Do you recommend asphalt shingles to your customers?

When it comes to home maintenance and repair, there is so much to learn. Maintaining your home’s roof is not only essential for aesthetic reasons but for safety as well. If you’re looking into asphalt shingles for your roof, read along to hear the pros and cons from industry experts.

Ken Byler

Ken Byler

Ken Byler, Owner of Easy Roof Solutions.

Most Affordable Roofing Materials

Personally, there are multiple advantages to using asphalt shingles that I would recommend to any of my customers, which include:

    ● They are some of the most affordable roofing materials on the market.
    ● Asphalt shingles are easy to install, repair, and replace – making them a very practical choice for homeowners.
    ● They have a relatively long lifespan when compared to other roofing materials.
    ● Asphalt shingles are available in a wide range of colors and styles, so homeowners can find the perfect look for their homes.

Of course, there are also some disadvantages to using asphalt shingles that homeowners should be aware of:

    ● They are not as durable as some other roofing materials, so they may need to be replaced more often.
    ● They are not fireproof, so homes with asphalt shingles may be at a higher risk for fire damage.

Overall, I believe that this would ultimately depend on the specific needs and budget of the homeowner. If they are looking for a practical and affordable roofing solution, then asphalt shingles would be a great option. However, if they are looking for something more durable or fireproof, then they may want to consider other materials.

Added Value To The Home and Insurance Savings

We often recommend asphalt shingles to our customers but it’s important to note that all asphalt shingles are not created equal. I encourage all homeowners that are beginning a roofing project to not only take the company’s word for whichever product they are selling but to see it for themselves compared to other shingles and most importantly to compare warranties.

The weight of the shingle is a huge factor when determining the quality. Simply put, the heavier the asphalt shingle means that it can handle higher wind speeds, is more durable, and is accompanied by a 50-year non-prorated lifetime warranty.

High-quality asphalt shingles can provide a homeowner with a new and improved look, energy efficiency, added value to their home, and insurance savings, all while saving them money when compared to other materials such as tile.

Tylor Pemberton

Tylor Pemberton

Tylor Pemberton, General Manager of Lock Tight Impact Windows Doors & Roofing.

Rick Berres

Rick Berres

Rick Berres, Owner of Honey-Doers.

Easy to Install, Cheaper Labor

There are benefits to using specialty shingles, but asphalt shingles will be great for many people. They are easy to install, meaning labor is cheaper, they look great, and they’re decently long-lasting.

For a homeowner looking for a generic roof that will get the job done, asphalt is a good choice. A few downsides are they may not last as long as other shingles, mildew can be a problem with poorly installed shingles, and they aren’t very insulating.

Lifespan and Durability

Yes, we would absolutely recommend composition asphalt shingles to our customers. Shingle technology has come a long way since earlier installments. For instance, many manufacturers have baked copper into the granules of the shingle which provides algae resistance. Composite is a standard roofing material that you will see on many houses and is certainly durable against weather conditions.

Composition asphalt is going to be more affordable than other materials like metal or solar shingles, which may appeal to a wider array of customers. Other materials, like standing seam metal, may be better for certain projects because of their lifespan and durability, especially when considering going with solar panels.

CJ McConaghy

CJ McConaghy

CJ McConaghy, Owner of Three Tree Roofing.

Bryan Walker

Bryan Walker is the owner-operator and CEO of Athens Roofing and Remodeling.

Beneficial For Resale Value

The first point would be that they are the cheapest option for a roof. They cost about half the price of metal roofs which is the next comparable roofing price point. This would especially be a selling point if the customer does not have or is not using insurance.

If the project is a roof repair or replacement, then I would recommend asphalt shingles based on timing. The asphalt is typically easier to access/purchase so the roof can be replaced right away to decrease the chance of further damage.

I would also recommend asphalt shingles based on location. If the home is in a cooler climate, asphalt is warmer than other options and can help keep heating costs down over time.

Lastly, I would recommend homes in a neighborhood or subdivision, having a roof style and color similar to surrounding houses. It would be more beneficial to the resale value and I would recommend checking with the HOA, if there is one, because asphalt shingles could be the only option where you live.

This is a crowdsourced article. Contributors' statements do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this website, other people, businesses, or other contributors.