For homeowners that are looking to replace the roof on their home, it may seem like a daunting task to even get started. The roofing market is a highly saturated and competitive one with many options available to you, and it’s a bit overwhelming to sift through all of these options to find the one that is the most suitable for your home and your lifestyle. If you’re on a budget but still looking for an attractive and good roofing option, asphalt is definitely one to consider. Keep reading to find out more about residential roofing and if it’s the right choice for your Minneapolis home.
Affordability
By far one of the greatest advantages of asphalt roofing is its affordability. It’s the perfect roofing choice for someone who is looking to save some money upfront. It is definitely the most affordable roofing option in the short-term, but this is not necessarily true for the long-term. You’re looking at about 10-15 years of good protection for a fair price before you may start to run into some problems. The better the installation job, the longer that your asphalt shingles will last.
Style Variety
Just because asphalt roofing is an affordable option doesn’t mean that it’s lacking in the style department. Asphalt roofing comes in an amazing variety of colors and textures. You can literally get your asphalt shingles in all of your basic colors, and even in vibrant colors such as yellow, red, blue, green, and more. And it comes in different profiles as well. This all gives you the ability to match any type of home, including traditional and contemporary. You can even have your asphalt roofing installed to look like natural wood or slate. You have the power to completely customize the look of your roof and your home with multiple patterns available to you.
Easy Installation
Asphalt roofing is the perhaps the easiest type of roofing to install. It is lightweight and generally doesn’t need any additional structural support, special tools, or any major preparations. We’re talking about a matter of just days to get the job done right. And this also means that the cost of installation is also lower, even significantly lower than specialty roofing types, like tiles, metal, or slate.
Drawbacks
As with anything, there are certain drawbacks that you should know. Asphalt shingles are affordable, stylish, and easy to work with, but this doesn’t mean that they are perfect. Asphalt roofing comes along with a few drawbacks that you should definitely be aware of and prepared to deal with. Asphalt shingles are not always resistant to extreme weather and temperatures. When temperatures fluctuate it can cause the shingles to expand and contract, which can then make them crack. Installation during below freezing temperatures may cause damage, and extreme winds may cause the shingles to uplift. Extreme heat can cause the shingles to fade and lose color, and even warp or crack. It’s important that your attic is well ventilated. And if you’re looking to help the environment, asphalt shingles are probably not the best option. They tend to waste energy, and not to mention that they don’t get recycled.
If you’re prepared to have to perform regular maintenance and repairs on your asphalt roof, then the advantages may very well outweigh the disadvantages for you. Be sure to get any necessary repairs done before even more damages occur from rain or snow. Asphalt shingles have proven as a credible and easy solution for many people needing a new roof. Contact us today at First Impressions Exteriors for more information on asphalt roofing and what it can do for you and your home. Keep in mind we also handle hail damage roofing issues and ice dams.