When it comes to protecting your home, family, and housing investment from the elements, your roof stands as your primary shield. For many homeowners across Ohio, asphalt shingles are the roofing material of choice. Their enduring popularity is no accident.
Facing Ohio’s distinct four seasons—which bring heavy snow, potential ice dams, intense summer sun, and powerful thunderstorms—requires a roofing solution that is both resilient and reliable. Asphalt shingles offer a compelling combination of durability, affordability, and aesthetic versatility that makes them a practical and attractive option for a wide range of homes.
This blog post explores the many advantages of asphalt shingle roofs and provides detailed information you need to make an informed decision. We’ll answer the common question, “What are the benefits of a shingle roof?” We’ll also address other crucial considerations for Ohio homeowners, like the importance of expert asphalt shingle roofing installation.
Asphalt Shingle Advantages
Asphalt shingles have long dominated the residential roofing market in the U.S., and their prevalence is a testament to their numerous, tangible advantages. When you begin to unpack why they are such a staple, you find their combination of practicality and performance is hard to beat.
- Exceptional Affordability: One of the most significant draws of asphalt shingles is their cost-effectiveness. The initial investment for materials and installation is considerably lower than for other common roofing materials, making a new roof accessible to a wider range of homeowners. This affordability does not mean you are sacrificing quality but rather choosing a material that is efficiently produced and installed.
- Versatility in Style and Design: Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all asphalt shingles. Today’s market offers an array of colors, styles, and textures. You can choose from traditional 3-tab shingles for a classic, flat look or upgrade to architectural (or dimensional) shingles, which offer a more robust, layered appearance that mimics the look of more expensive materials like slate or wood. This allows you to customize the look of your roof to complement your home’s aesthetic.
- Ease of Installation: The installation process for asphalt shingles is typically faster and less complex than for other roofing materials. Their light weight and straightforward application process mean that a professional crew can often complete a project in just a few days. This not only means less disruption to your daily life but can also translate to lower labor costs.
- Durability and Weather Resistance: Modern asphalt shingles are engineered to perform. They are designed to withstand a variety of harsh weather conditions, including high winds, driving rain, and impacts from hail. Many shingles come with high wind-resistance ratings and a Class A fire rating, which is the highest available, offering you and your family peace of mind.
- Improved Energy Efficiency: Advances in roofing technology have led to the development of “cool-roof” or reflective shingles. These shingles are designed with special granules that reflect more of the sun’s infrared radiation, reducing the amount of heat absorbed into your attic. This can help keep your home cooler in the summer and potentially lower your air conditioning bills.
- Simple Maintenance and Repairs: No roof is completely immune to damage. A major benefit of asphalt shingles is that they are relatively easy to repair. If a few shingles are damaged by a storm or falling debris, a professional can typically replace just the affected shingles rather than the entire roof section, making repairs both faster and more affordable.
The Lifespan Question: How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last in Ohio?
A critical question for any homeowner considering a new roof is, “How long do asphalt shingles last in Ohio?” The lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof can vary significantly based on several key factors. In Ohio, you can generally expect a professionally installed roof using quality architectural shingles to last between 20 and 30 years.
However, factors like extreme weather events, the quality of the shingles, and the quality of the installation all play a role. Proper attic ventilation is also critical, as trapped heat and moisture can “bake” the shingles from below and drastically shorten their lifespan. Regular, simple maintenance—like keeping gutters clean to prevent water backup and removing overhanging tree limbs—can help maximize the life of your roof.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
To make the best decision for your home, it’s important to have a clear-eyed view of any roofing material. So, what are the pros and cons of asphalt shingles? While the benefits are numerous, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider.
As mentioned, asphalt shingles may not last as long as materials like metal (50+ years) or slate (100+ years). They can also be susceptible to damage from severe weather, such as very high winds or large hail. Still, for many homeowners, the outstanding balance of cost, performance, and style offered by asphalt shingles makes them the most logical and valuable choice for their homes.
Asphalt Shingle Roofs: The Importance of Professional Installation
Choosing the right roofing material is only half the equation. The quality of the installation is crucial to the longevity and performance of your roof. That’s why it’s essential to partner with experienced and reputable shingle roofers in Columbus.
A professional installer ensures that every component of your roofing system, from the underlayment to the final ridge cap, is installed according to manufacturer specifications and local building codes. They have the knowledge, skills, and equipment to install your roof correctly and safely.
A professional installation is your best defense against leaks and premature failure and is often required to validate manufacturer warranties. When searching for asphalt shingle roofers in Columbus, look for a company that is licensed, fully insured, and willing to provide local references.
With so many factors to consider, from “What are the benefits of a shingle roof?” to “How long do asphalt shingles last in Ohio?” it is important to have a trusted partner.
Contact Us To Learn About Asphalt Shingle Roofs
A qualified Columbus roofing company representative can walk you through your roofing options. An expert consultation is especially helpful if you’re wondering, “What are the pros and cons of asphalt shingles?” Plus, an expert can answer the question in the context of your specific home and budget.
If you have questions about the pros and cons of asphalt shingles or have decided to use asphalt shingles and need a roofer in Columbus, please contact J.F. Baker’s Sons Roofing by calling 614-297-7663 or completing the online form today.