Asphalt Shingle RoofsFrom asphalt or asphalt-based shingles to fiberglass and organic, there are multiple options available. Finding the optimal one for your roof will depend on its size, the climate you’re in, and various other factors.
Asphalt is one of the best material choices out there. Ringing up at approximately a dollar per square, asphalt or asphalt-based shingles are one of the most affordable roof shingle options on the planet. They typically last about twenty to thirty years without much need for maintenance and look nice, generally coordinating with all styles of homes and businesses. Plus, asphalt roofs do a fairly good job protecting a structure from the elements such as rain, snow, hail, and heat. |
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Advantages of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are some of the most affordable and practical options for roofing. They’re easy to install, available in plenty of colors, and stand the test of time and elements. Repair is easy when just one shingle is damaged. While other options may last longer or add more in the way of aesthetics, you’ll find value roof shingles serve their purpose and then some and won’t break the bank. If you’re not planning to be in your home forever, cheap roof shingles may be the best way to go.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles
Along with the many advantages of inexpensive asphalt roof shingles there come some drawbacks to them as well. Typically, value roofing shingles don’t last as long as more expensive ones do. Some are not resistant to mold and mildew and you may find that they are more vulnerable to extreme weather such as high winds, hail, snow build-up, and sun exposure. Repairs are required more frequently than alternatives like metal. Cheap roof shingles generally need to be replaced every 15 to 30 years which is more often than some of the more expensive types.
Asphalt shingles are some of the most affordable and practical options for roofing. They’re easy to install, available in plenty of colors, and stand the test of time and elements. Repair is easy when just one shingle is damaged. While other options may last longer or add more in the way of aesthetics, you’ll find value roof shingles serve their purpose and then some and won’t break the bank. If you’re not planning to be in your home forever, cheap roof shingles may be the best way to go.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles
Along with the many advantages of inexpensive asphalt roof shingles there come some drawbacks to them as well. Typically, value roofing shingles don’t last as long as more expensive ones do. Some are not resistant to mold and mildew and you may find that they are more vulnerable to extreme weather such as high winds, hail, snow build-up, and sun exposure. Repairs are required more frequently than alternatives like metal. Cheap roof shingles generally need to be replaced every 15 to 30 years which is more often than some of the more expensive types.
Types of Roofing Shingles
3-Tab Shingles
Typically, 3-tab shingles are the least expensive of the types of asphalt roofing. They are flat-looking and uniform. 3-tabs have one single tab as far as their shape goes and come in one size.
They are also the thinnest of the three kinds and therefore, tend to be weaker and wear out before architectural shingles or fiberglass shingles do. They have a base that consists of organic-mat paper which is not ideal for locations that are prone to experience extreme weather like heavy snow, severe storms, and excessive heat.
On the flip side, there are advantages to using 3-tab shingles. They are fairly easy to work with so they are generally the cheapest to have professionally installed too. If you are doing the work yourself, you’re in luck with 3-tab shingles.
While it’s true, there are no frills with 3-tab shingles, sometimes, “good enough is...good enough”. There are times when scraping up enough funds for the bare necessities is difficult enough to do or situations where spending money on a more expensive roof would not be wise. 3-tabs aren’t fancy but they definitely get the job done, at least for a time.
Pros:
Cons:
They are also the thinnest of the three kinds and therefore, tend to be weaker and wear out before architectural shingles or fiberglass shingles do. They have a base that consists of organic-mat paper which is not ideal for locations that are prone to experience extreme weather like heavy snow, severe storms, and excessive heat.
On the flip side, there are advantages to using 3-tab shingles. They are fairly easy to work with so they are generally the cheapest to have professionally installed too. If you are doing the work yourself, you’re in luck with 3-tab shingles.
While it’s true, there are no frills with 3-tab shingles, sometimes, “good enough is...good enough”. There are times when scraping up enough funds for the bare necessities is difficult enough to do or situations where spending money on a more expensive roof would not be wise. 3-tabs aren’t fancy but they definitely get the job done, at least for a time.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- May last twenty years, sometimes thirty
- Easy to install
- Cheap to install
- Not too difficult for a DIY project
- Easy and cheap to repair
- The flat, uniform look is attractive and versatile
Cons:
- Not as well made as some other types of asphalt roofing
- Organic paper in the base can weather
- Not ideal for extreme weather
- Not as aesthetically pleasing as some other roofing materials
Architectural Shingles
Architectural asphalt shingles are also called dimensional shingles due to the fact that they bring a look of extra dimension to the roof. The dimensional look comes from the fact that each of the shingles have multiple layers of materials that are adhered to their bases.
The variety of architectural shingles available give way to a multitude of options in the look and feel they can achieve. They can be made to resemble slate which allows for the sleek look minus the weight genuine slate brings with it. Architectural shingles can also be created to look like cedar shakes.
Pros:
Cons:
The variety of architectural shingles available give way to a multitude of options in the look and feel they can achieve. They can be made to resemble slate which allows for the sleek look minus the weight genuine slate brings with it. Architectural shingles can also be created to look like cedar shakes.
Pros:
- Longer lasting than some other asphalt roofing types
- Three-dimensional design makes for added durability
- Numerous designs available
- Wide variety of style choices
- Blends well with most structures
- Higher quality than other asphalt options
- Resistant to environmental elements
- Adds value to property
- Excellent at keeping water out
- Low maintenance
- High-end varieties withstand winds of up to 130 miles per hour
Cons:
- Lower grade options yield shorter life span
- Not as environmentally friendly as some other roofing options
- At least a 4/12 roof pitch is required
- Friction can cause granules to knock loose
- Installation can’t be completed during extreme weather conditions
Fiberglass Shingles
Fiberglass asphalt shingles are constructed of a woven fiberglass mat base while organic asphalt shingles have bases made of paper. They are covered in an asphalt coating which is waterproof and then topped with ceramic granules which serve to protect the shingles from UV rays that can be harmful to the life of a roof. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are lighter than the traditional asphalt shingles made of organic matting and are tougher too. In addition, they are more environmentally friendly than regular asphalt shingles are. They can be recycled. Shingles with fiberglass construction tend to last longer and hold up to the elements better than paper-based ones do. In turn, the price tag is typically greater. Still, they are less expensive than many other types of roofs and make a viable option for many homeowners.
Pros:
Cons:
Pros:
- Last up to 25 to 30 years
- Durable despite extreme outdoor elements
- Great for hot climates
- Water resistant
- Very cost-effective without sacrificing quality
- Can be installed directly over old shingles if only 1-2 layers are present
- Stylish
- Versatile
- Not given to need much maintenance
Cons:
- More expensive than other asphalt roof options
- Must remove old shingles if more than two old layers are present
- Lesser quality selections will need replacing earlier
Other Affordable Roofing Options
While asphalt shingle roofs are known to be the cheapest options, there are other types of roofs that are very affordable too. Some metal roofs are great values like corrugated steel that imitates wood, clay, and composite.
Wood shingles are typically more costly than asphalt shingles but there are affordable types that you may want to check out. Cedar shingles are a wise choice in some circumstances. They are cheaper than most wood shingles and are resistant to insects and most extreme weather conditions too.
Wood shingles are typically more costly than asphalt shingles but there are affordable types that you may want to check out. Cedar shingles are a wise choice in some circumstances. They are cheaper than most wood shingles and are resistant to insects and most extreme weather conditions too.
Which Affordable Roof is the Best?
If you are set on getting an affordable roof but aren’t sure which one to choose, you’ll
want to consider the pros and cons of each one. Matching your individual situation with the right roof will help you end up with the roof that’s the best fit for you.
How long do you intend to be in your home? If you plan to sell in the next 5 to 10 years, you may want to go with 3-tab or fiberglass rather than the more expensive architectural shingles. But, if you think you’ll be in your home 20 to 30 years, go with architectural if you don’t want to mess with replacing before then.
Your budget may determine which option is best for you. If you need a new roof and can only afford the cheapest, 3-tab is your wisest, and perhaps only, choice. In the event that you have the luxury of choosing your own price range, you want to keep energy efficiency in mind. While the cheapest roof might be tempting right now, on down the line when your electric bill comes in, you may change your mind.
What climate do you live in? Some climates are very hard on roofs. You may need a cheap metal roof or an architectural asphalt roof at the least. You don’t want to run into issues by not installing a roof that can hold up to the weather you regularly encounter.
want to consider the pros and cons of each one. Matching your individual situation with the right roof will help you end up with the roof that’s the best fit for you.
How long do you intend to be in your home? If you plan to sell in the next 5 to 10 years, you may want to go with 3-tab or fiberglass rather than the more expensive architectural shingles. But, if you think you’ll be in your home 20 to 30 years, go with architectural if you don’t want to mess with replacing before then.
Your budget may determine which option is best for you. If you need a new roof and can only afford the cheapest, 3-tab is your wisest, and perhaps only, choice. In the event that you have the luxury of choosing your own price range, you want to keep energy efficiency in mind. While the cheapest roof might be tempting right now, on down the line when your electric bill comes in, you may change your mind.
What climate do you live in? Some climates are very hard on roofs. You may need a cheap metal roof or an architectural asphalt roof at the least. You don’t want to run into issues by not installing a roof that can hold up to the weather you regularly encounter.
The Upside About Affordable Shingle Roofs
The good thing about asphalt shingle roofs is that they are constantly evolving. They are continuously being improved yet the price is typically kept lower than other, more expensive alternatives. If going the cheaper route is for you, you’ll have more options than ever before.
Deciding which roof to purchase is a huge decision. It’s a choice you’ll live with for years to come. After determining your own needs and budget and pairing them to what the various affordable roofing materials have to offer, you are sure to find the one that is perfect for you.
Deciding which roof to purchase is a huge decision. It’s a choice you’ll live with for years to come. After determining your own needs and budget and pairing them to what the various affordable roofing materials have to offer, you are sure to find the one that is perfect for you.
