Pros & Cons of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt Shingles have long reigned supreme as the most popular roofing material in the United States. They offer a number of benefits that have contributed to their continued popularity, but just like any other option they also present a few drawbacks.  Learn more about the pros & cons of asphalt shingles by reading below!

Pros

Aesthetics

Because asphalt shingles are produced by so many different manufacturers, they are available in an enormous variety of color and style options.  If you have a particular aesthetic vision in mind for your home’s roof, asphalt shingles are your best bet for finding the right color and shape for your shingles.

Economical

Compared to most roofing materials, installing an asphalt shingle roof is actually relatively inexpensive.  They are cheap to produce, which makes them a great option if you are looking to replace your roof on a budget.

Ease of Installation

It is generally agreed upon that asphalt shingles are one of the easiest roofing materials to install. If you can find a contractor that installs any kind of roofing material, it is very likely that they are proficient at working with asphalt shingles.  This makes it easy to find another contractor who can make repairs on your roof if your contractor ever goes out of business.

Cons

Environmental Impact

One of the biggest disadvantages of asphalt shingles is that they are a less than environmentally friendly roofing option.  The manufacturing of asphalt requires the use of fossil fuels, which makes them a less sustainable option off the bat. However, the issue further compounding their environmental impact is their tendency to end up in landfills. While asphalt shingles can be recycled in theory and used for road paving, in practice, they are often simply thrown away, which makes them a burden on the environment.  If you make an effort to recycle your shingles, you can greatly reduce their environmental impact.

Periodic Maintenance

Asphalt shingles require periodic maintenance to continue protecting your home.  They are susceptible to mold and algae growth, which can damage the shingles and lead to moisture damage in your roof deck. Although this is only an issue in rainy climates, it is important to be aware that an asphalt roof can require maintenance from time to time.  However, it is quite possible that your asphalt shingle roof will never need any maintenance performed, as they have a reputation for being very durable.

Contact Us Today

Interested in replacing your home’s roof with asphalt shingles? Reach out to our team today at (781) 246-5622 or by filling out our online contact form! We look forward to assisting you with your shingle installation needs!