Interlocking asphalt shingle roofing pros, cons and costs

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Keeping on top of your home maintenance includes ensuring your roof is watertight and in good order. One of the most cost-effective and durable ways to install roofing is to use interlocking asphalt shingle roofing. Just some of the reputable manufacturers of asphalt shingle brands available include Owens Corning, Malarkey Roofing Products, IKO, GAF, and CertainTeed from Saint-Gobain. 

There are two types of asphalt shingle available:

• Organic - which is a mix of paper, ceramic and asphalt
• Fiberglass - glass fiber sheets that are coated with asphalt and glass filler. These shingles are more fire resistant but also more expensive to purchase.

Costs of Asphalt Shingle Roofing

You can expect your new roofing cost to range from $700 up to $4,000 if you install roofing yourself, and the cost varies so much as it depends on the quality of asphalt shingles you purchase. If you choose to employ professionals to fit your new roof, you should ensure that you shop around for the best roofing estimate.

You can expect to pay up to $9,000 for materials and professional installation, plus an additional cost for removal of the old roof. If you are purchasing a new roof on a budget, the most inexpensive shingles have basic shapes and no colors.

Drawbacks of Asphalt Shingles

The primary drawback to asphalt shingles is they are prone to cracking in hot weather conditions and warping when subjected to extreme shifts in temperature. The ideal climate for these shingles is cool and fairly moderate. If your new shingle roof is installed at temperatures below freezing, you can expect the shingles to be damaged. Attic ventilation can also further impair asphalt shingles. Budget shingles are susceptible to wind uplift, and you should be aware that all shingles require regular maintenance and care.

Pros of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles can last up to 20 years if you maintain them regularly. Owens Corning shingles are fibreglass and come with warranties ranging from 25 years to lifetime. Malarkey manufacture a range of shingles offering up to 50-year warranties along with wind- and algae-resistance warranties. IKO Armourglass and Armourshield shingles are available in a range of attractive colors to suit your home and neighborhood.

GAF offers a popular range of budget shingles together with wood or slate-effect asphalt shingles that come with a lifetime warranty. The CertainTeed range of asphalt shingles includes cost-effective basic shingles to high-quality dimensional or premium shingles. Fitting new shingles to your roof allows you to experiment with the different appearances available from modern shingle manufacturers.    

Making a decision on the best asphalt shingles to purchase for your new roof will entail some research about the different shingle finishes available. If you choose interlocking asphalt shingle roofing when you install your new roof, you can be sure that you have chosen a popular roofing product. The quality of some shingles and product warranties will ensure an attractive long-lasting appearance.