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Asphalt shingles are perhaps the most widely utilized roofing material in the United States today including the Houston-region. Asphalt shingle roofs are believed to be found on roughly 80% of American homes.
Asphalt Shingle Roof Advantages and Disadvantages in Greatwood
For a variety of reasons, asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material, but are they the best option for you and your home? We go over some of the benefits and drawbacks of asphalt shingle roofing systems.
Benefits
Asphalt shingles are by far the most cost-effective roofing option available. They’re quick and simple to install, and if properly installed and maintained, they can endure for 25 to 30 years.
These roofing shingles are also very simple to remove, fix, or replace if necessary. One of the things that makes them so economical is that they don’t require any specific equipment or accessories, such as roof edges, vent flashings, or wall terminations, to install them.
Their adaptability allows them to be styled in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors, allowing you to achieve your desired aesthetic. The shingles are both waterproof and fireproof, providing added safety for your property in the event of a disaster. They’re also suitable for homes with steep, sloping constructions and are compatible with a wide range of roof types. The mineral granules on the shingles also assist to deflect harmful, roof-damaging UV rays, which is a terrific feature.
Negatives
Because asphalt shingles are relatively lightweight, they are prone to wind damage. These shingles have been reported to be easily lifted or torn off by strong winds.
While tile, metal, and slate roofs are the most cost-effective, they are also the most durable and have a longer lifespan. Asphalt shingles can be shortened by excessive moisture and heat. Damage to these shingles can expose your roof structure to the weather, causing it to deteriorate further. Excess moisture can also cause moss and plants to develop on your roof, obstructing the flow of water off your roof.
What is an Asphalt Shingle Roof?
Asphalt shingles are asphalt-saturated bases comprised of organic or fiberglass materials. Organic shingles are created from waste paper, asphalt, salt coatings, and ceramic granules, while fibreglass shingles are made from glass fiber coated in asphalt and minerals like mica, schist, quartz, slate, ceramic, or stone. The waterproof and fireproof properties of the shingles are due to the asphalt and mineral coatings.
Asphalt shingles are often cut in a “three-tab” pattern, but they come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors.
Kinds of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles are the three main varieties of asphalt shingles used on a house’s roof.
Three-tab shingles are the most popular type of asphalt shingle installed.
Architectural shingles or laminate shingles are other names for dimensional shingles.
Luxury shingles are also known as premium shingles.
Despite the fact that all three types of asphalt shingles are comprised of comparable materials, they are not identical. Here’s a summary to assist you to figure out which asphalt roofing shingles will last.
- Three-Tab Shingles
What’s not to like about a shingle with three tabs? 3-tab shingles are inexpensive and, in the correct conditions, can last a number of decades.
What exactly is the issue with 3-tab shingles? Fewer cosmetic alternatives, the risk of blow-off, and a shorter lifespan are all disadvantages.
3-tab asphalt shingles, often known as “strip shingles,” acquire their name from the manner they are cut and installed. They are the simplest type of shingle, consisting of a single layer of asphalt split into strips. They seem flat when installed, giving your roof a slate appearance. Because 3-tab shingles are constructed from a single strip, they are lightweight and less expensive than many other roofing materials. The disadvantage of 3-tab shingles is that they have fewer cosmetic alternatives and are more likely to fly off than other asphalt shingle types.
A 3-tab shingle roof is predicted to last 18-20 years on average. When it comes to price, some 3-tab shingle roofing might cost as little as $0.90 per square foot.
2. Dimensional Shingles
This is the most common asphalt shingle, often known as “architectural shingles” or “laminate shingles.” They are given two or more layers during manufacture to give the final roof a thicker, multi-dimensional appearance. They can be created to look like natural slate or wood shakes, thus increasing your home’s curb appeal. Dimensional shingles have the disadvantage of being heavier than 3-tab shingles, which means they contribute additional weight to your roof. However, because of their multiple layers, they are more durable.
Dimensional asphalt shingles are the most common asphalt shingle used today, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association (ARMA). Dimensional asphalt shingles (also known as architectural laminate shingles) accounted for roughly three-quarters of all asphalt roofing sales.
Everything indicates that this pattern will continue.
Dimensional Shingles are Impact Resistant
Hurricane-prone areas and/or significant wind gusts necessitate a high-wind-resistance shingle. High winds also bring a certain quantity of debris into the air. Impact-resistant shingles have a robust fiberglass foundation that prevents them from splitting when hit. This scrim is visible on the shingle bottom and is tougher than the fiberglass used for the layers.
Shingles with the highest impact resistance are labeled UL 2218 Class 4 and can withstand a 2-inch steel ball moving at 90 miles per hour.
A 30-year manufacturer warranty is standard on most dimensional shingle roofs. Your dimensional shingle roof should last 25-28 years if built correctly. At around $3-$5 per square foot installed, they are around 20% more expensive than 3-tab shingles.
- Luxury Shingles
These are the highest quality asphalt shingles, also known as “premium shingles.” These laminated asphalt shingles stand out for their design and usefulness, providing exceptional weather protection while also giving your property an attractive appeal. They’re practical, dimensional, and come in a variety of colors. They’re also the most durable asphalt shingle alternative. They provide the most accurate representation of wood shake and slate roofing while being far less expensive than those roofing kinds. The biggest disadvantages are their weight (they are twice as heavy as 3-tab shingles) and expense.
What is the benefit of carrying that extra weight? Extra tensile strength to withstand tearing and impacts. If you live in a tornado, hurricane, or hail-prone area, this is very useful. This premium asphalt shingle roof type can last 25-30 years and is the most costly asphalt shingle on the market.
Asphalt shingles have long been popular because of their inexpensive cost, both in terms of material and installation. Early three tab shingles were thin and featureless, despite their low cost and durability. They were a two-dimensional representation of roofing slate or wood shakes. In an effort to improve shadow lines and emulate the diversity of natural materials, manufacturers quickly upped the ante by introducing thicker laminated, or architectural, shingles. Perhaps an improvement, but the shingles still don’t mislead anyone into thinking they’re anything other than asphalt.
Today, the emphasis is on even thicker, more aesthetically appealing laminated shingles, which provide significantly improved performance and durability and currently account for 70% of asphalt-roofing sales. Asphalt shingles with estimated life lengths of 40 to 50 years, or even longer, are now widely available.
Pluses and Minuses of Each Kind of Asphalt Shingle Roof
Three Tab Shingles
Pluses:
- Initial costs are lower.
- Repairing is simple.
- There are numerous styles and colors to choose from.
Minuses of 3-Tab Asphalt Roofing:
- Some additional roofing types are more resistant to harsh weather.
- The shingles are not as resistant to high winds as other shingles
- Mold and rot are caused by trapped moisture.
- Proper attic ventilation is required.
- Shorter warranties and a shorter lifespan than other shingles
- In most cases, they do not considerably increase the value of a home — notably on higher-quality homes.
Dimensional Shingles
Pluses:
- Asphalt shingles are rather light, so they won’t put a burden on a conventional building’s structure.
- There’s a huge range of colors to match almost any exterior.
- Various forms and sizes to improve your curb appeal. Many roofing systems are more expensive than this.
- They don’t require a lot of upkeep.
- Installation is relatively rapid, saving you time and minimizing interruption.
- Sections that have been destroyed can be repaired.
- Fire-resistant
- Insect-resistant
- Quality shingles are wind resistant to 130 MPH or more and are good in snow and rain. They are also resilient in minor hail.
- The warranties on materials range from 15 years to Limited Lifetime.
- Upgraded shingles or underlayment are optional additions that may increase your benefits.
Minuses:
- Cannot be installed in inclement weather.
- The life expectancy of lower grades is shorter.
- Asphalt isn’t the most environmentally friendly material, but manufacturing procedures are improving all the time, and conscientious roofing companies recycle asphalt shingles for use in roads and driveways.
- Low-cost shingles may only resist winds of up to 60 miles per hour.
- A roof pitch of at least 4/12 is required.
- They may be harmed by heavy hail.
- Excessive friction can loosen the granules.
A bad batch of architectural shingles may make it to market in rare situations; nonetheless, a reputable manufacturer will stand behind their product during the material guarantee period.
Luxury Shingles
Pluses:
- They offer maximum durability and premium protection from the elements — Luxury asphalt shingles offer maximum durability and premium protection from the elements. Their extra weight is beneficial. They are, in reality, twice as heavy as 3-tab.
- They have a multi-dimensional appearance — Luxury tabs are made up of numerous layers, which adds texture and dimension. This gives them depth and shadows, giving them the appearance of genuine slate or shakes.
- They’re less expensive than materials like wood and slate — The nicest part about luxury is that it’s less expensive than wood and slate, yet it still looks like it.
Minuses:
- They are more expensive than 3-tab shingles and dimensional shingles – Luxury shingles are more expensive up front than 3-tab and dimensional shingles since they’re the heaviest and most durable.
- They’re a little heavier than the others – The weight of premium asphalt shingles may be too much for some housing structures.
Greatwood Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement Cost
Professional installation is required for the majority of roofing operations. As a result, you’ll need to add labor expenditures to your material costs.
Asphalt three-tab shingles are included in the averages below (no installation).
100 square feet is equivalent to one square.
The average cost per square foot in the United States is $159 per square.
Price range: $128 – $190 per square
$96 on the low end (on average)
$208 if you want to go all out (on average)
Shingle prices are frequently stated per square (100 square feet) or each bundle (about one-third of a square).
Roofing shingle installation will cost between $1.75 and $2.75 per square foot.
Removal and Disposal
As part of the roofing job, most roofing firms will rip off and dispose of the old roof. Plan to pay your local contractor $55 – $142 per square to remove the old shingles, plus $21 – $27.50 per square in disposal fees.
Some contractors may bring their own dumpster, while others will use their own equipment and make as many trips to the landfill as they require.
Slope
Relax if your roof slopes between 4/12 and 8/12. The slope of your roof is standard. You may require fewer shingles if your roof has a slope of 3/12 or less.
You may be accurate if you believe your roof is too flat for shingles. A non-shingled roof is required for flat roofs or roofs with a 1/12 or 2/12 pitch.
Due to the increased surface area, you may require extra shingles if your roof has a slope of 9/12 or greater.
New Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost
The cost of labor varies based on the roofing material, roof pitch, and complexity of the roof design. Roofs with several skylights and chimneys, as well as numerous valleys and dormers, will have higher labor expenses than roofs with fewer openings.
Most roofs utilizing asphalt or architectural shingles cost around $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot on average, so labor costs for a 1,500-square-foot roof would be roughly $1,500 to $2,250 out of the $6,960 total.
Other Asphalt Shingle Roof Factors to Consider in Greatwood
Lifespan
The type of shingle used, the location, and the severity of storm damage determine how soon and frequently asphalt shingles must be changed. Asphalt shingles may need to be replaced every 5 to 25 years, depending on the following factors:
Weather and Climate
Climate and weather conditions have a significant impact on the life of asphalt shingles. If you reside in a location where the environment is continuously changing (hot to cold, wet to dry), it might shorten the lifespan of your roof significantly. Sun, rain, hail, wind, and large temperature changes all contribute to the loss of the protective layer of granules and the aging and brittleness of the waterproofing asphalt. As these granules come off, the asphalt shingle is exposed to harmful UV rays, which can drastically reduce its lifespan.
Insulation and ventilation are insufficient
To keep your roof from overheating, you’ll need sufficient insulation and ventilation in your attic. Heat buildup in your attic, beneath the roof deck, can cause asphalt shingles to deteriorate prematurely.
The Pitch of the Roof
The length of time asphalt shingles last is also affected by the pitch or slope of the roof. Water, snow, leaves, and other debris are left on the shingles for longer when roofs have a low slope. This implies that excess moisture can build up on the roof, causing mold, mildew, and rot. A high-pitched roof allows water and debris to run off more easily, which means the roof will dry up much faster.
Lack of regular maintenance and upkeep is the most obvious aspect that reduces the lifespan of an asphalt roof. While asphalt shingles do not require the same level of upkeep as other options like actual cedar tiles you still want to guard against the seasonal damage caused by ice dams, leaf and debris build-up, hail and wind-storm damage. All of these things can cause granule loss, excess moisture, mildew, algae, and a reduction in the life of your roof and its ability to shed water effectively.
Algae Resistance
Algae protection is available for most shingle lines, and in most regions of the country, it’s worth the slight extra expense. They protect the granules against blue-green algae by covering them with a thin layer of copper. This airborne bacterium causes dark streaks on rooftops and is found throughout the United States.
FAQs
How do you extend the life of asphalt shingles?
The secret to keeping your asphalt shingles as long as possible starts with the contractor you choose for installation. After that, regular maintenance including cleaning the gutters and debris off the roof regularly, have a regular inspection of your roof, remove snow and ice dams, and remove gloeocapsa magma algae from the roof.
What are asphalt shingles made of?
An asphalt shingle is made of several layers of materials. The bottom layer is either felt paper or fiberglass, the middle layer is asphalt, and the top layer are ceramic granules.
More Information About Greatwood
Greatwood is a neighborhood within the city of Sugar Land in the state of Texas. It was formerly a census-designated place located in Fort Bend County. The population was 11,538 at the 2010 census, up from 6,640 at the 2000 census. It was annexed into the City of Sugar Land on December 12, 2017..