Shingle Roof Flexibility
The flexibility of shingle roofing is demonstrated here in our diverse Arizona weather. Most cities in Arizona have warm and dry weather. In the major metro areas of Phoenix and Tucson, summer months bring hot, sweltering days and winter brings crisp cool air. Other areas in North Central and Northern Arizona have a mountainous climate where the summers are mild and sunny and winters have snow and cold winds. In this article, we will be discussing the pros and cons of shingle roofs.
Here Is A List of Pros and Cons of Shingle Roofs
Pros
- Shingle Roofing is Very Versatile – Shingle roofs can be made of asphalt fiberglass, wood, metal, slate, or tile. In the warmer areas where properties have a lot of flat roofs, tile shingles are durable in our Arizona climate. Wood shingles look fantastic on rustic house designs while asphalt fiberglass can be used to suit just about any property design.
- Shingle Roofing is Less Expensive – Shingles are one of the least expensive roofing choices. Galvanized metal shingles are inexpensive and extremely durable. Synthetic slate and asphalt fiberglass shingles are more affordable than their original versions.
- Easy to Install and Maintain – Shingle roofs don’t require specially trained roofing contractors. Every roofer should know how to install shingle roofs as it’s one of the most popular types of roofing choices throughout the country. Consistent scheduled repairs and maintenance on your shingle roof is critical to help it last a long time and to avoid damage to the interior of your property. But, the investment and repair work needed is manageable.
- Fire Resistant – Excluding wood shake shingles, the other types of shingle materials are very fire resistant. Asphalt fiberglass shingles are made to be more fire-resistant than plain felt shingles.
- Easy Availability – Most hardware, construction supply and home improvement stores carry several types, shapes, and colors of shingles. Its affordability fueled its popularity with home construction companies, making shingle roofing materials easily available, ready for roofing installation and repair projects and jobs.
Cons
- Less Lifespan – Although some shingles – like metal and slate – are durable and strong enough to last 50 years, they can also be more expensive. Asphalt and wood shingles ordinarily last from 15-30 years. Tile shingles can last 30 years or longer, but the underlayment will need to be addressed about every 12-15 years.
- Needs Regular Repair and Maintenance – You need to have your roof inspected once or twice a year. It could be more often depending on the intensity of the storm season. Putting off the regular inspections could lead to leaks and other damages that will be much more expensive to fix down the road.
- Subject to Discoloring and Deforming – Shingles can bend, fade, scar, and stain due to the weather and the elements, especially during intense monsoon storms.
- Susceptible to Moss and Mildew – Improper roof installation, poor roof ventilation, and moisture leaks could result in damaging moss and mildew, particularly on wood and asphalt shingles. Mildew and moss growth not only look bad, they also could lead to the roof deteriorating more quickly. Not to mention the health hazards that could arise for your family if it should take hold inside the property, such as attics and walls.
