This is the second of a two-part series in which we examine different aspects of two possible roofing materials for your home: metal roofing and asphalt roofing. Both materials have their benefits, and today we’ll take a look at what asphalt roofing has to offer as a roofing option.

Dover Mist by Owens Corning

Dover Mist. Courtesy of www.OwensCorning.com.

Asphalt shingles are the workhorses of the roofing industry.

Coming in nearly all shapes, sizes, and colors any Iowa homeowner could imagine on his or her home, asphalt is among the most widely used, easily adaptable and well-liked material roofers have available. With good reason.

The biggest factor that places asphalt shingles above the competition is price. Though it may not be the most inexpensive or longest-lasting material on the market, asphalt offers the best balance of up-front cost and reliability, providing long-lasting value to you, the homeowner.

Better Homes and Gardens offers a cost comparison here. Notice that asphalt, or “composition roofing,” garners the lowest cost of all available materials.

The weight of asphalt shingles provides another advantage. Asphalt isn’t the lightest material, yet it offers the best balance of weight, quality and durability. Given they’re lightweight, the shingles can be installed on most homes or other buildings without any structural reinforcement, as opposed to heavier materials like slate or clay.

As mentioned in our previous post, a potential concern with asphalt roofing is the handling of the waste when reroofing. However, asphalt-roofing material can be recycled and the material is widely used in paving new roads. VanWeelden Co., with its Top of the House Contractor status from Owens Corning®, also understands how the role insulation plays in reducing the carbon footprint of a house. So we’ve also pledged to recycle all of our torn-off shingles as an Owens Corning Preferred Recycling Contractor.

When installed correctly, a quality product such an Owens Corning complete roofing system can ensure your home’s roof will withstand the elements for years to come. The majority of Owens Corning asphalt products installed by VanWeelden Co .include a lifetime materials warranty with an option to purchase a non-prorated workmanship and material upgrade.

A good outline of the benefits asphalt shingles provide is offered by the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association here.

Regardless of which contractor you choose to put on your next roof, please make sure it’s a certified installer who will get the job done right the first time. Feel free to contact us today about any of our quality asphalt roofing options.