Roofing may not always be the first thing we notice as we pass by the buildings in our neighborhood. However, roofing is of utmost importance when it comes to your home. Inferior roofing can cause trouble for the entire building if it leads to leaks or floods. If you do take a look, you will see that one roofing material is by far the most common in Springfield IL, and across the US. And there are some excellent reasons why, too.
Why Are Asphalt Shingles the Most Commonly Used Residential Roofing Material?
What Sets Asphalt Roofing Apart?
Asphalt roofing is durable and protective while being much more cost-effective than other options. This value is why it is the most common one you will see used in roofing.
Asphalt roofing is made from a base mat, waterproof asphalt layer, and another layer of ceramic granules on top to protect from UV rays. The two main options are fiberglass or organic asphalt. These materials are affordable for the average homeowner whilst still offering great performance and longevity. As well as this, they can be customized to be stylish and fit a home well.
Asphalt roofing has become by far the most common material used for roofs in the US and is used on over 80% of domestic buildings. Here is a breakdown of the reasons behind asphalt’s popularity:
Cost-Effective
While getting a new roof installed on your home is never going to be the cheapest project in the world, asphalt roofing is far more cost-efficient than other options. There is also a range of different designs and options when it comes to asphalt roofing, meaning you can select the choice that is right for your budget and your home.
In addition, the price can be further reduced when you are getting your roofing replaced, as you can install asphalt roofing over pre-existing tiles. If the existing roof deck is in a good enough condition, this option can save you a lot of money as the entire roof will not need to be torn off.
Durable
A well-installed asphalt roof can last decades and stand up to all kinds of weather conditions. You should be looking at 2-3 decades of guaranteed wear for your asphalt roof when it is installed. Any reputable company should give you a warranty and a guarantee on this.
Easy to Maintain
As opposed to other residential roofing materials, you can climb onto your asphalt roof (with all other safety precautions observed, of course) to maintain it and complete projects. This again helps increase the durability of your roof as inaccessible roof surfaces can create problems for periodic checks and gutter cleaning.
Range of Designs
Today, asphalt roofing comes in a range of tile designs. You can opt for a layered style to get a textured look that can mimic hand-cut wood shakes. A range of cuts and patterns are available in dimensional styles to have a beautiful look at a fraction of the price of other materials.
The style of asphalt is also customizable, with a range of choices such as slate, weathered wood, or charcoal. All of these options let you create a roof that fits your home perfectly.
There are also many other options in customizing your asphalt roofing. For example, the shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials if necessary. This can be done without affecting the appearance of the roofing at all.
A Roof for All Seasons
As a reflective surface, asphalt can reduce air conditioning costs in hot weather with its solar reflecting properties. As long as it is installed properly, asphalt roofing is also resistant to many worse weather conditions, including hail and strong winds.
Fire Resistant
Unlike many organic roofing materials, asphalt roofing offers excellent fire resistance. A good asphalt roof should last at least two hours in flames before catching fire. This is, once again, a roof that has been installed correctly. So it is important to go with a reliable company for your roof installation.
Why Do Other Kinds of Roofs Not Match Up?
Metal Roofing
Ceramic Tile Roofing
Slate Shingle Roofing
Slate shingles are durable and relatively easy to maintain. For some homes, they are thought to add a more pleasing aesthetic. However, they are expensive, heavy, and difficult to put on. If installed incorrectly, they can lead to a lot of issues for your home.
Wood/Cedar Shake Shingle Roofing
Wood/Cedar shake shingles are durable and resistant to harsh climates. However, they are a lot more uncommon than other roofing styles, meaning there are very few roofers with experience installing them. Due to this, you would need to pay and trust a specialist to install them correctly.
Roofing in Springfield, IL
Considering the weather and housing in Springfield IL asphalt roofing makes the most sense as a roof choice and it is easy to see why it is by far the most popular material for people to build their roofing from. If you do look up on your next walk around your neighborhood you’ll see that we’re right.
If your roof is suffering from wear and tear, consider us when you would like to have it replaced. Any roofing job should be completed by a specialist. We are proud to say we have over seventy-five years of experience in the business. We’d be happy to discuss your needs when you schedule a free consultation with Sutton’s today.
