Roofing Material Types 101: Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common types of roofing materials in Texas. Relative to many types of roofing materials, they’re inexpensive yet durable enough to withstand numerous weather conditions. 

While they won’t last forever (a traditional 30-year shingle might get you 25 years if it stays very well maintained), they do hold up fairly well against the sun, wind and rain we experience in Austin. They’re also lightweight and come in a variety of colors to meet your design goals. 

Advantages of Asphalt Shingles 

• Affordable – Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable types of roofing materials on the market. Depending on the size of your roof, even a small difference in price per square foot for a given type of roofing material can add up to a significant amount. 
• Easy to install – Installing 3-tab shingles is a fairly quick process and is usually done in just a few days. Important to note, however, is that it does take some additional time for the asphalt shingles to fully seal and bond to each other. In perfect weather conditions when the ambient temperature is near 70 degrees Fahrenheit, this might take just a day or two.
• Low maintenance – Asphalt shingles are still susceptible to damage so you can’t ignore them completely, but when they are cracked, curled or have granule loss, it’s relatively easy to repair and replace damaged shingles without having to redo the entire roof. 

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice because of their ease of installation and price tag, but they’re not without their faults. In terms of environmental impact, asphalt shingles are not the most eco-friendly. They are also less durable and have a shorter lifespan relative to other types of roofing materials. 

On the whole, however, asphalt shingles offer many advantages to homeowners. If you have questions about different types of roofing materials for your Austin home or business, please get in touch with us at Storm Guard of SW Austin for help.