Asphalt shingles are functional. They are not fun, they are not unique, but they do their job at an affordable price. If you are planning to purchase a new roof for your house in the near future, asphalt shingles are probably the first material you thought of. As a matter of fact, they’re probably on your home right now; about ¾ of the residences in the United States have this type of roof covering. Before you invest in an entirely new roof, though, it’s important for you to take some time to understand asphalt shingles and why they are so popular. That’s the point of this brief guide.
What is the history of asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles first became popular around the turn of the 20th century. With industry booming and the population growing, more and more homes were being built. Asphalt shingles became the go-to material for quick, affordable installation on newly constructed residences. During this era, the base mat was typically constructed of some sort of organic material, like cured leather. Today, however, fiberglass is used for its strength and water-repelling properties. In both cases, an asphalt layer is attached to the base layer for extra durability.
How much do asphalt shingles cost?
Asphalt shingles are far-and-above the most affordable roofing material on the market. An entire 2,000 square foot roof can be completed for between $4,000 and $12,000, as a general rule. The reason for this rather large price range is that some shingles, including architectural shingles, are more costly than base models. Furthermore, labor costs for laying asphalt shingles can vary dramatically.
What kinds of asphalt shingles are there?
There are two primary types of asphalt shingles. The first is the basic, flat style you are probably used to seeing on most houses. These shingles are available in a variety of colors and work on nearly any home style. They do not, however, provide a lot of visual interest. In order to give asphalt shingles more depth, today’s manufacturers also offer the aforementioned architectural shingles. These typically have more dimension than their generic counterparts and, in some instances, are designed to look like wood or clay.
How long can I expect asphalt shingles to last?
The majority of asphalt shingles are rated to last between 25 and 30 years, with some heavy-duty brands offering 40 to 50-year warranties. It is important for you to be aware of the fact that certain climates, such as coastal areas with salt air, can shorten the lifespan of asphalt shingles. Residents of places like Charleston, South Carolina, and the Outer Banks need to take this into consideration and talk to their contractors.
If you are thinking about having asphalt shingles installed on your roof, contact the team at Hatch Homes today to learn more about the choices that are available to you. Even though asphalt shingles aren’t the most unique roof covering on the market, they are the most popular for a reason, and they will serve you and your family well for many years to come.