Why Choose Asphalt Shingles? 

Why Choose Asphalt Shingles?

When it comes time to replace the roof on your home, there are a lot of factors to consider. The first in many people's minds is the budget, and since a new roof can seem expensive, that cost can determine how wild your options can get. Even with asphalt shingles, there are different grades that can range in pricing, size, style, color, and more, which is what we're going to discuss in today's blog.

Shingle Roof

How much does an asphalt shingle roof cost?


There are three types of asphalt shingles, and each has differences that affect its cost, durability, and appearance. Those three main types of asphalt shingles and approximate pricing are: 

  • Three-Tab Asphalt Shingles: These can range in pricing between $90 and $100 per square foot and are the asphalt shingles that can be found on most homes. Customized cutouts give them a distinguished look along the lower edge, lending them the appearance of separate pieces after installation. These are also referred to as "composition shingles" as a result of their smart appearance.

  • Architectural Asphalt Shingles: a 30-year warranty brand of these shingles cost around $450 per square foot. These asphalt shingles don't have any cutouts like the 3-tab asphalt shingles, but their lower portions are laminated with another asphalt layer that creates a contoured, dimensional appearance. The asphalt sealant bonds the multiple layers and reinforces their waterproofness. With architectural asphalt shingles, you can expect an ROI of up to 6% of your home's market worth. 

  • Synthetic Asphalt Shingles: at the cost of $950 per square foot, these are a luxury type of asphalt shingles made of synthetic materials. They replicate other stylish roofing materials like cedar and natural slate at a lower cost. Installation of these asphalt shingles is more expensive because it's more labor-intensive, but compared to installing a real slate roof, it's ten times less costly! 

What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

Architectural vs. Three-Tab Shingles: Is Cheaper Better?

All across the country and even here in Texas, asphalt shingles are the roofing material of choice. The cost factor and the easy-to-install nature of these shingles are the key reasons for their proliferation. Plus, they look expensively done when professionally installed. This big player in the roofing industry has two significant ways it's manufactured: the three-tab everyday asphalt shingle and the architectural-style asphalt shingle.

  • The three-tab asphalt shingle can be easily identified by its cutouts, aka tabs, along the lower edge, making each shingle look like there are actually three of them.

  • Architectural asphalt shingles don't have any cutouts, but the lower portion is laminated with an extra layer of asphalt to create a contoured, dimensional appearance, hence its "architectural" moniker.

What type of roof shingles are best?

It can depend on what you're looking to get from your roofing material choices and where you live. In Texas, asphalt shingles are a popular selection because they are comparatively lightweight, cheap, and installation is easy. 

Faux-slate shingles are a composite material that looks like real slate but costs a fraction of the price. It's lightweight like asphalt shingles, so no extra structural support is needed like for a real slate roof. However, it's slippery when iced over or wet.

Metal roofing is available in a variety of metals like aluminum, copper, and steel, even alloy strips! The variety of shapes and textures can be more expensive depending on your selections, especially copper options. However, if the elegant, greenish patina is what you desire, this would be the ideal choice. 

Are thicker shingles better?

Once upon a time, thicker was considered better, but today, professional Texas roofing contractors compare shingles by weight. The heavier the shingle is, the better it performs. The lightness of the product is no longer a deciding factor in deciding which asphalt shingle to use for a home. 

Why the change in evaluation? Almost 100% of all current asphalt shingles have a fiberglass under-mat, and these newer fiberglass-based shingles withstand the elements better than the plain-asphalt shingles of yesteryear. The fibers are flexible, lighter, and thinner but still durable and strong. The fiberglass asphalt shingles of today come with a fire rating of Class A, meaning they do not burn. 

Additionally, they do not absorb water which keeps the asphalt shingles lighter during rain and makes them slower to degrade.

How many years do asphalt shingles last?

With asphalt shingle roofs, you can expect a lifespan of 25 years if they are installed by a professional that is certified with the manufacturer and the homeowner follows recommended maintenance and upkeep. At an average cost of $150 per square foot, this is easily the best bang for your buck in roofing!

The quality of experience the roofing contractor has will play a role, as does the quality of the shingles selected. The maintenance schedule and regular upkeep that is performed, such as cleaning asphalt shingles and keeping debris cleared off the roof, is best done by a professional. An average lifespan for the basic, typical asphalt shingle roof that is not regularly maintained is 12 to 15 years. 

What is the average lifespan of a typical asphalt shingle roof?

Most contractors will decline the request to install a new asphalt shingle roof over an existing one because of possible problems later down the road. Should you have a warranty issue, the shingle manufacturer will usually decline the warranty because of that extra layer of shingles from the old roof. Should you have to file a claim on your homeowners' insurance, the adjuster will probably recommend that the claim be denied. 

The factor of the weight of the shingles on the structure will also play a significant role. Depending on the age and the stability of the structure, it may not be able to hold up the weight of what are basically two roofs. While it may save you money by not having the old roof torn off, it could cost you a lot more trouble and expense later. 

Ready to work with the best asphalt roof installation company in Georgetown, TX? Shoot us an email or give us a phone call (512) 660-4859 today for shingle installation in Georgetown, TX.