7 Reasons Asphalt Shingles Are An Amazing Roofing Option

Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing option in the United States. That’s not surprising because their price point, versatility, and their ability to be energy efficient make it hard to choose anything else.

7 Benefits Of Using Asphalt Shingles On Your Bay Area Home

If you’re ready to replace the roof – or your roof has proven its time – we have seven reasons why you should consider asphalt shingles.

They’re the most affordable, long-lasting option

Asphalt is the way to go when you’re looking for durable roofing materials that last for decades and come with an affordable price tag. In addition to being more affordable during the production process, homeowners choosing asphalt shingles save money in terms of labor costs.

Asphalt shingles are one of the easiest roofing materials to install, and this significantly cuts down your labor costs compared to other roof options like slate or tiles, which are heavy and more difficult to work with. 

So, when it comes to the combination of first-time costs (the amount you pay at the outset) and lifetime costs (first-time costs combined with the cumulative maintenance and repair costs for the roof’s lifetime), nothing compares with asphalt roofing materials. You benefit from one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market and a roof that (if well-maintained) can last for at least the next 20 to 30 years or more.

Energy efficiency

Asphalt shingles don’t get the credit they deserve when it comes to energy efficiency. It’s true that older shingles were typically very dark and lacked reflective properties. This made them veritable solar heat gain sponges. However, today’s asphalt shingles have innovative reflective coatings that send a significant amount of hot infrared back into the atmosphere. And, of course, the lighter the shade the less absorptive they are, so look for lighter-colored asphalt shingles that complement the home’s exterior.

In addition to reflective shingle properties, your roof underlayments, attic insulation/ventilation, and other features work together to reduce heating/cooling needs, energy consumption, and total utility spending.

They’re extremely versatile

Your roofing contractor can work with you in choosing the best asphalt shingles for your home’s architectural design and color palette due to the shingles’ versatility. They come in a variety of colors, but they also come in a wide range of shapes and looks. 

So, whether you have a house that looks like the cover of a contemporary issue of Architectural Digest or one that looks like an old English cottage, we have asphalt shingles that will look right at home.

They’re a fire-resistant roofing option

After these last five years, everyone in Northern California understands the value of fire retardant and fire-resistant housing materials. If fire resistance is important to you, speak to your roofing contractor about asphalt/glass-fiber composite shingles, a slightly upgraded product that still qualifies as an affordable roofing option.

Asphalt/glass-fiber shingles are a Class-A fire-rated standalone roofing material, meaning they don’t need any extra “fireproofing” materials or assembly to resist ashes, embers, etc., that fall from the sky during a severe firestorm.

They’re impact-rated for extra durability

Roofs are only as strong as the quality of their construction and materials. They’re particularly vulnerable to impact from fallen branches or other debris. While the Bay Area doesn’t get the types of storms the Southeast is known for, we get enough high-wind storms that it’s worth thinking about when selecting roof materials. 

In our post on how to stormproof your home, we reference scheduling a roof inspection and making sure your roof is both protected from – and able to handle – considerable impact without compromising the integrity of your home.

Sound-proof qualities that enhance whole-home comfort

One of the undervalued benefits of asphalt shingles is their inherent ability to muffle sound. Unlike metal or tile roofs, which are hard and actually magnify sound, asphalt shingles help to absorb sound. While you’ll certainly appreciate this quality in the midst of a heavy rain or hailstorm, asphalt roofs also help to minimize external noise from busy streets and the environment.

Easy to repair

Just as easier installation processes yield more affordable roofing quotes, asphalt shingles are easier to repair than other materials. We recommend scheduling roof inspections from a licensed roofing contractor once a year. This allows us to catch any minor repairs while they’re still easy and cost-effective to repair. 

And, of course, always call to have someone investigate whenever you notice:

• Missing shingles
• Chipped or cracked shingles
• Uneven shingles
• Or parts of shingles on the ground around your home

Let Central Bay Roofing Help With Roofing Materials Selections

Are you in the process of replacing a roof or need assistance deciding which materials make the most sense? We know asphalt shingles are an amazing roofing option, but we’ll always provide an honest opinion if you feel something else might be a better fit. Contact Central Bay Roofing to schedule an inspection or consultation.