Asphalt Roofing
Contents
From the many roofing materials out there, asphalt has been considered the most popular choice among homeowners for the past 150 years. What’s the reason for its popularity? Asphalt is inexpensive, easy to come by, and relatively durable as well. Here is some more information.
Costs
Asphalt roofing costs, on average, $1-$4 per square foot to install, including the removal of old roofing materials. This would mean that the roof on a ranch-style home 1,700-2,100 square feet in size would cost between $1,700 and $8,400. That cost variability depends on a number factors, like your roof’s current condition and the quality of asphalt you buy. Get in touch with a local roofer for more information.
Pictures
Tile RoofPros
Asphalt is one of the least expensive roofing materials on the market.
It is relatively low-maintenance.
Asphalt is less likely to catch on fire.
Cons
Asphalt tends to have a shorter lifespan than other roofing materials.
Asphalt isn’t a very eco-friendly roofing material.
Liquid asphalt releases a high amount of chemical pollutants during the application process.
Durability
On average, asphalt has a lifespan of 20-30 years with the proper maintenance. That’s not as long as other roofing materials, but generally longer than most people plan to stay in their current home.
Maintenance
The minimum maintenance required for asphalt roofing is an annual inspection. Pay careful attention to roof flashings where rust and cracks can occur, as these allow water to seep into the home. If you don’t know what to look for, hire a professional to complete the inspection.
Common Questions and Answers
What is liquid asphalt roofing?
Liquid asphalt roofing, also called the hot mop method, is installed by spreading hot, melted asphalt over the roof, and then spreading a layer of decorative rocks in the hot asphalt. This method is normally applied to flatter roofs. Although an inexpensive method, it isn't necessarily the most attractive, thus reducing its widespread use. Additionally, during application, liquid asphalt releases high amounts of chemical pollutants. Not only is it bad for the environment, but it can be a health risk to the installers as well.
Why isn’t asphalt considered “eco-friendly”?
A large portion of asphalt roofing materials are still dumped into landfills every year and and a high amount of energy is required to produce them. In addition, they also have a lower lifespan than other roofing products, so their repeated installation makes them a poor environmental choice.
Other products such as metal roofing, recycled shingles, and slate all have longer life expectancy, require less energy to produce, and are more recyclable.
Materials
History
Asphalt was discovered 5,000 years ago as a material naturally occurring in nature. It has been considered the most popular roofing material in North America for the past 150 years.
References
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