Drive into any suburb in the United States and you're likely to find several houses with asphalt shingles on the roof. In 2018 alone, the market for asphalt shingles in the United States was $7.3 billion dollars and the market is expected to continue to grow by 3.8% in 2025. It's clear that asphalt shingles are popular with U.S. homeowners—but why? Here are a few of the reasons asphalt shingles have become such a desirable roofing option.
Affordability
The most obvious reason that asphalt shingles are being used so frequently is because they are so affordable for the average homeowner. On average, it will cost between $7000 and $9000 to put asphalt shingles on a home that is between 2,000-2,200 square feet. Compared to an average of $15,000 to $28,6000 to fit a roof with cedar shakes, the cost benefits of asphalt over wood are clear.
Longevity
Cost isn't the only motivating factor influencing homeowners to choose asphalt. The longevity of the material is also a benefit. It's not enough to have cheap material if it will only last a decade or two because that would essentially double the price of the roof. However, asphalt shingles typically last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the type of shingle. Asphalt shingles typically come in three types: 3-tab shingles (have the lowest longevity), dimensional shingles (that last a little longer), and luxury (that last the longest and look the best).
Variety
Another point in the favor of asphalt is that it comes in a wide variety of colors. In fact, there's probably no color on a house that can't be matched by the color of the shingles. If a homeowner wishes to match their roofing material to the shutters or the trim color of their home, that's an option that is likely available, depending on the manufacturer. It's also possible to pick shingles that come in a variety of similar shades for a more patterned look. It's this variability that adds to the appeal.
Energy Efficiency
Another major reason that homeowners are choosing asphalt is because it also has great energy-efficient properties. Rather than absorbing the heat from the sun, asphalt does a great job at reflecting heat, thereby reducing the cost to cool the home. However, the color choice can play a major role in just how efficient the shingles are. Darker colors tend to absorb more heat than lighter colors.
To learn more, contact a roofing contractor in your area.
Share4 June 2021
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