Advantages of Asphalt Shingles

Everyone knows about asphalt shingles when it comes to roofing products for your home. Nearly every house in the United States is covered with this traditional roofing material. But why has asphalt been the top choice for most of the roof applications since the 1880's?

Asphalt Magazine has an interesting article on the history and the basics of the asphalt product and especially interesting was their listing of the advantages:

"The Advantages of Asphalt Products
The dominance of asphalt roofing products through the years has not evolved as a matter of chance. It is based on proven product performance that goes beyond the basic roofing requirements of providing a covering that shields the building’s inhabitants from the weather. The characteristics have earned asphalt roofing its leading position include the following:

• Weather Resistance. Asphalt roofing products are proven to resist sunlight, heat, cold, water and ice.
• Fire Resistance. Asphalt roofing products are manufactured to comply with ASTM International and/or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) standards for fire resistance.
• Wind Resistance. Asphalt roofing products comply with the wind-resistant standards of Underwriters Laboratories.
• Economy. Efficient, high-volume production plus relatively low cost of application result in economies that are difficult for competing roofing materials to match. Moderate installed costs combined with long service life gives asphalt roofing products a very low annual or life-cycle cost.
• Ease of Application. Asphalt roofing is considered to be the easiest of all standard roofing materials to apply.
• Adaptability. Because of their flexibility and strength, asphalt roofing products can be applied on a wide variety of roof styles.
• Aesthetics. Asphalt roofing is available in many appealing colors, shapes and dimensional depths that provide bold roof appearances. The wide range of asphalt roofing products introduced in recent years offer much greater flexibility in choosing the appearance of a building’s exterior than is available with most other types of roofing material.
• Style Suitability. Asphalt roofing is completely 'at home' with most architectural styles, whether contemporary, modern or traditional.
• Low Maintenance. Properly chosen and applied, asphalt roofing products require little or no upkeep and are easily repaired, if damaged."

If your house has old asphalt shingles and it's time to replace your roof, consider ConstructionDeal.com. We've got a network of asphalt roofing companies across the country. We'll match you with a quality roof contractor in your neighborhood and it's an absolutely free service to use.

You'll save time and money by not having to search through the phone book and by helping you get multiple bids (more bids means a better price!)