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Asphalt shingles have always been the most popular with Canadian homeowners, but are they worth it? Learn all about asphalt roof shingles in our guide so you can decide for yourself.
Few things matter in home protection as much as having a durable roof. And with an increasing number of shingles and roofing products on the market, it quickly becomes a choice that can overwhelm and stress out homeowners. For many Canadians, asphalt shingles offer the very
best value shingles that easily endure our beautiful but sometimes harsh seasonal changes and extremes.
Whether you’re maintaining an asphalt roof, considering investing in new asphalt roofing, or wanting to understand the different types of shingles and asphalt shingles’ advantages and disadvantages, our guide covers everything you need to know about these weather-resistant, versatile products.
What is an asphalt shingle?
Asphalt shingles, sometimes referred to as composite shingles, can vary from type to type.
But all asphalt shingles have three main components in common:
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Foundation: Asphalt shingles have a matting that acts as the base for the asphalt. It’s made of a base fiberglass mat or organic fibers.
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Ceramic Granules: Once the shingle is coated in asphalt, it’s surfaced with opaque mineral granules with a ceramic base for added UV protection and weight. These granules can be black or coloured.
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Asphalt Sealant: Asphalt sealant coats the shingle for water resistance and protection.
Choosing the Best Grade of Asphalt Shingles
Though 3-tab shingles are a relatively popular option for homeowners concerned with shingle roof costs, you can get far more variety in the types of asphalt shingles if you want a luxury look without paying a luxury price.
3-Tab Shingles
The classic 3-tab shingle design offers quick, easy roof replacement on a budget. If you’re selling your home soon or care for function and price over aesthetics, these inexpensive shingles give incredible protection at the lowest price.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, aka laminate shingles, can be laid in patterns that look more sophisticated than a plain-and-simple 3-tab installation. They have a textured appearance that can offer your home more curb appeal and mimic more expensive shingles like wood. Still, they’re not just a “pretty face” - architectural shingles provide more durability and better energy efficiency than cheaper options.
Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles are the cream of the asphalt shingle crop, offering the highest quality and most attractive aesthetics along with longer, more comprehensive warranties. If you’re looking for a high-performance, high-end shingle roof installation in various colour options, luxury asphalt offers them at a lower price than some other premium roofing types.
Total Breakdown: Pros & Cons of Asphalt Roofs
What are the advantages of an asphalt shingle roof?
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Versatility. Since asphalt shingles are the most popular choice, manufacturers invest heavily in producing various colours and styles to complement any home. If you’re looking for a specific colour or architectural style, you’ll have a much easier time finding it without going through the time and cost of a custom order.
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Great prices. If you’re price sensitive, it doesn’t get any better than asphalt. While sometimes using an inexpensive material means you lose longevity, the asphalt shingle roof lifespan is seriously impressive for its price tag - expect to get at least 15-30 years!
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Easier repair and installation. Since asphalt shingles are so popular, virtually every qualified roofing professional knows how to install them properly. And since you won’t need to hire specialized roofers or struggle to order materials, repairs are a breeze.
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Tough against the elements. Canadian seasons all bring their own weather conditions that can stress your rooftop. Asphalt shingles offer protection you can count on with waterproofing for leak resistance and fire-resistant materials.
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Quick and easy “spot” replacement. Asphalt roofs can be spot-treated rather than fully replaced when some of your shingles get damaged. If you only need to switch out a few shingles, you can do so quickly and cheaply!
What are the disadvantages of asphalt shingle roofs?
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Extreme temperature issues. Extreme fluctuations can cause harmful shingle expansion/contraction that will eventually cause leaks and other roof issues to form. While a reliable installation will set you up with your best protection, avoiding shifts from the extreme elements is impossible.
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Lifespan. Asphalt shingle roofing can last up to 30 years, but some roofing materials last even longer. Remember that asphalt might need replacing more often than slate or concrete with 100+ year lifespans, but it's also much less expensive.
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Algae & moss growth. If you live in an area that experiences high humidity, asphalt may grow moss, algae, mildew, fungus, and other organisms that love moist areas. Fortunately, these issues are more aesthetic than anything else and can be periodically cleaned off!
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Energy efficiency. While asphalt roofing won’t cause your heating and cooling bills to skyrocket, some roofing materials, like metal roofing, are more energy efficient. Still, these roofs cost more to install and maintain, so weighing the costs of each over time is important.
What is the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof?
The lifespan of your asphalt roof largely depends on the roofing material quality, the shingle roof installation quality, and the climate it’s exposed to regularly. Still, the average homeowner with asphalt roofing can expect 15 - 30 years before they need a shingle roof replacement.
What should I look for in asphalt shingles?
Consider the quality, brand, wind resistance rating, and energy efficiency rating when you’re sourcing your asphalt shingles. Find the sweet spot between quality and cost that leaves you with a durable, reliable roof that protects your home with your ideal curb appeal.
Asphalt: The Best Roof Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the popular choice for a reason, especially with the range of basic to luxury options on the market at a reasonable price.
Before you decide, consult a professional roof contractor who can assess your family and home’s needs and advise you of your next best steps. Our expert roofing team is ready to answer any questions about asphalt roofing you have and give you a free roofing estimate - call (905) 544-4667 today.
