Why Are Asphalt Shingles So Popular in the Bay Area?
The choices for roofing materials seem to get more varied each year. Even with all the roof covering choices, one material still stands out as the most popular. Asphalt shingles end up being the top choice of most homeowners. That stems from a number of factors. This would be a good time to explore the pros and cons of asphalt shingles.
Let’s Look at The Pros And Cons of Asphalt Roof
PROs
- Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors and styles, and they look good on most roof types, though they are not meant for flat roofs.
- They rank as one of the most affordable shingles. In recent years, dimensional (architectural or designer) asphalt shingles are moving up in desirability, but with the fancier look and greater thickness comes an increase in cost, both for the shingles themselves and the installation.
- Durability is another factor in their favor. While they won’t last as long as slate or clay tile, most manufacturers talk of a 20 to 30 year lifespan with asphalt shingles. Roofing professionals will tell you that maintenance and weather conditions impact the life of the shingles.
- Ease of installation helps to keep the cost down. This is true of more common 3-tab single layer, one-piece asphalt shingles. However, if you can’t live without the two-layer, dimensional shingle, the installation is more complicated and takes longer.
- Fire resistance is a factor for many homeowners in the Bay Area. If the asphalt shingles are of the fiberglass-based variety and installed with fire-code-compliant underlayment, they can provide excellent fire resistance. Class A asphalt shingles are supposed to be able to withstand a fire burning through the wooden structural components for up to two hours.
CONs
- High winds can tear shingles off your roof. Extreme temperatures from an unrelenting sun can weaken shingles and cause them to dry out and crack sooner than might be expected.
- The durability of asphalt shingles, when held up to the 50 to 100 years or more of life projected for tile or slate roofs, means shingles can’t compete.
- Asphalt shingles are susceptible to mold and algae.
- Asphalt shingles are not as energy efficient as some other roofing materials.
- More regular maintenance is required to ensure that debris does not build up on your asphalt shingled roof and that any signs of cracking or shingles damaged or missing due to high winds be repaired or replaced.
When imagining how you would like your home or commercial establishment to look, be sure to consider the information above when narrowing your choices in roofing material options.
If you are considering a roof replacement or need advice about how to match materials for an add on room or second story addition, contact us today. One of our roofing professionals will be happy to help you find what you need.
