Why You Should Think Twice Before Choosing Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof?
Hi there, I'm Chris of NJ Best Roofing, the best roofing company in New Jersey. If you're reading this, you're probably thinking about replacing or upgrading your roof. And if you're like most homeowners in New Jersey, you're probably considering asphalt shingles as your roofing material of choice.
After all, asphalt shingles are the most popular and common type of roofing in New Jersey and across the country. They are cheap, easy to install, and come in a variety of colors and styles to match any home. What's not to like?
As a professional roofing contractor with over 10 years of experience, I’m here to guide you to the best option for your roof. In fact, you may find a better alternative than asphalt shingles, which may reduce your costs, time, and hassle in the long run.
Don't get me wrong, asphalt shingles are not bad per se. They have some advantages, such as:
Affordability: Asphalt shingles are one of the cheapest roofing materials available, costing between $200 and $330 per roof square (100 sq.ft.).
Versatility: Asphalt shingles can fit any roof shape or slope, and they come in 3-Tab and Dimensional variations, as well as a wide array of colors to match any home aesthetic.
Ease of installation: Asphalt shingles are lightweight and easy to install, requiring minimal tools and skills.
However, asphalt shingles also have some serious drawbacks that you should be aware of before making your decision. These include:
Shorter lifespan: Asphalt shingles typically last between 20 and 30 years, which is much shorter than other roofing materials, such as metal (50+ years), slate (100+ years), copper (70+ years), or green roofs (40+ years)
Lower energy efficiency: Asphalt shingles absorb heat and transfer it to your home, increasing your cooling costs and carbon footprint. Other roofing materials, such as metal, slate, copper, or green roofs can reflect heat and reduce your energy consumption.
Higher environmental impact: Asphalt shingles are made of petroleum-based products that are not biodegradable or recyclable. They also contribute to landfill waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Other roofing materials, such as metal, slate, copper, or green roofs are eco-friendlier and more sustainable.
So, what are the alternatives to asphalt shingles? Well, there are many other types of roofing materials that you can choose from to update your roof's appearance and value. Here are some of the latest trends and styles in roofing design that I recommend for your next roofing project.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners who want a durable energy-efficient, and stylish roof. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors, finishes, and shapes, such as standing seam, corrugated, or shingle-like panels. Metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more, and they can reflect heat and reduce cooling costs. Metal roofs can also withstand harsh weather conditions, such as hail, fire, and wind. Plus, metal roofs can add a modern and sleek look to your home.
Pros:
Long-lasting and low maintenance
Energy-efficient and eco-friendly
Fire-resistant and wind-resistant
Modern and sleek appearance
Cons:
Expensive upfront cost
Noisy during rain or hail
Prone to denting or scratching.
May fade or corrode over time.
Comparison:
Metal roofs are more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they last longer and have lower maintenance costs.
Metal roofs are more energy-efficient than asphalt shingles, but they may not be as suitable for cold climates where snow and ice can accumulate on them.
Metal roofs are more fire-resistant and wind-resistant than asphalt shingles, but they may be noisy during rain or hailstorms.
Metal roofs have a more modern and sleek appearance than asphalt shingles, but they may not match well with some traditional or historical home styles.
Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are another option for homeowners who want a long-lasting and elegant roof. Slate roofs are made of natural stone tiles that have a distinctive texture and color. Slate roofs can last up to 100 years or more, and they can resist fire, water, and insects. Slate roofs can also enhance the beauty and value of your home with their classic and timeless appeal.
Pros:
Extremely durable and low maintenance
Fire-resistant and water-resistant
Insect-resistant and mold-resistant
Classic and timeless appearance
Cons:
Very expensive upfront cost
Heavy and may require extra support.
Fragile and may crack or chip.
Limited color and style options
Comparison:
Slate roofs are much more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they have a much longer lifespan and require less maintenance.
Slate roofs are more fire-resistant and water-resistant than asphalt shingles, but they are also heavier and may need extra support or reinforcement.
Slate roofs are more insect-resistant and mold-resistant than asphalt shingles, but they are also more fragile and may crack or chip easily.
Slate roofs have a more classic and timeless appearance than asphalt shingles, but they have limited color and style options to choose from.
Copper Roofs
Copper roofs are a unique and eye-catching choice for homeowners who want to make a statement with their roofs. Copper roofs are made of metal sheets or tiles that have a shiny copper color that gradually changes to a greenish patina over time. Copper roofs can last up to 70 years or more, and they can offer excellent thermal performance and corrosion resistance. Copper roofs can also create a stunning contrast with your home's exterior and add a touch of luxury and charm.
Pros:
Long-lasting and low-maintenance
Thermal-efficient and corrosion-resistant
Aesthetic appeal and value
Unique and distinctive appearance
Cons:
Very expensive upfront cost
Noisy during rain or hail
Prone to denting or scratching.
May stain nearby surfaces with runoff
Comparison:
Copper roofs are much more expensive than asphalt shingles, but they also last longer and have lower maintenance costs.
Copper roofs are more thermal-efficient and corrosion-resistant than asphalt shingles, but they may also be noisy during rain or hailstorms.
Copper roofs have more aesthetic appeal and value than asphalt shingles, but they may also stain nearby surfaces with runoff.
Copper roofs have a more unique and distinctive appearance than asphalt shingles, but they may not suit every home style or neighborhood
Green Roofs
Green roofs are a great option for homeowners who want to create an eco-friendlier and more sustainable roof. Green roofs are covered with vegetation, such as grasses, flowers, herbs, or even vegetables. Green roofs can provide many benefits for your home and the environment, such as reducing stormwater runoff, improving air quality, lowering energy consumption, increasing biodiversity, and creating a natural habitat for wildlife. Green roofs can also add a splash of color and life to your home's appearance and value.
Pros:
Environmentally friendly and sustainable
Stormwater management and air quality improvement
Energy-efficient and noise-reducing
Colorful and lively appearance
Cons:
Expensive upfront cost and maintenance