Whether you’re looking to fix up your roof or have an entirely new one built, choosing a roofing material is the biggest decision you’ll have to face. With all of the different materials that you’ll have to pick from, you may find it hard to narrow it down. Asphalt is one material that you should definitely consider for many reasons. As with anything in life, it has advantages and disadvantages, but you’ll more than likely discover that the positives far outweigh any negatives. This is proven simply by the fact that asphalt is the most dominant roofing material in North America. It has quickly gained popularity and doesn’t intend on backing down any time soon. Take a look at what you need to know about asphalt shingle roofing in Minneapolis.
What is it?
Contary to popular belief, asphalt shingles are not just made out of asphalt. The asphalt is actually used as a coating to make the shingles waterproof. There are two types of asphalt shingles, which are organic and fiberglass. Both types of shingles are made in the same manner, and both types of shingles use the asphalt as a coating to make them waterproof. Something else to take note of is that the fiberglass type of asphalt shingles will provide you with better fire protection.
Advantages
Perhaps one of the most appealing advantages of asphalt shingles is the low cost. It’s definitely the most economically practical option for a roofing material. And it’s not just the material that is affordable, but the labor is affordable as well. This is because asphalt shingles are the easiest roofing material to install. In some circumstances they can even be installed over existing asphalt shingles. This is possible if there is only a single layer down and the roof deck is strong. And just because asphalt shingles have a lower cost than other roofing types, doesn’t mean that the lifespan is compromised. The lifespan can actually vary anywhere from 15-50 years. This really all depends on how heavy the shingles are, since the heavier the shingle the longer the life expectancy. There are also some other architectural elements that can help to increase the lifespan. And higher quality materials likely have very long warranties. As if all of the above is not convincing enough, asphalt shingles are also known for their wide variety of colors and styles to choose from. They can even mimic the look of more expensive styles for a fraction of the cost. This makes it easy to match just about any type of home or decor. And you may even find energy efficiency options that can reduce heat absorption and roof temperature.
Disadvantages
As with anything, there are always going to be disadvantages that you should make yourself aware of. Asphalt shingles will require some maintenance on your part. It’s mostly just basic and simple things, like keeping the roof clean of debris, but there are some other potential issues that may periodically require your attention. This includes things like checking to make sure that the flashing doesn’t allow water to seep through, and that moss or algae haven’t accumulated. You’ll also want to periodically check that you don’t have any loose shingles from things like harsh weather. Asphalt shingles are not the most environmentally friendly type of roofing that there is. They are also known for having a low insulation value. This means that it’s extra important for your attic to have adequate and proper ventilation. And if you decide to go with the cheaper asphalt shingle option, you’ll have to understand that they will have a shorter lifespan.
Please contact us today at First Impressions Exteriors for more information on asphalt shingle roofing and what it can do for you and your home.