Are cost savings the only advantage of asphalt shingles over traditional tiles? Can asphalt shingles be a suitable replacement for tiles? How long do roofs covered with asphalt shingles last? What are the advantages of asphalt shingles compared to other roofing materials? How to choose a quality and durable product? What is the process for installing asphalt shingles?
For many years, asphalt shingles (bituminous shingles) have been offered in our market as an alternative to tiles. While tiles are much more popular, and most people prefer this traditional type of roofing despite its higher cost, it is true that tiles are more reliable and durable. However, asphalt shingles also have some advantages.
Most people are familiar with tiles as a quality roofing material made by firing clay at high temperatures. But what exactly are asphalt shingles? They are a multi-layer material based on bitumen, with a bottom layer of quartz sand and a top layer of ceramic granules, which provide durability in all weather conditions.
Are cost savings the only advantage of asphalt shingles?
When discussing asphalt shingles, the primary topics are their quality and durability, not just their lower cost. Durability is actually the main drawback of asphalt shingles compared to tiles. When someone builds a house and installs a roof, they do it with the idea that the next generation will handle repairs and replacement of the roofing material. A well-installed tile roof easily meets this expectation, as its lifespan exceeds fifty years.
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In fact, problems with old roofs usually arise with the wooden structure, while the tiles remain the most durable element. Asphalt shingles have a lifespan of 15 to 30 years. There are also top-quality products on the market with a 50-year warranty from the manufacturers, but in such cases, the price is no longer as competitive.
How to choose a durable product?
So, if you have chosen asphalt shingles, how do you select a product that will last? First and foremost, opt for a reputable manufacturer. We won’t endorse any specific brands, but it’s easy to identify reliable manufacturers. They have a proper declaration, offer a warranty and have a professional online presence where you can find detailed product information.
Lightweight nature suitable for prefabricated buildings
One of the biggest advantages of asphalt shingles over tiles is their lightweight nature. However, when it comes to this roofing material, the rule is that the heavier the asphalt shingles the higher their quality. Most reputable manufacturers categorize their products by weight. For a house, it is always recommended to choose the highest quality option.
The more massive and robust the shingles, the more resistant they will be to various mechanical impacts, such as snow, frost, and strong winds, which are a significant enemy of this roofing material. Lower-quality asphalt shingles can be a good choice for auxiliary structures like patio awnings, carports, or garden sheds, where quality is not as crucial since any leaks won’t cause significant damage, and maintenance and minor repairs are easier to manage than with a house roof.
Installation requirements
Asphalt shingles also have some specific requirements compared to tiles. For a quality installation, they need a completely flat surface, requiring the entire roof to be decked. The lumber used for decking must be completely dry. If planks are used, they should be no wider than about ten centimeters and must be completely dry to prevent future warping and potential leaks.
The ideal material for roof decking when installing asphalt shingles is OSB boards. These are made by pressing wood chips together, resulting in a factory-produced board that is completely dry and precisely sized, which won’t change due to drying out. Planks, being a “live” material, are prone to shrinking or warping, making them less than ideal for laying asphalt shingles.
Tiles are much more tolerant of imperfections in the wooden structure. OSB boards should be at least 2/3 of an inch thick to support the weight of snow cover, the workers installing the shingles, and any future repairs.
Asphalt shingles offer a different roof appearance
Although most people still choose tiles as their roofing material, asphalt shingles do offer some specific advantages. As mentioned, asphalt shingles are about five times lighter per square meter than tiles, making them ideal for prefabricated buildings and structures that cannot bear heavy loads, like floating houses, garages, or awnings.
If repairing a roof on a hard-to-reach old building, logistics are much easier with asphalt shingles compared to tiles. Sometimes, the aesthetic appeal of asphalt shingles is an advantage. This roofing material comes in various colors and shapes, often fitting better with modern design buildings, while tiles are visually more suitable for traditional construction styles.
One notable advantage of asphalt shingles over tiles is their ability to accommodate a wider range of roof slopes – from 5 to 90 degrees. Additionally, asphalt shingles are much more adaptable for complex roof structures with many bends and are a good solution for roofs with dormers.
Of course, asphalt shingles require quality installation, so make sure to do thorough research. Ideally, the installation should be performed by a professional trained and authorized by the roofing material supplier. This way, you can be confident that asphalt shingles will provide a roofing solution as reliable as tiles.
Photo: Tegola Canadese