What to Consider When Choosing Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles make up 80% of US roofs due to their durability and affordability, offering homeowners a wide array of brands, styles, and colors. While some products are available at home improvement retailers, a quality roofing company provides a vaster selection.

With varying levels of quality and design, each comes with its own price tag. Basic options come at a lower cost, while premium designs or impact-resistant shingles involve higher expenses. Opting for the cheapest option might be costly in the long run. In addition, warranties and other factors can impact the overall price, with top brands often offering extended warranties.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the best asphalt roofing shingles, our contractors at Advanced Roofing Solutions will assist by uncovering essential factors to consider when you’re choosing asphalt shingle roofing for your home.

Aesthetics

80% of homes across the US rely on asphalt shingle roofs, prompting manufacturers to offer a plethora of designs to cater to diverse tastes. While basic 3-tab and architectural shingles are staples, premium lines have an array of unique aesthetics. When selecting a style, it’s vital to ensure it goes with your home’s exterior, highlighting the importance of asphalt shingle aesthetics in enhancing your property’s overall appeal.

Durability

Asphalt shingles come with diverse lifespans and price points. Basic 3-tab shingles usually offer 25-year warranties and are the thinnest option available. Moving up, architectural or dimensional shingles provide more depth and architectural appeal, with an average lifespan of around 30 years. At the highest level, you’ll find impact-resistant and luxury shingles, with lifespans of up to 50 years.

Warranty Coverage

Premium shingles typically come with better warranties, making it advisable to opt for high-quality materials with strong warranty coverage. While you might save initially with cheaper products, future issues could prove costly.

In addition to product warranties, prioritize hiring a professional roofing contractor offering elite workmanship or labor warranties. Some roofers hold premium contractor status with manufacturers, enabling them to offer enhanced warranties to customers.

Make sure you discuss installation requirements with your chosen contractor to qualify for the warranty. Some manufacturers require a minimum number of additional roofing products to be installed along with the roof shingles to be eligible for the desired warranty.

Energy-Efficiency

Roofing shingle manufacturers now provide a range of options, including cool or energy-efficient shingles designed to reflect more sunlight and keep your home’s attic cooler. This feature not only enhances comfort but also leads to great savings on air conditioning bills for homeowners.

However, it’s crucial to recognize that shingles are just one component contributing to your roof’s overall efficiency. Ventilation and insulation play equally critical roles. Proper ventilation allows the roof to breathe by allowing airflow through intake and exhaust vents, preventing moisture buildup and promoting a healthier indoor environment. On the other hand, proper insulation helps regulate indoor temperatures, keeping warm air inside during winter and cool air inside during summer, thus reducing the strain on your HVAC system and further lowering energy costs.

Understanding how these components work together is essential for maximizing your roof’s performance and longevity. That’s why we recommend consulting with a qualified roofing company to discuss your roof, ventilation, and insulation.

Weight

Asphalt shingles offer a lightweight roofing solution compared to heavier materials like concrete or slate tiles. If you’re contemplating a switch to a heavier material, consulting with a roofing company is advisable to ensure your roof can support the added weight.

Shingles vary in thickness to meet specific impact and wind resistance standards. It’s recommended to have only a single layer of shingles during roof replacement. Multiple layers add unnecessary weight and can strain the structure, pose safety risks, and complicate maintenance efforts. Professional roofers typically remove all existing layers down to the roof deck before installing new shingles, in accordance with local building codes.

Maintenance Requirements

Regular maintenance is key to preserving your home’s integrity, and your roof is no exception. It’s recommended to get annual roof inspections and routine upkeep to protect flashings, vents, and nails, ensuring proper sealing and preventing leaks.

In addition, it’s crucial for homeowners to keep gutters and downspouts clean to prevent water backup, ice damming, and interior leaks, as well as potential damage to fascia and decking.

Grade and Budget

When planning your roof replacement, it’s wise to establish a realistic budget. Prices vary widely, ranging from budget-friendly 3-tab shingles to luxurious designer products. As the quality of the asphalt shingle roofing increases, so does the cost of the product.

Premium shingles might require additional materials beyond the basic roofing material. For instance, opting for certain higher-end asphalt shingle brands requires an extra starter course, increasing material costs beyond the shingle price. Considering your budget, investing in premium shingles with higher total ownership costs over time might be worthwhile.

Cost of Labor

Labor costs are generally steady for 3-tab and architectural shingles but increase for premium options due to the extra effort required. Homeowners discover numerous factors influencing roof prices. While asphalt shingles are primary, overall project goals, like longevity in the home and weather challenges demanding premium materials, must be considered.

How to Select the Best Asphalt Shingle Roofing

While certain asphalt shingle brands might see greater popularity, it’s essential to note that popularity doesn’t always mean quality. Factors such as advertising, marketing, and distribution can influence brand perception, including availability at home improvement retailers. So, how does one decide what the top asphalt shingle roofing is?

There isn’t a single definitive best type, as several factors come into play, including price, quality, availability, warranty coverage, and more. Each type has its strengths and weaknesses, offering a range of products in diverse colors to suit various design preferences and budgets. Discussing your options with a certified asphalt shingle roofing contractor can help you make an informed decision for your home.

Contact Our Asphalt Shingle Roofing Contractors in Fayetteville, NC, Today!

At Advanced Roofing Solutions, our contractors are well-experienced in roofing and can provide you with expert guidance on asphalt shingle roofing options for your home.

For more information or to get a free quote on asphalt shingle roofing installation, contact us!