Why Are Asphalt Shingles So Popular?

Posted by Carolyn Lynch on January 3rd, 2023

It is asphalt shingles, and there are many reasons behind its popularity. You may want to make your house look good, but safety is more important than everything else. This article features complete pros and cons of asphalt shingles to help you decide whether your roof needs asphalt shingles or you should look for other options.

PROs

  • Many different styles and colors of asphalt shingles are available. Due to these options, you can decide the right color and style make your roof look good. For flat roofs, asphalt shingles should be avoided. 
  • Asphalt shingles are very affordable. In recent times, dimensional shingles, which are also called designer shingles, have been very popular. They were very nice looking and were thicker compared to simple asphalt shingles, but their heavy price made them unpopular among the masses.  
  • Compared to clay and slate tiles, asphalt shingles don’t last long, but the longevity is still enough to give you a good return on your investment. The average life span of asphalt shingles is twenty to thirty years, but you must maintain them in good shape to achieve this lifespan. Otherwise, they can get damaged even after a decade or so. 
  • Asphalt shingles are very easy to install, and the installation won’t cost you that much if you hire Louisiana Roof Crafters. Various types of asphalt shingles are available now, and the installation cost varies from type to type. 
  • Asphalt shingles are fire resistant, which is a dream come true for houses in the bay area. You need to pay extra for the fiberglass-based asphalt shingles and ask the contractor to use underlayment that complies with the fire code of the area for better fire resistance. The class asphalt shingles can stay intact for more than two hours even if the wood structure is burning in fire.

Cons

  • Asphalt shingles can be torn off by heavy winds. In summer, high temperatures can weaken them, and they will be cracked in a short time due to drying. Compared to other options, asphalt shingles aren’t a good choice for your roof.
  • Asphalt shingles can easily get algae and mold.
  • Compared to other materials, these shingles aren’t energy efficient and will increase utility bills.  
  • You must maintain the roof in good condition and clear any debris from time to time. If the debris builds up on these shingles, they will get cracked and permanently damaged. You will have to spend a good amount in this situation. Missing shingles are very dangerous as water can get to the structure of the roof from these spots.

Along with considering the looks of your building when choosing a roofing material, also know these pros and cons. This way, you can make a better choice and don’t have to worry about replacing the roof anytime soon.

Call Louisiana Roof Crafters at 985-238-4575 for more information. We service areas in Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, Hammond, Covington, Mandeville, Slidell, and New Orleans, LA.

Like it? Share it!


Carolyn Lynch

About the Author

Carolyn Lynch
Joined: January 25th, 2021
Articles Posted: 59

More by this author