Asphalt Roof Myths Busted

Three Myths You Shouldn’t Believe About Asphalt Roofing

When it comes to roofing companies in Calgary. The materials you usually have to choose between cost and function, like in the roofing project process. Very few materials have both of these qualities in one package. And that’s partly why Asphalt shingles have taken off as the hot new material for your roofing needs.

You see, asphalt provides both durability and cost-effectiveness in one package. That means it’s becoming increasingly easier for many homeowners to consider it. However, unfortunately, there are a couple of rumours circulating about asphalt that may not be entirely accurate. That’s why we’ll be busting three of the most common myths regarding asphalt to put your mind at ease.

Myth One: Darker Colored Shingles Heat Your House

When you’re deep into the summer months, your number one priority is to keep yourself cool. Whether it’s cracking open a window or taking a cold shower, you have to keep cool at all costs. Anything that adds heat will need to be countered by your central air conditioning. And that means more energy costs.

That’s where the myth comes in. Many people believe that having dark-coloured shingles, like those found with asphalt, will only heat the house more. More heat means more need for cooling. And of course, that means more energy costs down the line.

Part of that is true. Dark colours, such as asphalt, absorb more heat. But here’s the thing: heat always rises. It always flows from bottom to top. What that means is, the heat will only stay trapped in your attic. As soon as it has an opening, it will escape and won’t accumulate in your home.

As long as you have good ventilation in your attic, there’s no chance for the heat to travel to the rest of your house. The only situation in which this happens is when ventilation is poor, and the heat has nowhere to go.

So, while it’s true that dark colours do heat up, it doesn’t have much to do with your energy costs. Ventilation, on the other hand, does. If you’re concerned about your energy costs this summer, consider consulting a roofing professional to inspect your system.

Myth Two: Every Asphalt Shingle Looks the Same

If you’re a homeowner who’s looking to spruce things up, you probably want some say in the matter. Whether it’s the colour of your walls, the kind of grass on your lawn, or the kind of roof shingles, it’s all about choice.

That’s what some people begin to fear about asphalt shingles. The commonly circulating myth is that they all look the same. That means you would have no choice in what your roof looks like if you choose asphalt. It would just be a generic roof like anyone else's.

And that would all be bad if it were true. But in reality, it’s nothing more than a baseless myth. Asphalt resembles any other roofing material available on the market. That means you have a wide variety of choices to pick from.

You can find everything from different colored asphalt shingles to different qualities of shingles. And all these are available at different price points. For designs, you can choose between architectural asphalt, three-tab asphalt, and luxury asphalt.

When purchasing asphalt, there are several factors to consider, and your choice will reflect your specific needs. So be sure to consider that the next time you’re out shopping for roofing materials.

Myth Three: They’re Built Out of Nothing But Asphalt

Most people hear the word "asphalt" and immediately think of roads and highways. And while that is mainly what asphalt shingles are made of, that’s not the end of it. There’s much more to asphalt shingles than just asphalt.

The amount of asphalt your asphalt shingles have will completely depend on the type. Different types of shingles will have different amounts of asphalt. Something like an organic asphalt shingle will differ from a fibreglass asphalt shingle.

There’s usually a determined amount of asphalt that can be put into a shingle. This can be as low as 20 percent in some cases. So yes, it’s not all about asphalt.

This is all why it’s essential to understand the differences and nuances that come between asphalt shingles. If you’re planning on getting asphalt shingles for your home, then you will have to decide critically about what kind of asphalt shingles is right for you. Or consider hiring a professional to assist you with the process.

A roof is a permanent part of your home and a significant investment. That’s why you should always be careful about what you choose. Contact a roofing professional today to make an informed decision.