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Asphalt Shingle Residential Roofing In Lubbock

Asphalt shingles are one of the most commonly installed residential roofing materials. Just because it’s common, though, doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best option for you. There are various advantages and disadvantages to the material, and before committing to a new asphalt roof, you should consider whether it’s the best choice for your home.

What Are Asphalt Shingles

You will probably recognize asphalt shingles as the usually brown rectangular material used in most residential roofing projects. These shingles can be made from various materials, but the two most common are fiberglass and felt paper.

Traditionally, these shingles are composed of one of the two materials mixed with a waterproof layer of asphalt and a final layer of ceramic granules mixed in. You can find residential asphalt shingles in a wide variety of colors to match your specific home and personal preferences.

There are two primary types of asphalt shingle designs, architectural (dimensional) and 3-tab. Architectural shingles are thicker and will typically last much longer than 3-tab shingles, but are also more expensive.

Lower value homes and rental properties will generally favor the 3-tab design due to the significantly lower cost. Most higher value homes will opt for architectural shingles, which are both more durable and longer-lasting.

What Are The Benefits Of Asphalt Shingles

Perhaps the most commonly cited benefit of asphalt shingles is the lower cost compared to residential roofing materials such as metal. Asphalt shingles can cost thousands of dollars less, depending on the home’s size and other factors.

Many people also like the more traditional look that asphalt shingles provide instead of metal roofs or spray foam roofing. Asphalt roofs give you more control over how your roof looks by giving multiple options in terms of shape, texture, and color. 

Another benefit to choosing an asphalt roof is that shingles can be easier to install on uniquely shaped roofs than metal. Shingles can be cut down into different shapes and sizes to fit corners and angles more easily. This can be better for larger or uniquely shaped homes.

Primary Disadvantages Of Asphalt Shingles

Despite the many benefits of having asphalt shingles installed, there are some potentially significant disadvantages to choosing the material. One of the biggest concerns is that asphalt shingles are much less energy efficient than materials such as spray foam and metal.

While newer asphalt shingles have been designed to improve energy efficiency, they still don’t compare to these other materials. This means that over time, you are potentially paying much more for your asphalt roof than what your upfront costs were.

Asphalt shingles are also much less eco-friendly than some other materials. For example, metal roofs can be made from up to 95% recycled materials and are 100% recyclable at the end of their lifespan. Compared to asphalt shingles, which typically have a maximum of 15 to 30% recycled materials, metal is much more environmentally friendly.

Things To Consider Before Choosing Asphalt Shingles

It’s essential to take a long-term approach when figuring out the type of material you will have installed on your home. While asphalt shingles can be initially appealing due to the lower cost and design options, over the long term, it may end up being more expensive.

Material such as metal can last twice to three times as long as asphalt shingles and are significantly more energy-efficient. While metal will cost you much more upfront than asphalt, you may be saving thousands of dollars by choosing an alternative to traditional asphalt shingles over the lifetime of your roof.

How Long Will Asphalt Shingles Last

It’s impossible to give an exact estimate of how long your asphalt shingles will last. Some of the factors that can influence the lifespan of your asphalt roof include:

• Weather
• Quality of installation
• Shingle quality
• Type of shingles

On average, most asphalt shingle roofs will last between 15 and 25 years in areas with optimal weather conditions. Architectural shingles will last longer than 3-tab shingles and will typically be able to withstand rougher weather conditions. 

To help extend the life of your asphalt roof, make sure to have it regularly inspected for damage. Routine maintenance will help prevent more severe damage and potentially help improve your roof’s life expectancy and save you money.

Can Asphalt Shingles Save You Money

Depending on the shingles’ quality and whether they were installed correctly, asphalt shingles can potentially save you some money on monthly energy costs. 

The key here is that they must be properly installed. Working with subpar roofing, contractors will leave you with a poorly sealed and energy inefficient roof. For this reason, it’s always recommended to work with a reputable Lubbock roofing installer such as QF Roofing.

Assuming that your shingles are properly installed and, depending on the climate you live in, you may be able to cut monthly energy costs by between 7 and 15%.

How Much Do Asphalt Shingles Cost

Many factors go into determining how much your specific roof will cost, including:

• Size of your home
• Type of shingles
• Quality of shingles

The national average for asphalt shingles is between $1.50 and $5.50 per square foot. It’s important to remember that this is only an average, and your final cost will vary depending on the above factors.

To get a more accurate estimate of how much a new asphalt shingle roof will cost you, contact the QF Roofing experts. Our experienced roofing technicians will be able to look at your home and provide you with an accurate estimate considering the exact materials you want installed. 

Installing Asphalt Shingles In Lubbock, Texas

With asphalt shingle roofing, proper installation is one of the most critical factors determining how long your roof will last. With the sometimes harsh weather conditions in Lubbock and surrounding areas, your roof should be prepared to take a beating. 

By working with a reputable roofing installer such as QF Roofing, you’re ensuring that installation will be done right the first time. Our expert roofing installers have years of experience working with homes in the area. We understand the unique challenges that roofs in the region face and ensure quality installation the first time to maximize your roof’s lifespan.

At QF Roofing, we use, almost exclusively, GAF roofing products for our residential roofing jobs. They manufacture both 3 tab and architectural shingles in a wide variety of colors and styles, so our customers always have a wide variety of choices.

If your current asphalt shingle roof is at the end of its lifespan, or if you’ve been thinking about an upgrade to your energy inefficient roof, give us a call today.