Why Asphalt Shingle Roofs Are America’s Top Choice for Homeowners

A lot of houses have asphalt shingle roofs in America. Over 80% of houses in the U.S. use this roofing material. But why are asphalt shingles so popular? Let’s explore its benefits for millions of homeowners in America.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are organic-based roofing materials, coated with asphalt. They are also topped with ceramic granules. These roof shingles have a lot of colors, styles, and quality level options to match different home designs and budgets.

The two main types are 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles offer a flat, uniform look. They are also the most budget-friendly option. Architectural shingles (also called dimensional shingles) are thicker, more durable. Everyone prefers it for its  textured appearance.

Top Benefits of Asphalt Shingle Roofs

1. Affordable Asphalt Shingle Roof Cost

Asphalt shingles win on affordability. The average asphalt shingle roof cost ranges from $3.50 to $5.50 per square foot installed, making it significantly cheaper than metal, tile, or slate roofing.

2. Long Asphalt Roof Lifespan

A common question is how long asphalt shingles last. The answer depends on several factors, including quality. Basic 3-tab shingles usually last 15 to 20 years. For a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, you’ll need premium architectural shingles.

Asphalt roofs last much longer now because of better materials and manufacturing. Today’s shingles are more durable. Some premium shingles have limited lifetime warranties, but most asphalt shingle roofs last 20 to 40 years, depending on climate and maintenance.

3. Easy Asphalt Shingle Installation

Can Roof contractors install your asphalt shingles easily and quickly. For most houses, the job can be finished in just one to three days, so your routine is barely interrupted.

This ease of installation reduces struggle. Our licensed roofers know how to install asphalt roof shingles properly,without any damage.

4. Wide Variety of Asphalt Shingle Colors and Styles

Your roof covers roughly 40% of your home’s visible exterior. Asphalt shingles offer an incredible variety of colors; classic blacks, grays,  browns, reds, greens, and even blues.

Choosing between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles changes how your home looks from the street. Architectural shingles add depth and dimension, so your roof looks more like wood shake or slate. This appearance makes your home more attractive and boosts its resale value.

5. Simple Asphalt Shingle Repair and Maintenance

When damage occurs, asphalt shingle repair is straightforward and affordable. Individual damaged shingles can be replaced without redoing the entire roof. So the storm damage doesn’t require a big expense.

Asphalt shingle roof maintenance is also minimal. Basic upkeep includes:

• Cleaning gutters twice yearly to prevent water backup
• Removing debris like leaves and branches
• Checking for loose or damaged shingles after storms
• Ensuring proper attic ventilation to prevent heat damage
• Trimming overhanging tree branches

These simple maintenance tasks help maximize your roof’s lifespan without requiring specialized knowledge or expensive services.

6. Excellent Protection in Various Climates

Asphalt shingles perform well across different climates. For hot regions, the best asphalt shingles for hot climate include those with reflective granules that deflect UV rays and reduce cooling costs.

In cold climates, asphalt shingles handle freeze-thaw cycles well and shed snow effectively. They also resist algae growth in humid areas when you choose algae-resistant varieties. That’s why you’ll find asphalt shingle roofs from Florida to Alaska.

7. Strong Warranty Protection

Most quality asphalt shingles come with solid warranty coverage. The typical asphalt shingle warranty includes:

• 10 to 30 years of material defect coverage
• Wind resistance warranties (often 110-130 mph)
• Algae resistance guarantees (10+ years)

Premium products from manufacturers like GAF and CertainTeed often include enhanced warranty options that cover both materials and labor when installed by certified contractors. This protection gives you peace of mind that your investment is protected.

Asphalt Shingle Roof Pros and Cons

To make an informed decision, let’s look at the asphalt shingle roof pros and cons:

Pros:

• Most affordable roofing option
• Quick and easy installation
• Wide availability of contractors
• Huge variety of colors and styles
• Effective in all climate zones
• Easy repairs and maintenance
• Good warranties available

Cons:

• Shorter lifespan than metal or tile
• Not as eco-friendly as some alternatives
• Can fade over time in intense sun
• May blow off in extreme winds if poorly installed
• Not as energy-efficient as metal roofing

Best Asphalt Shingles for Your Home

Choosing the best asphalt shingles depends on your priorities:

• For Budget: Basic 3-tab shingles offer protection at the lowest cost.
• For Longevity: Premium architectural shingles with enhanced warranties last longest.
• For Appearance: Dimensional architectural shingles provide the most attractive look.
• For Durability: Impact-resistant shingles work best in hail-prone areas.
• For Energy Savings: Cool roof shingles with reflective granules reduce heat absorption.

Asphalt Shingle Roof vs Metal: Which Is Better?

The asphalt shingle roof vs metal debate depends on your situation:

Choose asphalt if you want:

• Lower upfront costs
• More color and style options
• Easier future repairs
• Quieter performance during rain

Choose metal if you want:

• Longer lifespan (40-70 years)
• Better energy efficiency
• Maximum durability
• Recyclability at end of life

For most homeowners, asphalt shingles offer the best balance of cost, performance, and appearance.