With so many different types of roofing available, it can be confusing to choose the right one for your home. Having a strong roof above your head is important to protect the inside of your home as well as the people living there. In addition to costs, you have to consider the various advantages and disadvantages that come with each type of roofing. To help you make an informed decision, read through our Roofing Report series, starting with one of the most popular options, asphalt shingles.
What Is an Asphalt Roof?
Asphalt shingle roofs have gained a well-deserved positive reputation among Canadian homeowners due to their water-resistant quality and design options. These shingles are made from asphalt, which is a black or brown petroleum-like material made from mostly hydrogen and carbon along with some other elements. You can get asphalt shingles for your roof in organic, inorganic or glass fibre materials. A licensed roofing company can obtain good-quality asphalt shingles based on your budget and the weather conditions in your area.
Advantages of Installing an Asphalt Roof
Affordable Option
Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing option compared to metal or wood shingles. Depending on the size of your roof and other cost factors, you can expect to pay $9,405 on average in Canada for an asphalt roof installation.
This is how much Asphalt shingle installation/replacement or repair can cost you in major Canadian cities:
| City Name | Average Cost | Minimum Cost | Maximum Cost |
| Calgary | $11,610 | $4,000 | $38,000 |
| Edmonton | $7,457 | $4,000 | $15,000 |
| Oshawa | $6,000 | $6,000 | $6,000 |
| Ottawa | $8,167 | $4,000 | $14,500 |
| Toronto | $8,200 | $700 | $20,000 |
| Vancouver | $15,000 | $15,000 | $15,000 |
*Based on 43 verified reviews as of February 2021
Best Against Rough Weather
Asphalt shingles are known to be the best roofing option in harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow and fluctuating temperatures. They are waterproof so the interior of your house is protected from melting snow or a sudden downpour. They also deflect the sun’s UV rays, helping to maintain their original colour for a long time.
Easy to Install
Asphalt shingles are easy to install. They are lightweight so roofing pros can easily transport them up on the roof for installation. Also, you do not need special equipment to install items such as wall terminations, roof edges or vent flashing. Once the shingles are up on the roof, a pro just needs to get a hammer and nails to fix them to it.
Easy to Repair and Replace
Due to their lightweight nature, you can easily replace or repair the shingles if and when they are damaged. As they are individual shingles, you can just get a hold of a few new shingles instead of replacing the whole roof. When it comes to replacing them, you can put the new shingles on top of the old shingles as well. This makes replacing a few shingles an easy project as opposed to having to replace the whole roof.
Durability
Asphalt shingles can last up to 25-30 years with regular maintenance. Aside from metal, asphalt shingles typically last 10 to 15 years longer than other types of shingles.
Design
The best thing about asphalt shingles is you can easily customize them as per your needs. You can get these shingles custom-made in different colours, sizes and shapes. So if you want three-tab glass-fibre shingles in a grey colour palette that matches the modern look of your home’s exterior, you got it! Just make a request to a local roofer and you will have your customized designer roof in no time.
Security
In addition to protecting your house from harsh weather, asphalt shingles also protect it from fire. This is because asphalt holds fire-resistant qualities. Even if the roof is on fire, the best quality asphalt shingles can take the burn for up to 2 hours, giving enough time for firefighters to curb the fire.
Disadvantages of Installing an Asphalt Roof
Damages to the Base
All types of roofing material will deteriorate at some point. However, with an asphalt roof, the deterioration starts very slowly and the granules from the base material can start breaking down. This highly affects its waterproofing quality which can lead to damages to the base of your roof.
Lifespan
Compared to a metal roof, asphalt shingles last only half their lifetime. Metal roofs can last for up to 50-60 years however an asphalt roof can give you 25-30 years maximum. If a long lasting roof is your biggest concern, asphalt shingles might not be the best choice.
Requires Regular Maintenance
Asphalt shingles are the only type of roof that demands regular maintenance to ensure their longevity. Checking the roof every couple of years for damage and repair is essential to maintaining its quality.
The asphalt shingles have been protecting the homes of the Great White North for decades given their easy installation, affordability, design, and durability. While they do require regular maintenance and have the second-longest lifespan, asphalt shingles are a great choice for most Canadian homes. Remember, only a licensed roofing pro can legally work on your roofing project. Be sure to get a custom quote for your next project and connect with local roofing pros on HomeStars.
