We enjoy an abundance of options for anything we buy. But sometimes the seemingly infinite range of choices can be paralyzing. You rack your brain over what makes each product unique and struggle to settle on one of them.
Deciding on a roofing material is the perfect example. A roof is a costly investment and the stakes are high — protecting your home. That’s why it’s important to learn from an experienced roofing company what they’ve found to be the wisest choice for homeowners.
New Generation Roofing explains why asphalt shingles give you the best return for your money.Â
Table of Contents
What Roof Is Best for a House?
The most popular roofing material in recent years is asphalt shingles.Â
They offer beauty, durability, and longevity that other roofing materials can’t compare to. Over 80% of homes in the U.S. have composite asphalt shingles because they are affordable, durable, and easy to install.
Cedar roofs are becoming less widely used, with many homeowners replacing them with asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are much more expensive and often don’t satisfy the homeowner’s aesthetic.
Asphalt shingle roofs are New Generation Roofing’s specialty. We are experts in the installation and maintenance of this excellent roofing material.Â
5 Reasons Why Asphalt Shingles Are Considered the Best Residential Roofing Material
#1: Cost-Effective
The cost of having an asphalt shingle roof installed depends on several factors, including the:
Price of materials in your area
Pitch, size, and layout of your roof
Amount of old roofing material that needs to be disposed of
Roof repairs that must be made prior to installation
Type of shingle (3-tab, architectural, or luxury)
Architectural grade shingles cost about $2-$4.50 per square foot, and with labor ($1.50-$3) and demolition ($0.50-$1), this adds up to $4-$8.50 per square foot, or $8,000-$17,000 for a roof of 2,000 square feet.
By comparison, a metal roof can cost anywhere from $12,000-$90,000 and a tile roof $16,000-$50,000.
#2: Available in a Variety of Styles and Colors
You can create nearly any aesthetic you desire with the variety of styles and colors available in asphalt shingles. You might choose:
Shades of gray
Shades of brown
Red
Blue or blue-green
Polychromatic scheme
Asphalt shingles may mimic the appearance of other roofing materials, lending them styling versatility. For example, they can be designed to look like tile, wood shakes, or slate and can be cut into scallop or diamond shapes to give your home a unique look.
#3: Easy to Install
Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are the easiest to install, and most contractors have experience with them due to the high demand.Â
Installing a roof involves the following steps:
Be well-versed in roof construction safety.
Understand how shingles should be laid out on a sloped roof for adequate water shedding.
Prepare the deck by ensuring it is smooth and dry with no holes or gaps.
Install the drip edge at the bottom of the roof, an ice protection membrane overhanging the eaves and valleys on the roof.
Install the roof underlayment and flashing around all plumbing stack and attic vents, and where the shingles will meet a wall or chimney.
Lay the shingles, beginning with a perfectly straight row of starter shingles. Ensure proper nail placement since improper placement could void the warranty. End with the hip and ridge caps that cover the peak of the roof.
At New Generation Roofing, asphalt shingles are our most popular roofing option, so we have the experience it takes to do the job right. And since asphalt shingles are readily available, they’re quick to source — which is especially helpful if repairs are needed in the future.
#4: Easy to Repair
If your roof becomes damaged, asphalt shingles allow for single shingle replacement. This means you can easily repair the parts of your roof that need attention, rather than replacing your entire roof or a large chunk to fix one spot.Â
Because asphalt shingles are affordable, and you can buy the smallest amount you need to rectify the damage, repairs are less expensive than other roofing materials.
New Generation Roofing offers repair services, but you can also schedule routine inspections to prevent damage before it happens.Â
#5: Durability
Ultimately, the lifespan of your asphalt shingles depends on:
Â
How well they are maintained
How regularly they’re cleaned
The kind of weather they face
How quickly water drains (flatter roofs may end up with water damage)
Generally, the cheapest kind of asphalt shingle (3-tab) can withstand moderate weather conditions like rain and wind for at least 15 years if properly maintained. Architectural shingles may last 25–30 years and can withstand higher winds. Luxury shingles have the longest and hardiest lifespan at 30–50 years.
If you notice curling or missing shingles, water leaks, or a sagging roof, call the professionals at New Generation Roofing for a free estimate.Â
Choosing Asphalt Shingles for Your Residential Roofing Material: Potential Drawbacks To Think About
Shorter Lifespan
Compared to some other roofing materials, asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan, typically lasting between 15–30 years with proper maintenance, depending on the quality of the shingles. Metal, clay tile, and slate roofs generally last more than 50 years.Â
Don’t let the shorter lifespan be an immediate turn-off, though. Asphalt shingles still last long enough to provide the most value long-term. For instance, one metal roof could cost you more than two asphalt shingle roofs that last about the same amount of time.
High Maintenance Needs
To help with the longevity and durability of asphalt shingles, regular maintenance inspections and cleanings are necessary. Without them, the integrity of the asphalt will diminish, and you’ll likely find yourself repairing shingles or needing a new roof replacement sooner than anticipated.Â
How To Maintain Asphalt Shingles on Your HomeÂ
Good asphalt shingle maintenance requires routine work that includes:Â
Yearly cleaning with a bleach solution
Keeping the gutters clean to prevent damage from pooled water
Routine inspections for early detection and repair of damage
Trimming overhanging branches
Like anything you’ve invested time and money into, your asphalt shingle roof needs periodic attention. Look to New Generation Roofing to carry out inspections that will help your roof stay in pristine condition.
New Generation Roofing: Protect Your Home With High-Quality Roofing Materials Installed by Gresham’s Top-Rated Roofing Professionals
New Generation Roofing is a family-owned business that uses only the best residential roofing material. We proudly serve clients in Gresham, OR, and its surrounding areas for roof maintenance, repair, and replacement needs.Â
We guarantee your home improvement project will be handled with meticulous care by skilled professionals who use the best quality materials, respect and protect your home, and communicate closely with you during the course of our service.
Contact New Generation Roofing today to learn how to start planning the installation of your new asphalt shingle roof.
