5 Reasons Why Asphalt Is a Popular Roofing Material

Asphalt is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you hear of roofing material. For the past several decades, asphalt has been the most popular roofing material in the United States. Here are the reasons behind asphalt's popularity.

1. Simple Installation

Asphalt shingles boast easy installation due to their design and construction. These shingles are specifically engineered to be user-friendly and require minimal effort during the installation process. Their simplicity stems from a few key factors.

Asphalt shingles are lightweight, making them easy to handle and maneuver. Their reduced weight allows for quick and efficient installation, as contractors can easily transport and position them without excessive physical exertion.

These shingles come with pre-cut tabs and nail lines, which serve as guidelines during installation. This feature eliminates the need for precise measuring on-site, streamlining the process and reducing the chances of errors.

Moreover, asphalt shingles are commonly available in a variety of styles and shapes, providing flexibility to accommodate different roof configurations. This versatility facilitates installation on various roof types and minimizes the need for extensive modifications or customizations.

2. Cost-effective

Asphalt shingles' affordability stems from the materials used in their construction. These materials are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making asphalt shingles a budget-friendly option compared to other roofing materials.

3. Durable

Asphalt shingles are durable due to their unique composition and construction. They consist of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and ceramic granules. These materials combined provide several key benefits that contribute to their durability.

The fiberglass mat adds strength and stability to the shingles. The mat acts as a reinforcement, preventing the shingles from tearing or warping under various weather conditions. Additionally, the asphalt coating offers excellent waterproofing properties. The coating acts as a protective barrier against moisture, preventing water from seeping into the underlying layers of the roof.

The ceramic granules on the surface of asphalt shingles serve multiple purposes. The granules enhance the shingles' resistance to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, preventing them from deteriorating under prolonged exposure to the sun's rays. In addition, these granules add another layer of protection and can serve as an early warning sign that shingles—or the whole roof—needs to be replaced.

4. Color Choices

Asphalt shingles offer a wide range of color choices, allowing homeowners to personalize their roofs according to their preferences and style. These shingles come in an array of vibrant hues, from traditional earth tones to bold and modern shades. With such a diverse palette, homeowners have the opportunity to enhance the visual appeal of their homes and create a distinct aesthetic statement.

The color selection process involves considering various factors, such as architectural style, surrounding environment, and personal taste. The availability of different color options also allows homeowners to coordinate their roofs with other elements of the house, such as siding, doors, or landscaping. By selecting complementary or contrasting colors, they can achieve a cohesive and harmonious exterior design.

5. Safe and Fire Resistant 

Asphalt shingles' composition helps to prevent the rapid spread of flames in the event of a fire, reducing the risk of extensive property damage. The materials act as a barrier, preventing outside fires from penetrating the shingle surface and igniting the underlying layers or structural components of the roof.

Another key factor contributing to the fire-resistant nature of asphalt shingles is their installation method. When properly installed, the overlapping design of asphalt shingles creates a protective barrier against external fire sources. This design minimizes the likelihood of fire spreading to neighboring shingles, limiting the potential for fire damage to the roof.

Do you want to replace your roof? Contact us today at Formula Roofing and Remodeling. We are a fully licensed and insured contractor for all your roofing and remodeling needs.