The Pros and Cons of Shingle Roofing

bigstock-152417954Property owners considering remodeling projects frequently question roofing contractors about shingles. Do these building materials offer useful benefits? What advantages and disadvantages does shingle roofing entail?

Many Available Roofing Materials

Today, roofs come in many varieties. Roofers sometimes use sheets of metal in installing roofs, for instance. Commercial buildings with “flat” roofs sometimes depend on the application of spray-on foams which harden and create a waterproof, durable, insulated surface. Rubber roofing may provide a popular choice in some situations. Slate or clay tiles also serve as roof coverings in some climates. Indeed, the specific selection of a construction material generally depends on the requirements of the individual building and the needs of the property owner.

In the past, wooden shingles provided a popular home roofing material. The use of cedar shake shingles and other wooden roof coverings has declined significantly in recent years due to concerns about fire hazards. In areas where forest fires pose a risk, some builders have installed fire-resistant metal-based shingles resembling old-fashioned cedar-shake shingles.

Asphalt shingles have gained widespread popularity as a residential roofing material throughout the United States. This durable building product continues to enjoy widespread use, although the composition of a typical asphalt shingle has changed over the course of time. Today, these shingles usually consist of fiberglass mats bonded with resin in addition to asphalt and minerals. The composition of the shingles contributes to the anticipated lifespan of the roof.

Advantages

Some of the advantages of shingle roofing promote the ongoing use of these materials. Just consider a few of the most significant benefits:

  • Depending upon the composition of the individual shingles, these roofs may last a considerable period of time; inexpensive shingles typically survive 15 years, with higher grade materials offering up to 50 years of service.
  • Shingle roofing appears attractive;
  • Homeowners can select shingles in a variety of colors and shapes;
  • Shingle roofing enables inexpensive repair of selectively damaged areas of a roof;
  • Shingles provide a relatively inexpensive construction material;
  • Today, builders frequently recycle asphalt shingles to assist the environment;
  • Homeowners can sometimes install another layer of shingles to prevent leaks without a complete re-roofing;
  • Shingles permit easy roofing of dormers, porches, and other irregular architectural shapes.

Disadvantages

Of course, as a building material shingles do hold some disadvantages. Some of the most pervasive complaints include:

  • Removing and installing shingles remains labor intensive;
  • High winds may blow some shingles off roofs;
  • Leaks sometimes develop around flashing;
  • In some locations, algae and moss invade shingles, posing an aesthetic concern;
  • Hail sometimes damages individual shingles;
  • Old shingles sometimes crack and warp.

Careful Consideration

Just like every building material, shingles offer both advantages and disadvantages. Working closely with your building contractor helps ensure you select the best roofing materials for your purposes!