Asphalt roofing is a reliable and cost-effective roofing material. It’s a popular choice among homeowners and businesses because it’s affordable, durable and available in a variety of styles and colors. American Roofing & Construction, a leading roofing company in Wichita, KS, specializes in asphalt shingle roofing installation for homes and businesses across south-central Kansas.
What Is Asphalt Shingle Roofing?
Asphalt shingles, also referred to as composite shingles, consist of a fiberglass mat base coated with asphalt for strength and waterproofing. They’re topped with an outer layer of granules for color and sun reflection. Some asphalt shingles even have a grit coating that helps reflect solar heat to keep your home cooler and improve energy efficiency.
Asphalt Shingle Types
There are three main categories of asphalt shingles: 3-tab, architectural and luxury. Each type of asphalt shingle has distinct advantages and visual appeal, making them suitable for different budgets and preferences.
- 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles: The most economical and basic asphalt shingle option, 3-tab shingles consist of a single strip with three tabs at the bottom. They’re budget-friendly and offer adequate protection, but their lifespan is the shortest among asphalt shingle types, typically lasting 15-20 years.
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles: The most popular choice for homeowners, architectural asphalt shingles are made with multiple layers. This gives them a textured appearance and adds durability and better storm resistance compared to 3-tab shingles. The lifespan of architectural shingles ranges from 22 to 25 years. They can be made to mimic the look of more expensive types of roofs like wood shake or slate, adding to their appeal.
- Luxury Asphalt Shingles: These premium asphalt shingles offer the ultimate in curb appeal and longevity, replicating the look of natural slate roofs or other high-end materials. While they’re the priciest option, with a lifespan of 30 years or more, their exceptional durability often justifies the investment.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt roofing systems are a favorite for residential and commercial buildings because of their affordability, durability, versatility, ease of installation and minimal maintenance needs.
- Affordable: Asphalt shingles are budget-friendly because both the material cost and shingle installation costs are low compared to other roofing materials. Roof repairs for asphalt shingle roofs are relatively simple, too,
- Durable: Some types of asphalt shingles are designed to withstand Kansas’s harsh weather conditions, including wind, hail, snow, rain and extreme heat. Others can even provide fire resistance and enhanced impact resistance,
- Versatile: Available in a wide spectrum of colors, styles and textures, asphalt shingles can be customized to match any home’s aesthetic. They can even mimic the look of expensive stone or wood roofing at a fraction of the cost and with easier installation.
- Easy Installation & Maintenance: Unlike natural stone or wood roofing, asphalt shingles are lightweight and easy to install, saving you time and money. They also require minimal upkeep – typically only needing periodic inspections and gutter cleaning.
Pros & Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Pros:
- Affordable
- Low-maintenance
- Simple installation
- Easy replacement
- Durable
- Variety of colors and textures
Cons:
- Susceptible to storm and high wind damage
- Unsuitable for flat roofs
- Shorter lifespan compared to other roofing types
Asphalt Shingle Cost & Lifespan
The cost of asphalt shingles varies depending on the type and brand, but they generally offer a more budget-friendly option than cedar, slate or tile roofs. Their lifespan can range from 15 to 50 years or more, with 3-tab shingles lasting 15-20 years and luxury shingles potentially exceeding 30 years.
Choose American Roofing & Construction for Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Wichita
American Roofing & Construction is your trusted partner for commercial and residential asphalt shingle roof installations and replacements in Wichita and south-central Kansas. As a local roofing contractor, we’re licensed and insured, and we can help you choose the best asphalt shingles for your roofing project. You can count on us for meticulous roof inspections as well as installation according to the shingle manufacturer’s instructions.
FAQs
Can I install an asphalt shingle roof myself?
To maintain the shingle manufacturer’s warranty, asphalt shingle roofing should be installed by an experienced and licensed roofing contractor like American Roofing & Construction.
How do I choose the right color asphalt shingles for my home?
Most shingle manufacturers have color samples on their website to help you see the options available. You can use these to visualize how different colors and styles of shingles will look on your home.
How much does it cost to replace an asphalt shingle roof?
A new or replacement asphalt shingle roof cost depends on how big your roof is and which type of shingles you choose. When you get a roof replacement quote from American Roofing & Construction, we’ll give you a detailed estimate including materials cost and the labor cost for roof tear off and installation.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?
In general, you can expect an asphalt shingle roof to last from 15 to 30 years. Premium shingles will be at the higher end or even exceed this estimated lifespan. The longevity of the shingles depends on the shingle type and quality, the installation, weather and any maintenance that’s been done.