Your roof is perhaps the most important part of your home’s exterior, as it helps to shield you and your family from the elements. This makes it critical that you are aware of the condition that your roof is in so that you can have it repaired or replaced as necessary. However, when it does come time to replace your roof, it can be an overwhelming prospect to try to decide what type of roof will be best for your home. While shingle, tile, cedar, and metal are all popular roofing materials, asphalt shingle and slate tile are probably two of the most common roofs in North America. While each type roof provides its own unique benefits to homeowners, asphalt shingle roofs are prized for their value and the timeless look that they can bring to almost any home. If you are in the market to replace your home’s aging roof, here are just a few of the reasons why you should consider choosing an asphalt shingle roof in Ann Arbor Michigan.
Good For Any Climate
When choosing a roof for your home, it is always important that you take the climate and weather patterns in your area into account, as extreme weather and temperature variations can negatively impact some types of roofs. In particular, you have to consider the climate when looking into choosing a tile roof, as many tile roofs do not handle the freeze/thaw conditions that many parts of the country see in the winter. Additionally, tile roofs do not stand up well in extremely hot, dry, climates, as heat can shorten the lifespan of these roofs.
Alternatively, asphalt tiles are commonly installed across the country as they can withstand almost any type of climate and weather pattern. Asphalt tiles are able to easily withstand extreme temperatures– and temperature fluctuations– and they are strong enough to support snow without sustaining damage. Of course, it is always best to discuss your roofing options with an experienced roofer, as they will be able to help you choose a roofing material best suited for your local climate.
Superior Insulation
Another important thing homeowners must take into consideration when choosing a new roof is a roofing material’s insulative properties, as choosing a roof that is more energy-efficient can help to save you greatly on the cost of cooling and heating your home each year. One of the reasons why asphalt roofs are so popular is due to the superior insulation that they provide, helping homeowners to maintain a consistent temperature in their home year-round. Where asphalt roofs truly shine is in the fact that they help to keep home’s cooler during the summer months. While many roofing materials absorb sunlight, which causes heat to transfer into your home, asphalt shingles deflect sunlight, cutting down on this heat transfer. This makes them one of the more energy-efficient roofing materials on the market.
Due to their superior insulation, asphalt roofs are also known for their sound-dampening qualities. If you have been hearing a lot of outside noise in your home lately, it is likely that your aging roof could be to blame. A new asphalt roof will help to provide the extra insulation that you need to keep noises from your neighborhood outside, creating a more relaxing living environment within your home.
Cost
When trying to decide what roofing material would be right for your home, the cost of materials and installation is one of the first things that you will have to take into consideration, as you will want to choose a roof that will fit within your budget. If you are looking for a cost-effective roofing option, then asphalt shingles may be the right choice for you, as one of the biggest reasons why asphalt roofs are so popular is due to the fact that they are extremely affordable. Not only are the materials cheaper when building an asphalt roof compared to other roofing options, but these roofs are also much easier to install, which can help to save you money overall on the installation of your new roof. In fact, asphalt roofs can end up being a third of the cost (or less) of installing a tile roof, making it the most economical choice. However, just because asphalt roofs are cheap, this does not mean that they are not a good investment as these roofs are also known for their extreme durability.
Durability
What makes asphalt shingle roofs a particularly great value for the price is how durable and long-lasting these roofs are. Asphalt shingles are designed to withstand the elements, and when properly maintained they will not crack, chip, or warp for many years. Modern asphalt shingles are specifically designed to withstand a variety of extreme weather conditions including wind, rain, snow, hail and extreme temperature fluctuations, and many of these shingles are also fire-resistant. If you live in an area that sees extreme winds, there are also now asphalt shingles being manufactured that are rated to withstand hurricane-force winds as well as heavy impacts from the debris that these winds can carry. Thusly, even in the most extreme weather conditions, it is rare that you will have to worry about sustaining costly roof damage with an asphalt roof. With the proper maintenance, your asphalt shingle roof will be able to protect your home for 25 years or more, making asphalt the most cost-effective option for homeowners who are looking to protect their home without breaking the bank.
Asphalt is Light-Weight
No matter what type of roof you choose for your home, the structure of your home will need to be able to support its weight. It is then critical that you consider weight when choosing a new roof, as choosing a heavier roofing material such as tile can add to the overall cost and length of your roofing installation. If your home was not built to support a heavier roofing material such as tile, it will have to be reinforced to support the extra weight. New decking and trusses would have to be added to support the weight of the new roof, which would greatly increase the overall cost of materials and installation. This is why asphalt roofs are so popular, as asphalt shingles are extremely lightweight and can easily be supported by any home, which can help to keep costs down.
Return on Investment
While it is always important that you do not hesitate in having an aging roof replaced, it is particularly important that you replace your roof if you plan on selling your home in the near future. If your roof is showing signs of age, this can be a turn-off for prospective homebuyers due to the cost involved in replacing a roof immediately after buying a home. However, not only is replacing your roof a way to make your home easier to sell, but it is also a great investment as it will boost your home’s resale value. However, if you are looking for a good return on investment when replacing your roof in order to get it ready to sell, an asphalt roof may be your best option, as these roofs are affordable to install but still add great value to your home.
Fits Your Personality
When choosing a new roof for your home, it is important that you have plenty of options to choose from so that you can find the perfect roof to fit your personality and compliment the design and architecture of your home. Fortunately, you will not be short on options if you choose to go with an asphalt roof, as asphalt shingles come in more colors, designs, and styles than any other roofing material. No matter what color, texture, or feel you are looking for, there is likely already an asphalt shingle out there that will be able to meet your needs. In fact, some manufacturers are now even making shingles that are designed to mimic other roofing materials such as slate tile and cedar roofs, allowing you to choose the exact roof you want at a fraction of the cost and weight of the real thing.
Inspect Your Roof Without Fear
What many homeowners may not realize is how critical it is that they inspect their roof regularly. Inspecting your roof can help you to find damage early before it spreads, and it can help you to determine if your roof may need replacing before you start encountering problems with your roof such as leaks. However, even a new roof can benefit from regular inspections, as this can allow you to spot and replace damaged shingles before they lead to more widespread roof damage. Yet, if you have a tile roof, you may not feel comfortable walking on it out of fear that you might break your delicate tiles. Fortunately, this is not a problem with asphalt roofs as asphalt shingles can withstand the weight of people walking on them without sustaining damage, making it easy to regularly inspect your roof. Of course, if you do not feel comfortable going up on your roof, do not hesitate to outsource your biannual inspections to a roofing contractor.
When it comes time to choose a new roof for your home, you should take a moment to consider the benefits that an asphalt roof could provide you with. Asphalt roofs have been one of the most popular options amongst homeowners in recent decades due to the fact that they are affordable, and yet they are still extremely durable and will be able to withstand the test of time. However, when choosing a new roof for your home, it is important that you work with an experienced roofing contractor in Ann Arbor MI who will be able to walk you through all of the options available to you in order to help you find the best roof to meet your needs. Feel free to contact us to learn more about the things that you should consider when choosing a new roof for your home.
