Asphalt shingle roofing is the most common roofing material used in the US. You may have already heard many good things about them, so here are some not-so-good things about asphalt shingles that you should also take note of before making your final decision regarding choosing a roofing material. By the way, input from a roofing contractor would also help.

Disadvantages Of Asphalt Shingles

Shorter Lifespan

Asphalt shingle roofing has a shorter lifespan when compared to other materials. On average, asphalt shingles last for 15-20 years. It may be decent for its affordable cost, but if you want to install a roof that you don’t need to replace for the next 5-10 decades, then asphalt is clearly not it.

There are architectural asphalt shingles that last longer than regular shingles (strip shingles). They may have a lifespan of 30 years. However, they also cost a bit more than strip shingles. Moreover, the costliest type of asphalt shingles is luxury shingles that may last for 50 years.

Usually, when homeowners learn about the higher cost of architectural and luxury shingles, they opt for another durable material. However, some do stay with asphalt shingles and choose one of the mentioned types.

Other materials that are costly but have a higher lifespan are metal roofing which can last between 40-70 years, clay tiles (50-100 years), and slate roofing (100+ years).

More Vulnerable To Wind And Storm Damage

Strong winds can put so much pressure on the shingles that they are lifted or completely detached from their places. This is more common for strip shingles. So, you will have to inspect your roof regularly, especially after a storm to make sure there aren’t damaged or missing shingles that need to be replaced.

Moreover, if your asphalt shingles are older than 20 years, you will notice more problems and you would be better off replacing the roofing instead of relying on repairs.

Keep in mind that if a storm is powerful enough, it can damage any roof. Similarly, if something like a tree falls on the roof due to a storm, it will lead to severe damage, but if you notice that your asphalt shingle roofing sustained damage while your neighbor’s slate roofing didn’t much after a storm, then you know the reason.

A Regular Look

Asphalt shingles don’t offer a unique look and won’t stand out. In this area, even the pricier types like architectural and luxury shingles don’t appear unique. So, if one of your objectives for roof replacement is to improve the curb appeal, go for other materials like slate or clay tiles.

Avoid wood shingles because they may appear better than asphalt, but they are high maintenance and still last for only 20-30 years.

Mildew Growth

Mold and mildew can grow on asphalt shingles that affect the curb appeal of your house. Mold on asphalt shingles is more common in regions with warm and humid climates. Moreover, if the roof is not installed correctly or there’s a leak somewhere, it will provide an excellent place for mold to grow.

You will recognize it by black streaks on your roof that will be noticeable from the ground as well. Mold on your roofing is not harmful, but it gives you two things to do. The first is to clean the roof regularly. However, make sure to not overdo it because cleaning asphalt roofing too often can also damage the shingles.

The second is to inspect the roof thoroughly for leaks because mold also grows due to leakage somewhere in the roof. Even if you notice curled or loose shingles, they may be the cause of a leak.

Checking the entire roof for leakage is not an easy feat so hire an expert to perform the inspection.

Heat Damage

The heat from the sun along with its ultraviolet rays is damaging to asphalt shingles. That being said, almost all roofing materials sustain slow and steady damage from exposure to the sun, but asphalt shingles are more prone to it.

The heat produced by direct exposure to the sun prematurely ages the asphalt shingles. Even though asphalt shingles have protective granules coating for protection against elements like wind and heat, they become loose with time, rain, storms, and winds, and fall away. This makes asphalt shingles even more exposed to the damage done by the sun exposure.

Ultraviolet rays also take part in damaging asphalt shingles because they speed up the break down process of the shingles.

Commons heat and UV damage signs to look for are discoloration, curling shingles, cracked shingles, and blisters.

Not As Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency is a big factor as well. A roof with higher energy efficiency means it can reflect most of the sunlight and doesn’t absorb too much heat resulting in a cooler house. Due to this, the HVAC system in the house won’t overwork to keep the house cool. Thus, savings on power bills. They are called cool roofs.

Now, asphalt roofing is not completely bad regarding energy efficiency. It does reflect a small percentage of sunlight. There are energy-efficient varieties of asphalt shingles that have special granules that reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the shingles.

These asphalt roofs can help cut about 15% costs of your cooling expenses. If you only want an asphalt roof and prefer an energy-efficient roof, select asphalt roofing that has an Energy Star rating.

However, many roofing materials offer much better energy efficiency. If you live in a warmer region, a better option would be to choose those materials. They include metal roofs, tile roofs, slate shingles, green roofs, and terracotta shingles.

It’s important to note that all these materials cost more than asphalt shingles, but they offer a longer lifespan and better energy efficiency. So, in the long run, you will save money because you won’t replace your roof in the next 20 years and will enjoy lower energy bills for about 50 years or so given that you take care of other energy efficiency factors as well like the HVAC system and replace it when it’s old enough (15 years or more).

Why Do Homeowners Choose Asphalt Shingles?

You have read many disadvantages of asphalt roofing, so you may wonder why people choose it. The major reason is the value for money it provides. Granted that asphalt shingles don’t last as long as many other materials, but they also don’t cost as much. For their price range, their lifespan is really good. Plus, asphalt shingles come with a manufacturer warranty which gives some relief that if ever it’s damaged earlier than the warranty, you’re covered.

Moreover, they are low maintenance and when the shingles get damaged, the repair and replacement is pretty straightforward.

The fact about asphalt roofing is that they are not unique enough. However, there are enough styles that fit well with any house. As asphalt shingles are so common, they don’t appear out of place and offer a traditional look.

Conclusion

Asphalt shingles are preferred by most people, but they do have some disadvantages. The guide above will help you decide whether asphalt roofing is the right option for you or if should you go for more expensive and durable options. The decision process can be daunting, so don’t decide alone and get suggestions from roofing companies Twinsburg.