Traditional asphalt shingles are the most popular roof covering in the U.S. Many homeowners appreciate their initial low cost. However, there are some disadvantages. Some want a longer-lasting roof, or one that’s more energy-efficient. If you’re looking for asphalt shingle alternatives, look below.
Advantages of Asphalt Roofing Shingles
There are many advantages to traditional asphalt shingles. Mainly, installation is somewhat affordable. Among all the roof coverings we offer, they’re the least expensive and quickest to install. They’re also available everywhere, DIY-friendly, and somewhat durable.
Quick to Install
We often install a new asphalt shingle roof in a day or two. And that includes removing the old roof. Few alternatives are as quick to install.
Low-Cost Initially
Of all the roof coverings we offer, traditional asphalt shingles are the least expensive.
Availability
There are many asphalt shingle manufacturers, such as Owens Corning and GAF. You can also find them at any big box hardware store, as well as many used retail stores, such as Habitat ReStore.
DIY-Friendly
Traditional asphalt shingles are DIY-friendly because they don’t require special tools to install. A hammer and a utility knife are often all you need.
Durability
Asphalt shingles are pretty durable. Most are high-wind-resistant and somewhat hail-resistant. However, there are shingle alternatives that are quicker to install.
Longevity
Most mid-range asphalt shingles last 15 to 20 years when professionally installed.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Although asphalt shingles offer many advantages, they also have disadvantages. Consequently, some homeowners are looking for alternatives to asphalt shingles. Primarily, they want a roof that’s more durable and longer-lasting. A longer-lasting roof often means a lower long-term cost and fewer reroofing interruptions.
Recyclability
Although there are some national asphalt shingle recycling centers, there are none here in Northern Colorado.
Durability
Although asphalt shingles are somewhat durable, many alternatives are more durable, such as stone-coated steel shingles.
Longevity
Since asphalt shingles aren’t as durable as other alternatives, they don’t last as long. Mid-range asphalt shingles typically last 10-20 years. However, more durable options often last 50, 70, or more years.
High-Cost Long-Term
Although asphalt shingles cost the least initially, they often cost more over the long run because they don’t last that long. Alternatives such as stone-coated steel shingles and standing seam usually last 70 years or more.
Energy-Efficiency
Although asphalt shingles have a high heat-emittance, they have the lowest solar reflectivity.
Asphalt Shingle Alternatives
- Stone-Coated Steel Shingles
- Standing Seam
There are some great asphalt shingle alternatives. Stone-coated steel shingles are the obvious choice – they resemble traditional asphalt shingles but cost less in the long run and are more durable. Stone-coated steel shakes are another great alternative to asphalt shingles. We offer stone-coated steel roofing products from Westlake Royal Roofing and Decra.
Stone-Coated Steel Shingles or Shake
Longevity – Stone-coated steel shingles and shake are a great alternative to traditional asphalt shingles. Conventional asphalt shingles typically last only 10-20 years. Steel shingles, on the other hand, often last 70 years or more when professionally installed and maintained.
Durability – Steel shingles last longer than asphalt shingles because they’re more durable – they’re more resistant to hail than traditional asphalt shingles, they’re more resistant to mold and rot than natural wood shake.
Energy Efficient – Stone-coated steel shingles and shakes also have a high solar reflectivity.
Recyclable – Steel shingles are also recyclable in our area. We’ve identified many steel recycling facilities in Northern Colorado.
Standing seam is a better alternative to asphalt shingles – they’re as durable as steel shake and long-lasting, but are even more energy-efficient. We make our own standing seam metal roofing panels in-house for a perfect fit to your roof.
Standing Seam
Longevity – Just like steel shingles, standing seam lasts decades longer than traditional asphalt shingles.
Durability – Standing seam is also much more durable than regular asphalt shingles.
Energy-Efficient – No other roof covering is as energy-efficient as standing seam. That’s because no other roof covering has a higher solar reflectivity value.
Recyclable – Since standing seam is made of metal, it’s recyclable, unlike traditional asphalt shingles.
The Bottom Line
There are alternatives to asphalt shingles that last longer and cost less in the long term. If you’re interested in saving money on your roof over its lifetime, consider steel shingles or standing seam. If you’re more concerned about saving money on your utility bill, ask us about standing seam. Either way, there is an asphalt shingle alternative that’s right for you.
Shingle Roof Alternative Installation
Need someone to install your new stone-coated steel or standing seam metal roof? Contact us for a free consultation or estimate. We offer a 5-year workmanship guarantee, have decades of experience, and are fully licensed and insured.
