Unless you’re a cat on a hot tin roof, you’re probably the owner of a home with asphalt shingles. Invented in 1903, the asphalt shingle and its modern evolutions have been the most popular roofing material for over 100 years. 

Is it time for a change to a new roofing material? Because of the affordability, convenience, and ease of maintenance, many Americans continue to stay loyal to these traditional shingles year after year. But what is the right choice for your home?

Whether you’re learning to take care of your existing asphalt shingles or looking to replace them with new ones, you’ll want to arm yourself with these important roofing facts!

Durable But Not Indestructible

Asphalt shingles carry a 20-30 year lifespan, but high-quality shingles can last up to 50 years. They make for easy roof repair and maintenance and can be installed over existing roofing.

Extreme winds, heat, and snowstorms can damage most roofing materials over time. Occasionally, shingles can curl, crack, or lose some of their ceramic granules. Swapping out a few damaged shingles can prolong the life of your roof and save you money over the long term. 

Though they do require a minimal amount of upkeep, the costs to maintain asphalt shingles are the lowest of all roofing materials. 

Affordable, Stylish Designs

Asphalt is the most common and least expensive style of roofing to install. The average price for a “square,” or 10×10 area, is $70-$120. Other roofing styles such as metal and clay can run as high as $500-800 a square. 

Far from the plain black slabs of yesteryear, modern asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and styles to suit any architecture. Do you like the look of cedar shake or slate roofing? Laminated architectural shingles simulate the textured, thick tiles at a fraction of the price. 

If you’re longing for a style of shingle that compliments your home, you might choose a scalloped or sawtooth shingle design. Custom color blends and endless shade choices make for a beautiful aesthetic that can be matched to the exterior of your house.

Modernized Roofing Technology

Traditional asphalt shingles are known for being fire resistant, but the modern versions pack in plenty more features. Are you looking for sun damage resistance, energy efficiency, or stain protection? Many new styles of asphalt shingles can offer these benefits and more.

New asphalt shingles include modern advances such as algae resistance, high reflectivity, and wind resistant technology. These upgrades can extend the life of your roof and provide long-lasting beauty and functionality.

Many shingle options even offer cooling technology. Special reflective granules can lower the temperature of your home interior by as much as 20% in summer months. 

Asphalt Shingles: An Evolving Classic

For an affordable, durable roof, asphalt shingles prove time and again to be the standout choice for homeowners everywhere.

Today’s asphalt choices still need minor maintenance and repair. Even so, they maintain their reputation as a homeowner-friendly and economical choice. With all the modern upgrades in shingle design, you can have the custom look of your dreams for a fraction of the cost of other roofing materials. 

Are you listing your home on the market? A roof repair or replacement might significantly increase the value of your house. Visit our seller’s guide to find out if you should repair or replace your roof before you hang that realty sign!