Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the US and have been for decades. If your roof is starting to show its age and you’re ready to get a new one, you might ask yourself why? Why are asphalt shingles so popular? What are their advantages over other materials? How do you choose which kind to install on your home?
With the right roof, your home will last longer and look better. Roofs are commonly made out of asphalt shingles in the residential market. They’re good for several reasons, making them a popular choice among consumers!
Learning More About Asphalt Shingles
A little history is helpful here. When we think of modern homes, we picture them with asphalt shingles because this has been the standard for so long. But the materials that shingles are made from have varied widely over time, from wood tiles to clay ones to metal sheets. By far, the most significant change has been how those materials are treated or “shingled.”
The first roofs were likely thatched roofs. They’re pretty simple: take some branches, grasses, or reeds (the “thatch”) and lay them over a frame. It’s not a bad design and pretty sturdy in wet areas—but it’s also susceptible to wind damage, insects, and rot. Using sturdier materials became necessary as society grew, especially in areas with harsher weather and more numerous pests.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States—and that’s no accident. They’re a perfect fit for most homes and lifestyles, and they’ve been a mainstay of American homeowners since the 1930s.
Asphalt shingles are made from asphalt, which is derived from crude oil. The asphalt mixture is heated, shaped, and treated with chemical additives to make it suitable for roofing. It’s manufactured in many different thicknesses, measured by a gauge number ranging from 20 to 120. The lower the gauge number, the thicker the shingle will be—and, generally speaking, the more durable it will be. Various shingles also come in different shapes and styles, like three-tab, architectural slate, or even wood-look types with dark brown or black streaks.
The Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
If you’re in the market for a new roof, you may have noticed that there are a lot of different options out there. There are metal roofs, wood roofs, tile roofs, and even foam roofs. Then there are asphalt shingles, the most commonly used roofing material.
There are many styles and qualities to choose from—you can get them in different sizes and thicknesses, and they come in different colors too. Asphalt shingles are also very durable; they don’t need to be replaced nearly as often as some other types of roofs do. Furthermore, if you like the look of an asphalt shingle roof, which has a classic “American” feel about it and is often associated with some of our most iconic architecture, you can get them in a wide range of color choices (tan, black, grey, and more).
Reasons for Popularity
Another reason why asphalt shingle roofing is so popular is that it’s reliable. In addition, it’s the most affordable option on the market, meaning more people can afford it for their homes or invest in a new roof installation!
- Asphalt shingles are affordable – Cost-effective without sacrificing quality, a shingle roof for a 2,000-square-foot home costs an average of $8,500–$24,500, but it can range from as low as $5,000 to as high as $40,000.
- Asphalt shingles last longer than other roofs – While asphalt can tear from ice dams or high winds, it won’t break down as quickly as other roofing materials like clay or slate tiles. An asphalt roof’s lifespan is about 20 years, so you’ll only need to buy one set of shingles in your lifetime!
- Asphalt shingles are easy to install – New technology has made them more effortless than ever–an experienced roofing company can roof asphalt shingles in just one day as opposed to other materials like tile, which may take 3-5 days.
Roofing Companies Use Asphalt Shingles the Most
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States. They’re easy to install and durable, which means they need less repair than other types of roofs. If you’re looking for a way to make your home look better, there are many reasons to consider this option.
Installing a new roof is no small job, though, and getting the help of a seasoned roofing company will make the job as smooth and cost-effective as possible! Get in touch with Arrow Roofing for more information about asphalt shingles or to schedule an inspection for your home!