All About Asphalt Roofs
We know more than anybody how important a roof is to a home as well as what an investment it can be. When it comes to roofing, there is a lot to know and a lot of questions to be asked. This article will focus on roof replacement as well as give extra information on asphalt roofs specifically, while also covering a few other popular roofing options.
Asphalt roofs are extremely popular among homeowners and we will break down why that is. If you are looking for a roof that will last a long time and is easy to maintain, then the asphalt roof is definitely one you should be considering. By the end of this article, you will know the ins and outs of asphalt roofs and why so many homes stick with this roofing style.
What are the benefits of an asphalt roof?
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of material used in roof replacement among residential homes. As far as roofing goes, asphalt shingles tend to be on the more affordable end when it comes to materials. Aside from being cost-friendly, they also are very durable and can last for a long time when taken care of properly. Asphalt shingles are also the easiest type of shingle to install, resulting in a rather hassle-free installation process for most homes.
There are also several types of asphalt shingles that can be used allowing for a design variety. Some shingles can also give the illusion of other roofing materials such as slate which allows for the same aesthetic that slate would give but without the price. Aesthetics is something that lots of homeowners understandably care about. Asphalt shingles are great because they come in a wide range of different colors, amping up your home’s curb appeal. These are just some of the benefits of having an asphalt roof.
How often should your asphalt roof be replaced?
When it comes to asphalt shingles there are two common types used and they are dimensional and 3-tab. The length of your roof’s lifespan depends on the type of shingle used. Dimensional shingles typically come with a 30-year manufacture warranty while 3-tab shingles tend to come with only a 25-year warranty. On average, roofs with 3-tab shingles can last anywhere from 20-22 years and roofs with dimensional shingles can last anywhere from 25-28 years. Again, these are just averages and some roofs may hold up better than others. If your roof is installed incorrectly or you have ventilation issues, then you can expect the lifespan to be shorter. That is why it is always super important to have an experienced roofer install your roof.
How do you know when you have to replace your roof?
Unless you know what to look for specifically, roofing damage can be present without you knowing. We know having a new roof installed can seem daunting at first, but it is not something you want to push off till a later date. Early detection of damages or a weathering roof can save you from more extreme damage occurring. Here is some advice for when it comes to knowing when you need to replace your home’s roof.
Some roofs need to be replaced sooner than others. When it comes to knowing when to replace your asphalt roof there are some things to look for and take into consideration. One of these things is the age of your roof. If your roof is around 18-21 years old, then it may be time to start considering a replacement or to at least have a roofer come and provide a roof inspection. Another thing to look for is damage. Roofing damage typically comes from the weather. Storms, ice, and heavy winds all take a toll on a roof over time. Roofs that endure a lot of storm damage typically get replaced sooner than those that are lucky and do not. Roofing systems are rated based on the maximum wind impact they can withstand which is measured by miles per hour. Wind lifting is caused by wind forcing air to be drawn to the surfaces of structures underfoot which is parallel to their surface. If you live near an especially windy place or an area known for tornado or hurricane activity, you would want to have a greater score. You will also want to take other factors into consideration prior to replacing your roof or buying a new property such as how many layers of shingles there are and whether or not the roof is properly braced. A roof inspection by a professional roofing service will allow a homeowner to learn more about roof safety issues along with what to look out for with their roof specifically.
At Liberty Roofworks we are happy to schedule a professional roofing inspection for you. We will send out one of our licensed and certified roofers to assess your roof as well as answer any questions you may have regarding damages when to replace your roof, as well as roof maintenance. If you are interested in setting up an inspection please contact us.
How much does it cost to replace an asphalt roof?
Now that we talked about the benefits of an asphalt roof along with knowing when it needs to be replaced, we need to talk about the price. Aside from labor costs, the size of your roof, as well as the types of materials used, will affect the price. When it comes to average price ranges, an asphalt roof replacement can cost anywhere from $6,000 up to $15,000. There may be some cases where that number is much higher or even lower. Each home is different and each roofing company charges differently too. It is for this reason that it can be hard to give a definite answer. The best way to find out how much it will cost exactly to replace your roof is to contact a licensed and experienced roofing company to come out and do an assessment. Remember, it’s never a bad idea to get a couple of opinions.
Asphalt shingles are the most economical shingle on the market. Asphalt shingles are rather large shingles that come in strips of three that once installed give the illusion of individual shingles. The average cost per square of asphalt shingles is around $90. Asphalt shingles are super easy to repair since new shingles can be worked and blended into already existing shingles, which is another huge selling point for this popular roofing material.
Different Roofing Options
While asphalt roofs are the most common types of roofs among homeowners, there are a couple of other types we would like to talk about. Each of these roof types has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Slate tile roof
Slate roofing tiles have one of the longest lifetimes of any roof-layer lasting between 75 and 200 years. Slate is extremely stable against severe weather such as high winds, storms, and changing temperatures. Like asphalt roofs, slate is not very hard to maintain. Slate maintains very little moisture in it. One of the drawbacks of this roof type is its weight. About 100 feet of slate will weigh around 1,000 pounds. This is clearly a lot of weight so it is important to inspect your roof’s structure before you install any slate tiles. You have to be certain that your roof can withstand that pressure or else damage can occur. Decorative slate tile manufacturers’ warranties range anywhere from about 50 years to a lifetime. While slate is a very strong material, it is also very large and requires a thorough elevation to ensure its durability.
Clay tile roof
Clay tile roofs are very sturdy and can last anywhere from 50 to 100 years. The reason the life expectancy is so long for clay tile roofs is that they are weather, rot, and fire-resistant. The manufacturer warranty for these roofs can start anywhere from 30 years to life. Having a properly maintained clay-tile-clad roof is extremely important. Mosses are dangerous with this type of roof since their roots are able to rip into the tiles. The roots then contaminate the rooftop eventually leading to leakage. Any type of cracks found in the glazed surface of the attic or wall can be an indicator that the clay tile needs to be replaced.
While a slate or clay tile roof may work for some homes, asphalt roofs remain the favorite for the majority of homeowners.
We are here to help
There is a lot that goes into roofing. From inspections to installations and repairs, and even choosing colors for aesthetic purposes, there is a lot to take into consideration. Getting a new roof installed does not have to always be a stressful process.
At Liberty Roofworks we take the time to work with our customers in choosing the correct roof for them. Our licensed roofers are always more than happy to answer any questions you may have as well as go over all of the different roofing options that will work with your home. If you are considering installing a new roof or have any questions, one of our roofers would be more than happy to help you out. Contact us today!