Asphalt is, hands down, the most popular roof material in the US and in many other countries throughout the world. You may be wondering, why is that the case? What are the advantages and disadvantages of asphalt? Perhaps you’re thinking it might be time to have your property reroofed or have the roof replaced, and wondering whether asphalt would be the best choice for your particular property according to your preferences. Read on to learn more about asphalt, the most popular roof material in the US, and don’t hesitate to contact us for more information and recommendations tailored to your specific property.
Affordability counts
One reason many homeowners choose asphalt over other roof materials is the price tag. When you’re getting a new roof, the sticker shock can be intense, but with asphalt, it’s not nearly as expensive as tile, concrete, and other roof material options. Many people are dedicated to being as debt-free as possible, or at least not increasing their debt by much, so asphalt is a wise choice for many homeowners who may have enough savings stocked away for an asphalt roof. In addition, asphalt roofs are pretty easily and affordably repaired when problems arise. Replacing an asphalt shingle is not an expensive endeavor, whereas a ceramic tile would require more labor and costly materials.
Decent longevity
American society is very mobile these days. Many people move every few years. So spending thousands upon thousands on a roof that will last forever isn’t terribly appealing. Sure, it’s nice to be able to pass along a roof that’ll stand the test of time to the next homeowner, but that’s going to cost you a pretty penny. Instead, asphalt roofs lasts for about 10-20 years, which is a decent amount of time. Most people don’t plan on owning their homes for more than a decade or two, so that works just fine.
Gorgeous styles
You may be surprised to find out that there are some incredible asphalt roof styles available on the market today. There are traditional asphalt styles, but also ones that effectively mimic the look of concrete or slate tiles. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference at all! You can get the “wow” factor for the look of your home without spending an arm and a leg – just choose asphalt for your roof material.
Disadvantages you need to know
There are some reasons why homeowners decide not to choose asphalt for their roofs that you should be aware of before committing to it. One, asphalt shingles aren’t recyclable, so when the time comes to replace your roof, you will be contributing to landfill waste. Also, if you live in a high-wind area, you may have to deal with more repairs if you have light weight asphalt shingles, which can relatively easily blow away and/or become damaged by wind. Additionally, if you are planning on staying in your home for many decades, and even pass your home onto the next generation, asphalt might not be the best choice for you.
Got more questions? Want a free estimate? Call Guardian Roofs at (714) 633-3619 and we’ll be happy to help you.
The post Why is asphalt such a popular roof material? appeared first on Guardian Roofs.
