Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material — not only in Arizona, but across the country. There's good reason for this popularity, too. They're affordable and easy to maintain, come with many aesthetic options, and are easier to repair than other types of roofs.
This type of roof comes with its own set of drawbacks, though. In our blog, we dive into the various pros and cons you should consider with this type of roofing material.
Whether you currently have a shingle roof and are looking for reasons to keep it or have another type of roof and are considering switching to this one, we cover the main facts you should consider when evaluating an asphalt shingle roof for your home.
Pros to Asphalt Shingle Roofs
There are several benefits you can reap when you select asphalt shingles as your roofing type. The top three pros you should know about asphalt shingles are below.
They're one of the most affordable roofing types
One of the most significant benefits to homeowners is that asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most affordable roofing options out there. While pricing can vary depending on the type of shingle you choose, it will typically always cost less than more expensive roof types, like concrete tiles for example.
Asphalt shingles usually fall within three categories.
3-tab shingles: These were the most common and most affordable type of shingle, but times have changed a bit. This type of shingle is known for a "flat" appearance without much dimension. 3-tab shingles are becoming more and more obsolete, with fewer manufacturer’s still producing them. Because of their scarcity, they now cost just as much as most dimensional shingles.
Dimensional shingles: Running as the most affordable option for shingles are the dimensional shingles. These give more depth to your roof than regular 3-tab ones, which makes many homeowners prefer these aesthetically. These are also commonly referred to as architectural shingles.
Designer shingles: Also called luxury shingles, these come with the biggest price tag out of the three options. They are designed to look like slate tiles.
Asphalt shingle roofs can also last upwards of 25-30 years. Many have “Limited Lifetime” warranties, which is savings within itself by getting the most mileage out of your roof. Many asphalt shingles come with a “Class 3” hail impact rating which may also save you money on insurance premiums.
There are a lot of aesthetic options
As alluded to in the point above, asphalt shingles come with a number of aesthetic options, not just across the board, but even in each of those three sub-categories. This versatility in look gives homeowners a lot of control over how their roof looks, and they can fit nearly every style of home.
Roof repairs are easier
Repairing an asphalt shingle roof is easier than other types of roofs for two reasons: the weight of the shingles and the number of color options. Asphalt shingles are a pretty light roofing material, which makes repairing a roof easier in terms of labor. It's also common to replace just a few shingles instead of an entire portion of the roof, making repairs more affordable.
Since there are so many color options out there for asphalt shingle roofs, it makes color matching for a repair easy. As opposed to other roofing materials that are limited in the choices you have, asphalt shingles make it easy to find a great color match that will go unnoticed by the eye if it's not a true match.
Cons to Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Although asphalt shingle roofs come with a number of benefits, they're not without their drawbacks too. Below are the main cons to be aware of when choosing this type of roof.
They don't last as long as other roof types
Asphalt shingle roofs can last upwards of 20-25 years with proper care and maintenance. And while this is indeed a long time, especially considering the average homeowner stays in their home just over 13 years, it's not as long as other roofs, like concrete tile that can last 50+ years. We have a whole blog dedicated to how long roofing materials last in Arizona if you'd like to learn more about how asphalt shingles compare to other types of roofs.
The sun and heat can be an issue
The main weather-related issue we see with these asphalt shingle roofs is cracked shingles, which is somewhat common under our harsh summer sun. The sun rays and related heat will wear out shingles quicker than other cooler climates, leading them to be prone to cracking and becoming brittle a little earlier in their lifespan.
With any type of roof, routine care and maintenance will ensure you get the most out of it. At Azul Roofing Solutions, we offer free roof evaluations. Whether it's peace of mind you're after, or a leak as sprung up that you want looked at, we've got you covered. Click the button below to request a free roof inspection today.
