Asphalt Shingle: Is It a Good Choice for Your Long Island Roof?
Over 35 Years as a Roofer in Long Island
When it comes to roofing options, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular choice for homeowners on Long Island.
Asphalt shingle roofing stands out for its combination of cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of installation, making it a preferred option among homeowners compared to other roofing materials. They offer an ideal balance of affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Asphalt shingles are the number one choice for roofing in North America due to their versatility and weather resistance. This blog explains why asphalt shingle roofs are the go-to choice for so many Long Island residents, and why you should consider them for your next roofing project.
What Are Asphalt Shingle Roofs?
Asphalt shingles are made from fiberglass or organic mats coated in asphalt and ceramic granules. These layers provide waterproofing, fire resistance, and protection against the elements. Available in a wide range of colors and styles, asphalt shingles can mimic more expensive materials like slate and wood shake.
There are different types and different options of asphalt shingles available to homeowners, allowing for customization to fit specific needs and preferences. Asphalt shingles are available in three major categories: strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles.
Asphalt shingles account for more than 80% of residential roofs in the U.S., including Long Island. This high demand is driven by their affordability, adaptability, and proven performance in varying climates. Homeowners across Suffolk and Nassau counties trust asphalt shingles for their homes.
Types of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
When it comes to choosing the right shingle roof for your home, asphalt offers several distinct options to fit your needs and style.
Three-tab shingles are the classic choice, known for their straightforward design and budget-friendly price point. They provide reliable coverage and are a great option for homeowners seeking a simple, effective roofing solution.
For those looking to elevate their home’s appearance, architectural shingles are a popular upgrade. These shingles feature a dimensional look that can mimic the rich texture of wood shake shingles or the refined elegance of slate roofing, adding depth and character to your roof.
Laminated shingles, a type of architectural shingle, take durability a step further with multiple layers of asphalt, offering enhanced resistance to weathering and a longer lifespan.
Whether you prefer the clean lines of three-tab shingles, the upscale look of architectural shingles, or the robust performance of laminated options, asphalt shingles provide a versatile range of choices.
Homeowners can select the style and level of durability that best fits their budget and personal taste, all while enjoying the trusted protection of asphalt.
Why Asphalt Shingle Roofs
are the Best Choice
for Long Island Homeowners
Long Island’s unpredictable weather demands roofing materials that can handle everything from high winds and heavy rain to sudden hail storms.
Asphalt shingle roofs are specifically designed to meet these challenges, offering reliable protection that stands up to the region’s toughest weather conditions. Unlike some other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are easy to maintain and can be quickly repaired or replaced if damaged, minimizing disruption and expense for homeowners.
With an extensive palette of asphalt shingle colors and styles, Long Island residents can choose a roof that not only performs well but also enhances their home’s curb appeal.
The cost-effectiveness of asphalt shingles is another major advantage—they deliver high-quality protection at a fraction of the price of many other roofing materials. For homeowners seeking a balance of durability, style, and affordability, asphalt shingle roofs are a clear winner in the local market.
1. Durability and Protection Against Weather
Long Island’s coastal climate can be harsh. From salty air to winter snowstorms, roofs endure significant wear and tear. Asphalt shingles stand up to the test with their ability to resist high winds, hail, and heavy rains. Premium architectural shingles offer even more resilience, with wind resistance of up to 130 mph.
The wide temperature swings between winter and summer on Long Island can cause some roofing materials to crack or warp. Asphalt shingles handle these fluctuations better than many alternatives, maintaining their structural integrity year-round.
2. Affordability
One of the main reasons asphalt shingles are so popular is their cost-effectiveness and lower cost. Compared to other roofing materials like metal or slate, asphalt shingles are significantly less expensive to purchase and install.
This lower cost makes them a practical choice for Long Island homeowners looking for high-quality roofing without breaking the bank.
Asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan (15-30 years) compared to metal (40-70 years) and slate (over 100 years).
Asphalt shingles also offer a solid return on investment. Many brands come with warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, ensuring homeowners get long-term value. And when you factor in the lower upfront costs, asphalt shingles become the most budget-friendly roofing option for Long Island homes.
3. Easy Installation and Maintenance
Installing an asphalt shingle roof is quicker and easier than other roofing types. This is crucial when weather conditions on Long Island can change rapidly.
Professional roofing contractors can complete asphalt shingle installations in a matter of days, reducing the time your home is exposed to the elements. Asphalt shingles can be installed over older shingles if the existing roof deck is in good condition, reducing the need for a tear-off.
Asphalt shingles require minimal maintenance. With routine inspections and minor repair, they can last for decades. If damage does occur, it is often easy to repair or replace individual shingles, helping to extend the life of your roof and maintain its performance. For Long Island homeowners who want a hassle-free roof, asphalt shingles are the top choice.
FOR THE BEST ROOF PROTECTION,
CALL COUNTY ROOFING SYSTEMS
The Beauty of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Versatility in Design and Color Choices
Summer Harvest Shingles
Every home has its unique style, and asphalt shingles offer the flexibility to complement any architectural design. Long Island neighborhoods feature a variety of home styles—from Cape Cods and Colonials to modern builds. Asphalt shingles come in an array of colors, textures, and patterns to match these styles.
One of the greatest advantages of asphalt shingles is their ability to enhance your home’s curb appeal. With dimensional and architectural shingle options, homeowners can choose designs that create a more intricate, three-dimensional look. Asphalt shingles can imitate premium materials like wood or slate, allowing you to achieve a luxurious appearance without the luxury price.
Customization Options
Many asphalt shingle manufacturers offer extensive customization options. You can choose from different textures, colors, and patterns to suit your home’s exterior and landscaping. This versatility allows Long Island homeowners to personalize their roofs according to their tastes while boosting overall property value.
Eco-Friendly and Energy-Efficient
Energy Efficient
With growing concerns over energy efficiency, homeowners are seeking ways to reduce their environmental footprint. Asphalt shingles are available in “cool roof” options, designed to reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat. This helps keep homes cooler in the summer months and reduces energy consumption, which is essential for Long Island homeowners looking to lower their energy bills.
Urban areas of Long Island, especially closer to New York City, experience the heat island effect, where roofs and paved surfaces absorb heat and increase local temperatures. Cool roofing technology in asphalt shingles can help mitigate this by reflecting sunlight and maintaining lower surface temperatures, contributing to an eco-friendlier environment.
Recyclable and Environmentally Friendly
Many asphalt shingles are recyclable, adding to their environmental benefits. At the end of their lifespan, old shingles can be repurposed for various uses, such as paving materials. This helps reduce landfill waste and supports more sustainable construction practices on Long Island.
Durable Roofs with Great Warranty Coverage
Long-Term Warranties
the best roof warranties on the market
Most asphalt shingles come with extensive warranties, often lasting between 20 to 50 years, depending on the brand and shingle type. These warranties give Long Island homeowners peace of mind, knowing that their roof is protected for decades to come.
While warranties are beneficial, it’s important to understand their limitations. Regular inspections and proper maintenance are required to maintain warranty coverage. Long Island’s harsh weather conditions can sometimes impact warranty claims, so make sure you know the terms and conditions of your specific shingle brand.
Long Lifespan with Minimal Maintenance
With the proper maintenance and care, asphalt shingles can last up to 30 years or more. Routine inspections for damage, especially after significant storms, help extend the life of your roof. Regular maintenance ensures that your shingles continue to protect your home for decades.
Asphalt Shingles vs.
Other Roofing Materials
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs are another popular option for Long Island homeowners, but they come with a higher price tag. While metal roofs are durable and energy-efficient, the upfront costs can be double or even triple that of asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles are far easier and faster to install than metal roofs, which often require specialized labor and longer installation times. This is particularly important for Long Island, where weather conditions can change rapidly. A faster installation means less exposure to the elements during the roofing process.
Moreover, while metal roofs are praised for their longevity, they can be noisier during rainstorms and more prone to denting from hail or falling debris. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, provide excellent sound insulation and are less likely to show damage, ensuring a quieter and more resilient roof for Long Island homes.
Slate Roofs
are a beautiful and cost-effective slate substitute
While slate is admired for its elegance and long lifespan, it comes with a premium price tag that many homeowners find prohibitive. The cost of purchasing and installing a slate roof can be five to ten times higher than that of asphalt shingles. For budget-conscious Long Island homeowners, asphalt shingles offer a much more affordable way to achieve a similar aesthetic without compromising on durability or protection against the elements.
Another advantage of asphalt shingles is their lighter weight, which makes them easier to install and suitable for a wider range of homes. Slate roofs are incredibly heavy and often require additional structural support, which increases installation complexity and costs. Asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are lightweight and can be installed quickly by most roofing contractors.
Additionally, asphalt shingles come in styles that mimic the appearance of slate, allowing homeowners to achieve the upscale look of a slate roof without the hefty cost or logistical challenges.
Wood Shake Roofs
mimic the look of wood shake but are much easier to maintain
Wood shakes offer a rustic, natural look. But they are prone to mold, rot, and insect infestations, especially in the humid, salty Long Island climate. Regular maintenance, such as sealing and treating the wood, is necessary to preserve their appearance and functionality. Asphalt shingles, by contrast, are highly resistant to these issues and require far less upkeep.
In addition to easier maintenance, asphalt shingles also offer greater fire resistance than wood shakes. Wood roofs, even when treated with fire retardants, are still more vulnerable to catching fire compared to asphalt shingles.
Furthermore, asphalt shingles are designed to withstand the island’s fluctuating weather conditions, from harsh winter snowstorms to summer heat, making them a more resilient and reliable choice over the long term compared to wood shakes.
In over 3 decades of contracting work on Long Island, we’ve worked with many local home equity lenders. Give us a call and we can help you make your old house look like a brand new home.
