Choosing the Right Roofing Material

With a variety of different types of roofs and materials used on them, it can be hard to narrow down exactly what it is that you want for your property. After all, you will find that there are significant differences in roofing types depending on what you need both visually and pragmatically. Some homeowners will go the way of strict utilitarianism, choosing a roof that fixates on their practical needs. Some will choose something in the middle, where they can make a strong aesthetic choice while still adhering to their roofing specifications. Where do you begin exploring such a topic? There are a lot of different kinds of roofing materials, but asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular. What are asphalt shingles, how did they come to be so popular, and what are their benefits? We answer that and more here.

What is Asphalt Shingle Roofing?

Admittedly, if you asked a percentage of people to tell you what type of roof they have, or what materials were used to build their roof, there’s a decent chance they wouldn’t know. Understandably so, as many of us will simply inherit the roof when we purchase a home. That’s why regular maintenance can be so helpful, especially in determining what type of roof you have and how to best implement its care.

At Born Again, we’ve been in the industry for over twenty years, and as veterans, we’ve worked with every material imaginable hundreds of times over. Why are we focusing on asphalt shingles? Simply because they are one of the most widely used and implemented roofing materials in the United States. All across North America, you will find a substantial amount of asphalt shingles, and here’s why.

In most cases of building, unless there is a specific visual goal being met, asphalt shingles are widely used due to their affordable nature and relatively easy installation process. Historically, asphalt shingles have been around for over a century. Given their popularity and accessibility, manufacturers eventually started to put in a significant amount of research into their curation. As of now, they are a highly utilized material due to their affordability, accessibility, and high wind resistance. In essence, they’re built to last.

In short, what is an asphalt shingle? An asphalt shingle is a type of wall or roof shingle that uses asphalt as a means of waterproofing. It is one of the most popular types of roofing material in North America and has been around in one capacity or another for over a century. It remains a popular and viable material today.

Why Choose Asphalt Shingles- Benefits (and Drawbacks)

At Born Again Roofing & Remodeling, we believe every one of our customers is entitled to pertinent information regarding their roof type and its suggested materials. While today’s modern materials are usually built to last and endure, there are still areas where you may prefer one to another. Sometimes these are strictly visual preferences, and other times they’re more nuanced. Regardless of your reasons for choosing a certain material, we want you to understand the full scope of said substance. Here are the reasons why we both recommend and sometimes hesitate on providing asphalt shingle roofs.

Pros:

Affordability: Asphalt shingles provide you with a good product while still maintaining affordability. When it comes to roofing materials, there are only a few that offer this crossroads of quality and value. The key is to ensure they are installed properly. Proper installation will make a world of difference in how they endure over time. With proper installation and care, an asphalt shingle roof can last you a good 15 years give or take. They may not be the most durable choice on the market, but they certainly can’t be beaten at the axis of affordability and reliability.

Effective: To reiterate, while asphalt may not be as durable and long-lasting as some of its more expensive counterparts, they offer adequate protection. They will protect your home and do the required job just as well as the next choice, albeit it in a less time-effective way.

Variety: Seeing as variety is the spice of life, it certainly fairs well to have choices in your roofing. As far as asphalt is concerned there are two main types of shingles organic and fiberglass. Asphalt serves as the coating that renders both options, waterproof. Between the two, you have a certain number of choices that can help you narrow down the perfect colors and styles.

Easy to Install: A properly skilled roofing contractor will have no trouble installing asphalt. Depending on the size and scope of the job, it’s usually a quick and easy turnaround. Nonetheless, you should always seek out a professional. Jobs that are rushed or improperly fulfilled will substantially cut down your roof’s lifespan.

Cons:

Environmental Factors & Longevity: As far as outward cons, there’s not a substantial amount to pick from. As North America’s most utilized finish, it stands to reason that the pros would mostly outweigh the cons. Nevertheless, there are some important factors to keep in mind.

• Asphalt Shingles perform poorly in extreme heat. Generally, they will crack and fade easier in extreme temperatures. Maintenance can help but, by nature, it will cut into your roof’s lifespan.
• Temperature fluctuations, in general, can make your asphalt more volatile. The drastic swings from hot to cold trigger expanding and contracting. Subsequently, below-freezing temperatures can be damaging.

The Verdict?

Given their availability and practicality, asphalt shingles make sense for a lot of Americans. Here in Rankin County and Jackson, we recommend asphalt shingles as an affordable option, especially considering the nature of our climate. Although the summer months can bring a decent level of heat, we don’t experience the drastic weather cycles of other locales in the country. For example, places that have severe winter and summer temperatures. In our experience, when installed by a reputable contractor like Born Again, you should have extraordinarily few issues with your asphalt roofing. Naturally, maintenance and regular checkups can do wonders on any roofing type, but given asphalt’s general low pricing, it doesn’t hurt to invest a bit more into maintenance to get the best value for your dollar.

Born Again is here to help carry out all of your asphalt needs from its adequate installation to its replacement and repair. When it comes to your home, don’t settle for less- we’ll set you up for success using asphalt.