Trying to decide between roof shingles vs. Roll roofing? You’re in the right place! Never compromise on the protection of your home, so choose the right roofing material. However, two of the most famous options are traditional roof shingles and roll roofing. Well, they both are helpful for the significant purpose of weatherproofing your home. But, they are different in terms of reliability, installation requirements, and overall performance.
When you get yourself prepared to understand their major differences, you can invest in the right thing without any doubt. Plus, if you are confused about its costs, it is highly recommended to rely on professional Roofing Estimating Services because you will get a detailed cost breakdown of all required project elements. That means your problem is solved! Now, let’s first discuss roof shingles and roll roofing in detail.
THIS GUIDE IS ALL ABOUT COMPARING ROOF SHINGLES VS. ROLL ROOFING TO SELECT THE MOST APPROPRIATE ONE ACCORDING TO YOUR REQUIREMENTS!
What Are Roof Shingles?
In simple words, roof shingles are like a protective medium on the sloped roofs. Its most common type is called asphalt shingles. This type of shingle is made up of a fiberglass or organic mat. It is coated with mineral granules to provide UV protection.
Well, architectural shingles are available in different options with enhanced dimensional appearance and improved weather resistance. They offer the best quality for algae resistance, which is why it is so popular in the industry. Plus, the way roof shingles are designed, they are best for water drainage. They mostly overlapped, which creates a multi-layer protection. If it is combined with the right underlayment, a highly effective barrier against water infiltration is achieved.
What Is Roll Roofing?
Roll roofing is basically large sheets that are made from asphalt-based material and then converted into rolls. Mostly, the rolls are 36 inches wide and cover approximately 100 square feet per roll.
Well, they are mostly considered the same as the shingles with asphalt-saturated felt or fiberglass mat. Well, mostly these roofing types are used for low-slope roofs.
Hence, roll roofing is installed for sheds, garages, workshops, and other outbuildings. The main reason is the budget because they are cost-effective and also provide longevity and aesthetic appeal.
How do Roll roofing and roof shingles differ in Cost and Long-Term Value?
Well, that is the most concerning question for every investor, and why could it not be?
Well, Asphalt shingle roofing at $2.75 to $5.35 is two to three times more expensive than roll asphalt roofing. This means that roll roofing is a budget-friendly option for everyone. Let’s dig into more details:
- Three-tab shingles (basic type):
→ Costs around $3–$4 per square foot
- Architectural shingles (mid-range type):
→ Costs around $4–$8 per square foot
- Highest-grade shingles (premium type):
→ Costs around $6–$12 per square foot
- Roll roofing (cheaper alternative):
→ Costs around $1–$2.50 per square foot (for materials only)
Well, it is observed that homeowners pay between $5,000 and $15,000 for a full shingle roof installation. This is just a rough estimate, but you can get exact materials, labor estimates through an expert Construction Takeoff to protect your budget!
Major Factors to Explore Roof Shingles vs. Roll Roofing!
Durability and Lifespan
Asphalt shingles’ lifespan is more than 30 years, whereas roll roofing has a shorter lifespan of 5 to 10 years. The main reason for shorter life is the design that is more susceptible to thermal movement and subsequent cracking.
Weather Resistance and Performance
Weather resistance is considered more in shingles due to their perfect overlapping design. It helps them to bear wind loads and maintain their protective integrity. Whereas, roll roofing may be a bad option for the long term because it can not withstand harsh weather conditions.
Aesthetic Considerations
The look always matters, whether it is a small furniture placement in a hall. For that, Shingles offer extensive design flexibility with numerous color options, texture variations, and architectural styles. Contrary to this, roll roofing has limited design options!
What to choose between Roof Shingles vs. Roll Roofing?
However, the selection between Roof Shingles vs. Roll Roofing depends on two factors: budget and priorities. We have discussed all the factors that need to be considered before choosing.
Plus, never ignore your local climate, building codes, and long-term plans for the structure. Roll roofing indeed offers immediate cost savings, but it does not offer long-term value!
GET ACCURATE ROOF ESTIMATES FROM OUR ESTIMATORS AND COMPLETE THE PROJECT WITHIN BUDGET!
Conclusion
In short, both roof shingles and roll roofing provide protective features to your building. Each has its own set of advantages and functions. But invest a good time before selecting the right one for your project. Hopefully, after reading this guide, you can now thoughtfully choose the roofing type according to your funds and requirements. But always prioritize proper installation and maintenance to increase the overall lifespan.