Your roof may be the most expensive part of your home that you never think about. On a normal day, it runs under the radar, but when it needs to be replaced, it’s a serious blow to your wallet.
Whether you’re building a new home or re-roofing an existing house, the journey starts with learning your options. It’s no secret that asphalt shingles are among the most popular and best shingles for your roof. As it turns out, there are many reasons they’re so beloved.
Affordability
No matter how you slice it, a roof is an expensive repair for your home. This is why asphalt shingles are so popular for their affordability.
Asphalt shingles are typically the lowest-cost choices for your roof. This makes it an especially practical choice for homeowners who plan to sell their homes soon.
Not only are the shingles themselves affordable, but the installation is as well. Some roofing options like metal roofs can only be installed by specialty-trained professionals who are experienced with those materials. Those people tend to charge more because they’re in limited supply.
With asphalt shingles, on the other hand, we can install them at a more manageable price.
Range of Choices
Your home is more than a structure that keeps you out of the elements. It also needs to embody your style and have loads of curb appeal.
That’s where asphalt shingles come in. They’re available in a wide range of colors, from popular black or gray to more unique colors. You can choose the one that fits best with your home’s look.
On top of the colors, asphalt shingles come in several shapes as well. For example, you may prefer the standard three-tab shingles or the more artistic architectural shingles.
Long Life
No homeowner wants to shell out money for a new roof every few years. When you install your shingles, you expect them to last.
Asphalt shingles can meet or exceed those expectations. In most cases, they last between 15 and 30 years.
Keep in mind that you will play a part in making your roof last. It depends on how well you maintain your roof as well as the quality of your shingles, your climate, how well the installers performed, and more.
Popular Aesthetics
No matter what your plans are for your home in the future, you want to consider resale value when you replace your roof. After all, who knows where they’ll be in 30 years?
Some types of roofs have unique looks. Take metal roofing, for example. Some people love them and some people hate them.
Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are people-pleasers. They have a neutral look that makes your home look clean and desirable to any buyers.
Specialty Options
You already know asphalt shingles come in different colors and shapes. Did you know they also come in a variety of other options?
For example, some shingles are made with higher impact resistance ratings. They’ll be more durable against hail and other impacts on your roof.
Another weather-fighter is the wind-resistant shingle, which stays in place even better than standard shingles in high winds.
If you’re concerned about your roof keeping its clean look, you might opt for stain-resistant asphalt shingles. Aglae, leaves, and other staining materials won’t stand a chance.
Finally, there are cooling shingles. These asphalt shingles reflect more light so less heat from the sun seeps into your home. It helps you save energy during warmer months.
Fixability
As we mentioned above, asphalt shingles are durable against the elements. They aren’t indestructible, though. There is always a chance that wind will blow off some of your shingles.
Unlike some other roofing materials, it’s easy to fix asphalt shingles when that happens. All you need to do is call a roofer to replace the broken shingles. Some types of roofing would require you to replace larger sections, making the repairs more expensive.
Natural Durability
The weather can be a powerful enemy for your roof. It isn’t the only one, though. Fortunately, asphalt shingles can stand up for themselves.
These shingles are naturally non-flammable. This makes fires less likely to spread to your home from other houses and trees. After all, the fewer flammable parts you have in your home, the better.
Note that each type of shingle has its own flammability rating, though, so it will vary from one to another.
Asphalt shingles also have a low risk of insect damage. Cedar shakes and cedar shingles may look great but if termites or other wood-affecting insects get into them, you could have expensive damage. Asphalt shingles don’t have that problem.
Sound Protection
Your roof does more than keep you safe from the elements. It also plays a vital role in your privacy and your ability to enjoy your home.
Asphalt shingles have a natural ability to block and dampen sound.
This allows you to enjoy your quiet time without excess noise from a nearby construction site, highway, or other noisy area.
On the flip side, sound blockage also makes for a happier neighborhood if you enjoy playing loud music. They get peace and quiet while you get privacy and the freedom to play as loudly as you want.
Choosing the Best Shingles for Your Annapolis Home
If you’ve lived in Annapolis for more than an hour, you know that our roofs have a lot to stand up against. Every season presents its own challenges, from storms rolling in via the Atlantic to the occasional snowstorm.
As you choose the best shingles for your home, consider all the unique benefits that asphalt shingles can provide. If you want to be sure you’re making the right choice, you need the help of a professional.
Call our roofing specialists to talk about all your options, the pros and cons of each, and which one is the best fit for your house.