Are shingle roofs worth it for Brevard County homeowners? Or would another roofing material work better?
As a homeowner around these parts, this is a common question to ask. After all, you do want roofing that is attractive. And you want a roof that makes your hard-earned money stretch as far as possible.
But unless you want to replace your roof every couple of years, you should also seek out roofing that’s built tough.
Will shingles hold up to the weather we experience in our area? Or are shingles the budget topper everyone can afford, and so that’s what they end up with? The answers to these questions may surprise you.
It would be smart to weigh the pros and cons of shingle roofs before calling around for an installation. Doing so can save you time, money, and frustration down the line.
What Are Asphalt Roof Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are also sometimes called composite shingles. The manufacturing process involves fiberglass or other organic material. Asphalt shingles get their name because each tile gets coated in asphalt on both sides. Then the top-portion gets a coat made up of a mixture of quartz, mica, ceramic, slate, or stone. The back gets covered with talc, sand, and sometimes mica to keep the tiles from sticking together.
Three-tab shingles are the most common. This refers to the way the shingle gets cut and installed. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of shapes, sizes, color options, and styles.
Benefits of Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles are popular and for good reason. Here is all the value they deliver to your Florida home.
Shingles Save You Money
Shingle roofing is excellent for residential homeowners on a budget. They are the low-cost selection for new roofs and replacement roofs. Shingle tiles can be mass-produced, which helps with their minuscule cost. The lightweight shingles are self-supporting.
Shingle Roofing is Tougher Than it Looks
As a homeowner in Brevard County, you are no stranger to powerful storms. Shingle roofs hold up to ultraviolet rays and severe weather events, such as heavy rain, strong winds, even hail. They may not look it, but shingle roofs will definitely stand up to the elements. This is important if you hope to keep your home and everyone inside safe and dry.
Shingles Look Traditional
When you compare a metal roof vs. a shingle roof, shingles look more typical of your average home. It’s not customary to see metal roofs on many residential buildings in America. Well, at least that’s how it used to be. Today, metal roofs are becoming more popular than ever, thanks in part to their varied appearances. If you want to match your neighbors, chances are that shingle roofing will fit the part just right.
Shingles are Environmentally Friendly
Asphalt shingles are 100% recyclable, which further helps to keep each shingle price low. This gives you a good feeling for choosing a shingle roof, since you’ll be doing your part for the environment.
Fire Resistant
Many shingles come with a high-grade of fire resistance. Some can last up to two hours or more before catching. This gives emergency crews time to extinguish the flames. It also gives your family time to escape. Give special attention to fire resistant types of shingles if the potential of losing your home to fire is a prime concern for you and your family.
Available in a Variety of Colors Styles
Shingle roofs can be made to look any which way you prefer. With such diverse aesthetic options, you can get the types of shingles your neighbors have. Or, you can try something completely new, such as wood or stone coasted metal.
Get your roof in a nice shade of blue or green or try red on for size. You can choose different textures or color options. You could even go with one or more exotic designs, such as architectural shingles or cedar shingles. You are only limited by your preferences and a true sense of style.
Some manufacturers will even create custom shingles for a one-of-a-kind roof that is uniquely yours.
It is true that metal roofs and clay tile roofs can be made to look like other materials, but nothing beats shingles when it comes to their extreme levels of aesthetic variety.
Shingles Are Easy to Install
For a roofing professional with experience, installing roof shingles is akin to a walk in the park. No matter if you choose three-tab shingles or architectural shingles, the job is basically the same. This means that, by choosing shingles as your roofing option, you can keep your labor costs down, and ensure a quick job well done.
Repairs Are Simple, Too!
Some roofing products, such as metal, force you to replace whole sections when they become damaged. Roof shingles, by contrast, can be switched-out one-by-one. This comes in handy whenever one becomes torn, warped, or otherwise rendered ineffective. You will also save money on shingle repairs.
At the same time, it gives you confidence that the rest of your roof will keep working against the elements, even if you happen to need a few replacement shingles in the meantime.
No Rust!
Here is another win in the metal roof vs. shingle roof competition. With older metal roofing panels, unattractive ruddy staining can occur on account of constant exposure to rain and saltwater. Asphalt shingles don’t rust, nor do they corrode. This means they can retain their shape, and newly installed appearance, years into the future. Take that, metal roofing!
Biggest Drawbacks of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
While there are many advantages to choosing a shingle roof, there are some disadvantages you should be aware of.
Not Long Lasting
If you are looking to stretch your money thirty or fifty years or more into the future, asphalt shingles will not hold up.
The lightweight materials can be strong for their size and weight, but they don’t compare to metal when it comes to durability or longevity.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, is often warrantied for forty years or more.
Tile roofing is another material that can last nearly twice or longer than asphalt shingle roofs.
Shingles Can Fail When Exposed to Hurricane Strength Winds
While shingle roofing can shrug away most Florida storms, it’s the super high winds you have to worry about. Tropical storms and hurricanes both produce winds that can cause shingle tiles to fly away or otherwise fail. Check your homeowner’s insurance policy, as that kind of storm damage may be covered if you do choose to go with a shingle roof installation.
No Rust, But You May Experience Mildew
Shingle roofing may not rust like metal, but mildew growth is something you will have to watch for. Mildew spreading across your asphalt shingles is bad, particularly in places where your roof is shaded. If left to worsen, you could have an expensive roof repair problem on your hands.
Cleaning your shingle roofing occasionally may help to prevent mildew growth, but be careful not to damage the shingles.
Unless you know what you’re doing, you may end up shortening your roof’s lifespan. It is far better to call a professional for mildew prevention and cleaning if you hope to get the most benefit and longest lifespan from your shingle roof.
Not as Energy Efficient as Other Roofing Materials
Shingle roofing may cost less to install and repair, but any savings you earn may be lost by way of energy escaping through each shingle tile. Other materials, like metal or tile, and even wood, can keep energy costs lower for the average homeowner. You can maintain high energy-efficiency by replacing older shingles with new ones, but the point stands. If you’re looking to save on your electric bill, shingle roofing may not be the optimal choice for you.
Shingles Do Not Work Well on Flat Roofs
Asphalt shingles work best when your roof has a steep slope. Shingles may weather out more quickly on a flat roof when compared to a sloped roof. That slope is traditionally what shingle roofs are known for.
So if you have a flat roof in mind, shingles may not be for you. You may want to go with wood, metal, or even tile
How Does Asphalt Roofing Stack Up?
Now comes the time to make a decision. Will you choose asphalt shingles as your ideal roof topper? As we’ve determined, asphalt shingle roofing is cost-effective, durable, and it functions well for Brevard County area homes.
As long as the lack of high wind strength, the susceptibility to grow mold, and the fact that shingles aren’t extremely energy-efficient are not deal breakers, a shingle roof installation is most likely in your future.
Shingle roofs must do something right because nearly 80% of all homes in North America have them. The rapid roof installation, easy repair, and high durability make shingles a favorite of homeowners everywhere, especially right here at home in our little neck of the woods.
Now the question is: Which types of shingles will you choose? Will you go with one of the attractive architectural styles with special features your neighbors are sure to envy?
Whatever you do, make sure you understand your warranty coverage and all details as listed in the installation document. Knowing that information can help you maintain your roof and keep your eye on the future, as one day your shingle roof will need to be replaced. Shingle roofing can last a long time, as long as it’s taken care of, and as long as you do your due diligence in choosing a proper installation.
And if you’re still stuck on the metal vs. shingle debate, you’ll be happy to know that metal shingles also exist.
Now That You’ve Weighed the Pros & Cons of Shingle Roofing, Schedule an Installation!
At Direct Metal Roofing, Inc., we never want you to have to worry about the durability or longevity of your roof. That is why we offer quality installations of shingle roofing that you can count on.
You want the type of roof that will last a long time and one that looks terrific alongside the homes of all your neighbors. Have we got the roof for you! We take pride in our work and only work with the best products by top manufacturers. Our roofing professionals have experience and training and treat every job like a professional should.
When it comes to shingle roofs in particular, our roofs are built to last, guaranteed! We offer shingle roofing that can withstand Mother Nature’s wrath while making a visual impact. Ask about our extended roof warranties and get a roof that you can be proud of, and one that will last as long as you own your home.
