingles

As we have mentioned, this is the most popular of all roofing materials. In addition to the affordability, other essential facts that make it the most popular are:

  • Variety of colors, sizes, and styles to select.
  • Meets Energy Star standards.
  • Fiberglass and organic shingles are available.

A big con of asphalt roof shingles is they do not do well where the temperature suddenly changes, it can cause them to crack and weaken. They can only be used on roofs with a steep slope.  The Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a waterproof coating, they are fire-resistant, lightweight, and are cheaper than other roofing materials. The organic version of asphalt shingles is waterproof, but they are the heavier of the asphalt family and do not have a long-life expectancy.

3-Tab Shingles and Architectural Shingles 

The 3-tab shingles are less expensive and have a 20 to 30-year life expectancy. The way they are cut gives the appearance of having 3 different types of roof shingles. Architectural shingles contain asphalt and have more curves and are waterproof. Best for low slope roofs because vulnerable to wind-driven rain.

Tile Shingles

A choice when concerned about matching with a home’s style because they are available in different shapes and lighter colors. They have a life expectancy of 75 to 80 years. Cons to this roofing material are the cost, the weight, and the east of breaking or cracking.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are an affordable choice and are environmentally friendly. They have a life expectancy of thirty to fifty years and are energy efficient. They are susceptible to fire and the installation process can be challenging. It requires maintenance to keep mold and termite activity at a low level.

Metal Roofing

They type of roofing material is ideal for a flat or steep roof. It is a durable material and at a low-galvanized level. It is affordable with a life expectancy of 50 years or more. A downside to this type of roofing is the noise, which can be minimized with additional material during installation.

Slate Shingles

The life expectancy is greater than the others we have mentioned with 80 to 100 years. Extreme resistance to water and weather damage and has a fair amount of color choices. It is more expensive to install and repair, due to a special experience is needed and the weight makes installation longer.

What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

Long-lasting roofing material is because it is the most durable, with concrete and slate tiles outperforming natural roofing material shingles like wood. Asphalt roof shingles, metal roofing is durable but less than concrete or slate. The life expectancy of any roofing material depends on the climate and everyday wear and tear.  The life expectancy of the most popular roofing choices are:

  • Asphalt roof shingles – A high-quality asphalt roof shingles averages 20 years of life expectancy.
  • Architectural asphalt – Life expectancy of 25 to 30 years.
  • Wood shingles or shakes – The normal life expectancy is twenty years.
  • Metal roofing – Life expectancy up to 40 to 80 years.
  • Clay, concrete, or slate tiles – The longest life expectancy of all roofing materials with 100 years.

How many years do asphalt shingles last?

There are several factors that affect the life expectancy of asphalt roof shingles, with the first being the quality of the shingle. Some manufacturers cut corners to make a less expensive version of asphalt roof shingles, giving those a life expectancy of 15 years. A higher-quality can last up to 20, 30 years.  Most manufacturers of asphalt roof shingles state a warranty up to 20 years, some 30 years, but the average time to replace is at the 20-year point.  Climate and weather, lack of maintenance, and poor installation can affect that life expectancy.

red shingle roof with a skylight

What is the best roof to put on a house?

With affordability and ease of installation, asphalt roof shingles win this category. It is a relatively light material that makes installation easier and faster for a roofing contractor. That fact makes it less labor-intensive, which affects their bottom line. It is an inexpensive material in comparison with other roofing materials like cedar, metal, or slate. Depending on grade and quality, it can be a durable, energy-efficient material, works well with air quality systems, and comes in a variety of colors. 

Roofing material can make the curb appeal of any home, but asphalt roof shingles are still the most common and popular choice. Because of the color variety available, they can be matched to the color of the brick or siding, or the homeowner can choose a contrasting color to give the home a curb appeal change. Because it could be as long as 20 years before the next roofing job is needed, care needs to be taken choosing a color that you’ll want to live without tiring of it. Call 828-808-5955 today for your asphalt roof shingle installation in Arden, NC.

Comments are closed.