When it comes to a new roof, we understand that choosing the best roofing material is a significant decision. The right roofing material protects your home, impacts its energy efficiency, and can enhance curb appeal. For many homeowners, asphalt shingles are a top choice due to their affordability, durability, and aesthetic versatility.
Your roof is the first line of defense against environmental conditions, so choosing a material suited to your region’s specific climate is crucial. Whether you live in an area with extreme temperatures, heavy rain, snow, or high winds, it’s essential to select a roofing material that matches your environment.
In this guide, we’ll dive deeper into the benefits of asphalt roofing vs. rubber roofing so you can make an informed choice for your roofing project.
What Is an Asphalt Roof?
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the United States. They are made from either fiberglass or organic mats, coated with asphalt, and finished with mineral granules, giving them a unique and durable appearance. This combination offers a balance of durability, affordability, and easy installation, making asphalt shingles a popular option for homeowners.
In Washington’s variable climate, which includes both hot summers and strong seasonal storms, asphalt shingles stand up well to weather changes. Many new homes and roof replacements in Charlotte feature asphalt shingles for this reason.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles, allowing homeowners to tailor their roofs to match their home’s aesthetic. The two main types of asphalt shingles are:
Three-Tab Shingles
These are the most basic and affordable options. They are designed with a flat, uniform appearance, giving homes a clean, traditional look. Due to their simplicity, three-tab shingles are easy to install and repair, which can reduce labor costs. Three-tab asphalt shingles offer a balance of affordability, simplicity, and functionality, making them a smart choice for homeowners who want an economical and reliable roof. While they may not provide the extra longevity or texture of higher-end shingles, they offer excellent value for the investment, particularly for those in moderate climates or with simpler roof designs. If you’re looking to achieve a clean, classic look without breaking the bank, three-tab shingles are a great choice for your home.
Architectural shingles
Also called dimensional or laminated shingles, these are thicker and provide a more varied, textured look that can mimic higher-end materials like wood or slate. They offer added durability and are often chosen by homeowners who want an enhanced visual appeal.
Key Benefits of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The benefits of asphalt shingle roofing make it one of the most popular choices for Washington homeowners. Here’s a closer look at why this material is so highly regarded:
- Lower Prices: Asphalt shingles offer one of the most cost-effective roofing options available. With a relatively low upfront cost, they provide high value for budget-conscious homeowners who want quality without excessive expenses. Even architectural shingles, which have a more premium appearance, remain reasonably priced compared to other roofing options like tile or metal.
- Ease of Installation: One of the standout benefits of asphalt shingles is their ease of installation. The installation process is relatively quick, meaning labor costs are lower, and the project timeline is shorter. This can be particularly advantageous for homeowners who need urgent roof repairs or replacements.
- Versatility in Style and Color: Asphalt shingles come in an extensive range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to customize their roofs to match their home’s architecture and personal style. Whether you prefer a subtle, neutral color or a bold, statement-making shade, there’s an asphalt shingle to meet your needs.
- Adaptability to Different Roof Types: Asphalt shingles are suitable for various roof types, including complex roof structures with multiple angles and pitches. This adaptability makes them a practical choice for homes with unique roof designs.
- Easy to Acquire: Because asphalt shingles are so widely used, they are readily available from most roofing suppliers. This accessibility means quicker turnaround times and easier access to replacement materials in case of repairs.
Considerations of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
While asphalt shingles offer many advantages, they do come with a few considerations. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Shorter Lifespan: Asphalt shingles usually have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years, which is shorter compared to materials like metal or tile. Nonetheless, their longevity can be extended with proper installation and regular maintenance.
- Weather Sensitivity: In severe weather conditions, such as heavy storms or hail, asphalt shingles may be prone to damage. While modern versions are designed with resilience in mind, occasional repairs may still be necessary, particularly in storm-prone areas like Charlotte, where high winds and hail are common.
- Environmental Concerns: Being petroleum-based, asphalt shingles tend to have a higher environmental footprint than some alternative materials. However, the expansion of recycling programs for asphalt shingles is helping to reduce their environmental impact.
Each environment demands a different roofing approach, and understanding the strengths of each material can help you make the best choice. Working with local roofing experts who understand the area’s climate challenges is invaluable for selecting a roofing material tailored to your region.
A roof designed with the environment in mind ensures durability, energy efficiency, and peace of mind. Your home will be well-protected, comfortable, and energy-efficient, bringing both immediate and long-term benefits.
Comparison with Rubber Roofing
For homeowners considering alternative roofing materials, rubber roofing is another option, particularly for flat or low-sloped roofs. Rubber roofing, often made from EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), is durable and waterproof, making it ideal for commercial buildings and certain residential applications.
Advantages of Rubber Roofing:
Durability: Rubber roofing can last up to 50 years, making it highly durable. It’s resistant to UV radiation, weathering, and extreme temperatures, which is beneficial for hot climates.
Waterproof: Rubber roofing creates a seamless, watertight surface, ideal for flat roofs or areas prone to water pooling. Rubber roofs’ resilience in extreme weather provides an advantage, but it also adds to the cost.
Energy Efficiency: Rubber roofing’s reflective properties help regulate indoor temperatures, which can reduce cooling costs. Rubber roofing is highly energy efficient, as it naturally helps insulate buildings and can reflect UV rays. Some rubber roofs come in light colors, which further enhance reflectivity and contribute to energy savings by keeping homes cooler in warmer months. This feature can help reduce energy bills over time, though it initially adds to the cost.
Drawbacks of Rubber Roofing for Residential Use:
- Higher Cost: Rubber roofing typically has a higher initial cost than asphalt shingles, which can be a deterrent for budget-conscious homeowners.
- Aesthetic Limitations: Rubber roofing is limited in color and texture options, generally available in black or white. This can make it less visually appealing for steep-sloped, residential roofs where aesthetics are a priority.
- Specialized Installation: Rubber roofing requires a specific installation process that not all contractors are qualified to perform. Improper installation can result in issues like leaks, which may be expensive to repair. Unlike shingle installation, rubber roofing is more intricate and typically demands experienced roofers skilled in its unique techniques. Due to the specialized labor and time involved, rubber roof installations tend to have higher costs.
Why Asphalt Shingles Are Often the Best Choice for Homeowners
For most homeowners, asphalt shingles provide a winning combination of cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and versatility. Their wide range of styles and colors makes them an ideal choice for those looking to enhance their home’s curb appeal while keeping within budget. Additionally, asphalt shingles’ adaptability to various roof styles and pitches adds to their appeal, especially in neighborhoods with varied home designs.
Asphalt shingles are also a practical option when considering repair needs. With individual shingles easy to replace, addressing minor damage doesn’t require a full roof overhaul, making them a convenient, low-maintenance option over time. The roof you choose plays a large role in tying together the colors of your siding, trim, doors, and landscaping. The right color and material can balance the entire exterior palette, enhancing contrast or creating a monochromatic look, depending on your design goals. A cohesive color scheme increases visual harmony and makes your home more visually appealing.
If you’re ready to begin your roofing project and want to learn more about the advantages of asphalt shingles, Larry Haight’s Residential Roofing Company would be happy to provide a consultation. Contact us today at 425-321-5874 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation and see why asphalt shingles might be the ideal choice for your home’s new roof!