Is price the sole significant advantage of asphalt shingles over traditional clay tiles? Why are asphalt shingles a better choice for modular buildings? Their flexibility offers an advantage during installation on complex roof structures. Another benefit over tiles is the wide range of available colors
When it comes to roofing, traditional clay tiles are often the most common and logical choice in the United States. However, asphalt shingles, also known as tegola, have been available on our market for many years. While durability is undoubtedly a crucial factor in choosing a roof covering, there are many other considerations, and asphalt shingles often emerge as a more favorable solution.
The Main Advantage of Asphalt Shingles is their Lower Cost
The primary, though not sole, reason why most people opt for asphalt shingles instead of tiles is the lower cost. However, it’s much harder to make a wrong choice with tiles, regardless of the price. Tile production is quite complex, ensuring that there are no products of inadequate quality on the market. With asphalt shingles, the situation is somewhat different, requiring caution, and it’s advisable to choose only proven products from reputable sellers and brands that offer guarantees.
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Asphalt shingle warranties typically range from 15 to 30 years. Some asphalt shingle manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty for their roof covering, but even then, the question remains whether the lower cost is the main advantage of asphalt shingles over tiles.
Asphalt Shingles Weigh Less than Tiles
Per square meter, asphalt shingles generally weigh up to five times less. Not always, but sometimes, modest weight is a significant advantage. Weight plays a significant role when adding onto existing buildings, covering pontoons, and houses on water. Additionally, asphalt shingles are the preferred choice for designers of modular houses due to their lightweight construction and generally lower load-bearing capacity compared to traditionally built structures.
However, it’s essential to consider that a significant factor is that the heavier the asphalt shingles, the higher their quality tends to be. Asphalt shingle sheets that are lighter are of lower quality and durability, so they are recommended for covering awnings and auxiliary structures. Especially for auxiliary structures with lower structural strength, asphalt shingles are a better choice than tiles.
Choice of Colors and Aesthetics
Where traditional tiles cannot compete with asphalt shingles is in the choice of colors. This sometimes allows for meeting specific design requirements. Also, asphalt shingles blend better with modern-style buildings, while tiles are a visually acceptable solution for traditional structures.
Flexibility and Installation Angle
One of the most significant advantages of asphalt shingles as a roofing material is their ability to withstand a wider range of roof structure slopes without consequences. Asphalt shingles can be installed on roof structures with slopes as low as five degrees, nearly horizontal, up to completely vertical roof surfaces at a 90-degree angle.
Additionally, asphalt shingles are much more flexible and suitable for installation on roofs with more complex structures. For a classic pitched roof, tiles are the ideal solution, but when it comes to roofs with many folds and roof vents, asphalt shingles are the more suitable option.
Foto: Tegola Canadese