Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing for both residential and commercial facilities alike. This affordable roofing material is easy to install and looks nice with most architectural designs. However, it is not the right choice for every commercial facility. If you’re considering asphalt for your roof, keep these # things in mind:
Shingles come in basic and stylized designs
One of the primary benefits of asphalt shingles is the sheer variety of designs and colors available. Basic shingles are affordable and will still look nice, but you can upgrade to architectural shingles that give a 3D effect, or other premium shingles that can be made to look like cedar shake or terra cotta roofing. Not all roofing materials give you this variety of design and color options.
Shingles are affordable but don’t last as long as other roofing materials
On average, asphalt shingles will last between 15-20 years. As opposed to a concrete flat roof or terra cotta, this is not a long service life for a commercial roof. However, an asphalt shingle roof is affordable to replace and easier to repair than a solid roofing material. If a concrete flat roof is damaged, for example, you’ll likely have to replace the entire roof. If your shingles are damaged, you can replace them individually for an affordable price.
Shingles are susceptible to weather damage
Due to their designs, cheaper shingles may lift up during extreme wind and are more susceptible to water damage than other types of roofing. They can also crack from overexposure to sun and heat in the summertime. While this is an issue for buildings that are exposed to severe heat or storms, they are again very easy to replace individually. If your asphalt roofing is damaged, you can replace shingles individually instead of re-roofing your entire facility.
Shingles don’t necessarily add value to your building
Shingles are very common for residential and commercial roofing, and they are not always compatible with advancements in commercial building technology such as solar roofing and rooftop energy-efficient HVAC systems. If you are looking toward the future, you may want to choose a different material to re-roof your building. However, if you are looking for maximum value for your investment, asphalt shingles are a great material to choose.
MaintenX specializes in roofing repair and installations for all types of commercial roofing. If you’re interested in roofing repairs or replacement, contact us today!
