Facts, Opinions, and Everything In Between: Roofing Edition

Posted on: 6 January 2022

If you're considering replacing your roof, you may have a lot of questions. One of the most common roofing materials used on residential homes is asphalt. These asphalt shingles are also known as composite shingles, and while they are durable, they are also one of the least expensive roofing materials. If you would like to know more, keep reading.

What Types of Shingles Exist?

3-tab asphalt shingles are one possible choice. They consist of strips of three roofing shingles. This makes installing the roof faster, and it creates a fully uniform look. Architectural shingles are a more attractive option because they give your roof more dimension and texture, but each shingle must be installed one at a time, so it may take longer to replace the roof.

Luxury shingles are the most expensive form of asphalt shingles. They are designed to look like slate tiles but lack the high price and massive weight.

In addition, you can choose from many different colors of shingles. The most important factor to consider when choosing the color is whether you want the roof to reflect the sunlight or absorb it. If you live in a colder climate, you may want a dark-colored roof to absorb as much natural heat as possible. If you want to keep your home cool, however, a lighter color will reflect a lot of sunlight and heat.

How Much Does a New Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost?

In general, for traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles, you'll pay $1 to $4 per square foot. This includes the cost of removing and disposing of the old roof before installing the new roof. The exact price, however, largely depends on the size of your roof.

The slop of the roof also needs to be considered as roofs with a sharp slope have more surface area than low-sloped roofs. If you choose architectural shingles or luxury shingles, you can expect to pay more. Asphalt roofs don't last as long as some other roofing materials, but they can still last about 20 years.

How Much Maintenance Is Required?

Asphalt shingle roofs require a moderate amount of work to maintain. Most of the maintenance involves keeping the roof clean. This may include trimming overhanging branches, but you will also need to occasionally remove debris that has been blown onto the roof.

Debris on the roof can cause a few problems. If the debris is heavy like an overhanging branch, it can cause sudden damage. Even if it doesn't, however, it hinders the flow of water. More water on the roof increases the risk of damage. Debris can also promote the growth of moss and cause gutters to get clogged.

Occasionally, you'll want to check the shingles for common forms of damage, such as curling, cracking, and granule loss. It's good to replace any damaged shingles before they cause a leak. When cleaning your roof, make sure to avoid using a pressure washer or harsh scrub brushes. These can be too aggressive, causing shingles to become loose.

What Is an Overlay?

If you have an asphalt shingle roof but it's looking a bit worn, you may be able to get away with an overlay. However, if you have major roofing issues like leaks or rotting material, an overlay will not fix the problem. It will only mask it.

If your roof is a good candidate for an overlay, it can be a great way to get a new roof without spending as much money. With an overlay, the old roof is not removed. New shingles are applied directly to the old shingles. Legally, this can only be performed a handful of times before the roof needs to be fully replaced.

If you want to get a new roof, consider an asphalt shingle roof. They are affordable and durable. They work on many styles of homes and in many different climates. If you would like to know more, contact a roofing replacement contractor in your area today.