Asphalt shingles are one of the least expensive types of shingles available. However, while asphalt shingles are inexpensive, this doesn't mean that they aren't necessarily a good choice for your home. Architectural shingles are especially a great type of shingle to install on your home when replacing an existing roof. However, you'll need to know how they compare with other types of shingles.
The Beauty of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles can be very beautiful. However, their beauty usually doesn't compare with that of clay tiles or slate. Slate in particular is a beautiful roofing option but is often too expensive for most homeowners.
Asphalt shingles also have a greater variety of patterns and colors. Dimensional and premium asphalt shingles can look like any type of roofing material.
Asphalt Shingles Vs. Wood Shake Roofs
If you are considering wood shake roofs, you might have to go with asphalt instead because wood shakes aren't allowed under some building codes. While wood shakes might seem more natural, they do not necessarily look better than asphalt.
Wood shake roofs can fade over time while asphalt shingles will continue to look great. Asphalt shingles can be made to look like wood. You have the choice of making your shingles look like young, red, cedar shakes or mature grey shingles if you would like your home to look older.
The Durability of Asphalt Shingles
Architectural asphalt shingles can perform very well. However, they do not perform as well as other shingle options such as metal panels. Standing seam metal roofs have typically been used on farm structures, but they are becoming more common in more urban settings. This is in part because of how well they perform and partially because new designs can make metal roofs look more aesthetic.
Asphalt and Metal Can Be Used at the Same Time
Some homeowners have chosen to go with both asphalt and metal roofs. The majority of the roof is made out of asphalt but it also uses metal accents for the overhang or dormer.
Save Money with Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are very energy-efficient because the roofer will install an underlayment in addition to the shingles, decking, and other aspects of your roof. The underlayment will help slash your energy bills.
At the end of the day, asphalt shingles are usually chosen because they are less expensive than other types of shingles. However, while they are less expensive, they will not last as long. Therefore, you should only choose them if you are okay with replacing them in a few decades.
For more information about roof installation, contact a local company.
