Whether you’re building a brand new home or it’s time to start considering a roof replacement for your current home an asphalt shingle roof has likely been on your radar. Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular residential roofing system in Houston and, indeed, across the nation. Asphalt shingles come with a variety of pros and cons that Houston homeowners will need to balance when making their final decision for their home.
The Pros of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Asphalt shingles have many benefits that Houston homeowners will likely be attracted to.
Affordable
Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials on the market, today and they’re available in a wide range of price points depending on the options you choose. This makes them a good option for all homeowners, even those that have a tight budget.
Versatile
While asphalt can be considered boring in terms of curb appeal, the multitude of options available at different price points means there’s an option for everyone. Their versatility and wide range of choices means they can fit virtually any style of home without pulling down the overall design.
Ease of Installation
Asphalt shingles are very easy to install because they’re so light and easy to cut. They also don’t require any specialized prep work which means they can be installed quickly and efficiently – this will save you time and money.
Ease of Repair and Replacement
Asphalt shingle roofs are typically very easy to repair and maintain. Because shingles are so easy to cut and install, very small areas of damage can be removed and the shingles replaced without the patch being visible as long as your Houston roofing contractor was able to match your shingles.
Warm Temperature Installation
Asphalt shingles need to be installed in warm temperatures because they can become damaged during cold-weather installations. This is fantastic news for homeowners in Houston where the temperature very rarely dips below freezing.
The Cons of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Unfortunately, for all the great things about asphalt shingle roofing, there are some major disadvantages as well.
Vulnerable to Wind
Shingles are vulnerable to wind uplift and damage. High winds can bend and break shingles as well as cause them to detach making your roof vulnerable to leaks if they aren’t repaired. With Houston’s vulnerability to hurricanes and other heavy storms this can be a turn off for some homeowners.
Vulnerable to Heat
Asphalt shingles are also vulnerable to excessively high temperatures which can cause them to crack. The hot summers in Houston can leave your shingle roof susceptible to heat, but the relatively mild temperatures the rest of the year are perfect for asphalt.
Standard Roofing Material
While there’s nothing wrong with choosing the standard option, it can’t be denied that, in general, there’s nothing special about the look of asphalt shingles. While there are some unique options available, for the most part, asphalt shingles can’t make your home stand out from the crowd like more expensive options like cedar shakes or slate tiles would.
Longevity
Believe it or not, for as lightweight as they are, asphalt shingles have a decent life expectancy if they’re installed properly. That said, in comparison to roofing materials like metal, they just can’t offer the same longevity.
How to Decide if Asphalt Shingles are Right for Your Home
When you’re trying to decide if asphalt shingles are right for your Houston home, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons and balance them with your needs.
- What is your budget?
- What are you looking for in terms of style?
- How long do you need your roof to last?
- How often do you experience severe weather?
Asking yourself these questions can help you with your decision. If you’re still having trouble, call EZ Roof and Construction and we’d be happy to discuss your options and help you decide what roof is best for your home!
