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Asphalt shingles remain the most popular residential roofing material by far and are found in roofing shingles in Atlanta as well as 4 out of 5 residential roofs throughout the country. However, even though most builders will tell you that asphalt is the best roofing material, the average residential architect would probably tell you that metal is the best. Regardless that metal may be a better roof, it costs three times as much and, given how long people stay in their homes, will far outlast any homeowner—which could be interpreted as paying for much more roof than needed. A close look at asphalt shows that it, too, has its pluses and minuses. Pros • Over 100 years of use in the home building industry makes asphalt a recognized and proven material that contractors know and trust. Homebuyers as well are happy with it because it's such a familiar product. • Asphalt's biggest selling point is the fact that it's economical and far less costly than other materials. Its low cost makes it ideally suited for entry-level homes or what is called production housing. • Asphalt is easy to install and far easier to work with and handle than most other roofing materials. Not only can a home be done by professional contractors in as little as a day, the product can even be installed by serious do-it-yourself types. • When damaged, asphalt is as easy to repair or replace as it is to install. • Though basic asphalt styles are popular because of their low cost, the product can be ordered in custom styles that look just like slate or even wood shakes. In addition, thicker, luxury laminates are also available and come in many colors. • Most asphalt shingles come with a 20- to 30-year warranty, are Class A fire-rated, and require little to no maintenance. Some meet Energy Star requirements and qualify under federal standards as a cool roof and thus are eligible for tax credits. Cons • Asphalt can be dull since builders and contractors tend to use basic single-color products that are the least expensive. • The product doesn't always hold up well to severe weather such as hail, though wind- and impact-resistant shingles are available at a cost of about 50 percent more than conventional asphalt shingles. • Lifespan is affected by roofs that don't get an adequate amount of sunlight and thus are susceptible to moss, mildew, and algae, as well warranties that are closely tied to well-ventilated roofs and adequate homeowner maintenance. • Asphalt shingles can be heavy, with basic shingles weighing in around 200 pounds per square, though some laminated and high-end architectural shingles can come in at about 500 pounds per square. • There is still not a good recycling program in that shingle waste makes up around 8% of total building-related waste. In the end, asphalt is a safe bet for roofing shingles in Atlanta and elsewhere.
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