The Advantages of Shingle Roofs

Roof shingles have several advantages over roofs constructed of other types of roofing materials, corresponding to various needs buildings or homeowners may have. First and foremost, shingle roofs are affordable. Roof shingle costs are lower than the costs of metal or tile roofs. Yet despite the lower costs, roof shingles last a very long time: up to 30 years in most cases. In fact, the majority of homes in the United States have shingle roofs, and there are good reasons why. Versatility and energy efficiency are two additional advantages of roof shingles. 

 

Versatility

The roof, while an extremely important part of any building structurally, is also a major element of the overall design. Shingles come in many different sizes, colors, and shapes. This offers the homeowner many design options, from a Victorian-style roof to a traditional shingle roof. There are also shingles designed to look like wood, slate, or cedar shake. Homeowners can choose the color of their shingles and even the pattern in which they are installed. Roofing services often have a standard set of common colors to help reduce costs, but special colors are available for those who wish to invest in the design of their homes.

 

Energy Efficiency

In the past, asphalt shingles were known to absorb heat from the sun, which caused excess heat in the attic during the summer months. Thanks to technology and innovation, shingles made today can reflect heat and solar energy off of the surface of the roof. This improves the overall energy efficiency of the home and helps reduce energy bills. 

The roofing industry has agreed to standards to ensure that shingles are consistent in their reflection of heat. Energy efficiency organizations recommend shingles with a solar reflectance of at least .25 and a three-year solar reflectance measurement of at least .15. When you choose shingles, look for these specifications to ensure the highest energy efficiency possible. 

In addition to saving on energy costs, shingled roofs are excellent insulators of sound. If you have ever heard rain on a metal roof, you understand this advantage. Roof shingles absorb sound waves, blocking and muffling noises, from airplanes to your neighbor’s lawnmower early on a Sunday morning.

 

Cost-effective Quality

Other types of roofs like metal and tile not only have a higher cost of materials but much higher installation fees. Special skill is required to install metal, making those roofing services costly. Asphalt shingle roofs are popular because they are more economical and much easier on the wallet in terms of installation. Shingles are also made to be flexible, allowing them to be installed at different angles and requiring no customization, meaning they fit just about any roof.

Asphalt roof shingles will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Although extremely affordable to purchase and install, they are waterproof and can last up to 30 years. They are extraordinarily durable materials. This is why most of the roofs in the United States are shingle roofs. 

Another advantage roof shingles have over metal and tile is their lightweight. When installing heavy materials, some homes will require the roof to be shored up in order to be able to safely hold the weight of the roof. This is never a problem with shingles, further reducing roof shingle costs.

If you’re interested in a shingle roof or have any questions, call Let it Rain roofing services today at 702-459-7246 or visit us at our website. We strive for 100% customer satisfaction. Our work is of the highest quality, and we always offer reasonable pricing.