Asphalt Roofing Indianapolis
Looking for an affordable new look and feel for your home? Asphalt roofing might be the option for you. In the United States, asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for residential roofs because they are economical, versatile, easy to install, and easy to repair. They are also much more lightweight than slate, concrete, or clay, so it is less likely that you will need to worry about the cost of adding structural supports for your new roof.
Many of the most important decisions that homeowners make regarding their homes are related to renovations and repairs. A roof serves to protect your family from the elements, but to effectively do so, you must ensure that the proper roofing technique is used when installing or repairing your roof. Rushed work, inexperienced contractors, and substandard roofing materials can reduce the effectiveness and lifespan of your roof. Therefore, you should speak with an expert Indianapolis roofing contractor to ensure that your roof is properly installed. Universal Roofing & Exteriors can handle all your roofing needs, from rolled roofing and slate to our most high-end asphalt material. Get in touch with a representative today to find out which roofing material best suits your home.
What is Asphalt?
Asphalt is a particularly thick type of crude oil and has been used as a sealant for thousands of years. Examples of asphalt use can be found in archeological sites all over the world. The ancient Babylonians used asphalt to pave roads as early as the seventh century B.C., and the Chumash people of California harvested raw asphalt from pools such as the La Brea Tar Pits of Los Angeles to use as a glue and waterproofing agent.
Asphalt is an excellent material for waterproofing and binding due to its strength and elastic properties. It is a thick, tar-like substance, making it naturally water-resistant. When mixed with aggregates such as crushed clay, stone, glass, or plant matter, asphalt can be shaped and hardened, creating a strong, water-resistant barrier suitable for roads, floorings, and roofs. While asphalt may be most strongly associated with road construction, it is actually far more versatile.
Today, asphalt is used as a binding agent for a wide variety of products, including electric cable coating, flooring for agricultural and sports buildings, dam and pool linings, roads, and roofing. Due to its strength and malleability, asphalt continues to be a highly popular roofing material. Thanks to modern technology, modern asphalt can also be recycled. Reclaimed asphalt is often used as a base for pavement.
What is an Asphalt Roof?
Asphalt shingles are a widely used type of roofing in the United States due to their easy installation and relatively inexpensive costs. The shingles hold a similar uniform aesthetic to more expensive roofing products such as slate and come in a variety of styles and colors, catering to any homeowner’s preference. Asphalt shingles are a composite material. Organic and fiberglass materials are blended together, then coated with asphalt and ceramic granules to create a smooth, tough exterior. Some shingles are made in a single layer, creating a light, flexible material. Other types of shingles are created with two or more layers, making a more durable shingle. Certain types of asphalt can even mimic the appearance of more expensive roofing options such as slate or wood shake.
Why You Should Choose Asphalt Shingles
There are multiple benefits to having an asphalt roof, including an easy installation process, durability, weather and fire resistance, versatility, and minimal upkeep. Asphalt products require little to no maintenance, but if they are damaged, an expert roofing contractor can easily perform a roof repair.
Some roofing materials require additional structural supports on the house due to their weight. However, in addition to their durability, asphalt shingle roofs are also lightweight, making them suitable for many different housing styles.
If you are considering replacing your roof, contact an experienced Indianapolis asphalt roofing company. The roofing contractors at Universal Roofing & Exteriors can evaluate your home and discuss your options for a roof repair or replacement.
The Durability of the Asphalt Shingle
With the proper maintenance, the average lifespan of an asphalt roof ranges between 20 and 30 years. This period works well for long-term homeowners who want a low-cost yet effective roofing installment to amortize the initial costs over 30 years. Most asphalt roofs come with a 25 to 30-year warranty. With expert installation and a proper ventilation process, homeowners can count on a roof’s protection for decades.
What Type of Asphalt Shingle Is the Best?
There are three different grades of asphalt shingle that are popular with most homeowners. These are 3-tab, architectural, and premium style shingles. Each grade of shingle has its benefits and drawbacks, so you should contact a qualified asphalt roofing contractor to discuss the best options for your home.
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles are also known as strip shingles because the asphalt layer is rolled out into even strips, then cut. This single layer creates flat, lightweight shingles that can protect your home for roughly 18-20 years and are the least expensive type of asphalt shingle.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural, or dimensional, shingles have multiple layers, creating a thicker base that produces an alluring 3-dimensional effect. This dimensional effect can more accurately imitate the look of slate or wood shingles. Architectural shingles have a longer lifespan and are more durable than 3-tab shingles but are heavier and more expensive.
Premium Shingles
As their name suggests, premium style shingles are the most expensive grade of shingles since they are much thicker and heavier than the other two styles. However, they are the most durable type of asphalt shingles, last longer, and are better suited for regions that are susceptible to strong winds and hail. They are also the best for mimicking other, more expensive types of roofing materials.
Any of these options is a good choice, and the proper match depends on the homeowner’s needs. An Indianapolis asphalt roofing contractor can evaluate your home, listen to your ideas and needs, and help determine the best type of shingle suited for your home. A Universal Roofing & Exteriors roofer will be happy to come out and provide a free estimate for your roofing project.
How Can You Make Your Roof Last Longer?
Just as regular tune-ups extend the lifespan of your car, regular maintenance is also required to keep your asphalt roof in prime condition. Adverse weather conditions such as hail, strong winds, ice, and heavy snow can damage your roof, affecting its ability to protect your home. Because Indianapolis is susceptible to severe weather, it is important to have your roof regularly inspected by a skilled Indianapolis roofer to detect and repair damaged shingles immediately. Fortunately, asphalt shingles are easy to replace, so if a few damaged shingles are detected quickly, our team at Universal Roofing & Exteriors can easily and inexpensively repair the individual shingles, saving you the cost of replacing entire sections of your roof.
How Much do Asphalt Shingles Cost?
Asphalt shingles are sold in two different amounts: by the bundle and by the square. A bundle is equal to a third of a yard, or 33.33 square feet, and ranges from $40 to $750, depending on the grade you select. Three bundles make up a square, which can cost as low as $90 for standard three-tab shingles to nearly $1,000 for premium shingles. In comparison, wood shingles start at around $600 per square, and clay tiles start at roughly $700 per square. Natural slate shingles are even more expensive, typically averaging between $1,100 and $1,500 per square.
Labor and installation costs will vary depending on a number of factors, including the size and slope of your roof, local fees for inspections and building permits, the cost of removing an old or damaged roof, and other local factors. An experienced roofing contractor can provide a detailed estimate, explaining the price breakdown so you know how much the total repair or replacement will be.
Why You Should Choose Us
Whether it’s for a new look or to protect your home from environmental hazards, an asphalt roof can provide long-lasting and economic advantages over alternative roofing products.
Here at Universal Roofing & Exteriors, we pride ourselves in supplying outstanding service with over 30 years of positive customer testimonials and service satisfaction. We do commercial and residential roofing, including replacements, repairs, modified roofing, and more. Rest assured, we have you covered as your number one Indianapolis asphalt shingles roofing company. For more information, call us today or fill out our easy-to-use contact form, and we will swiftly get in touch with you.
