Years ago, when slate roofing and cedar shakes were the standard, asphalt roofing was an exciting new product in the roofing world. But these days, there are other roofing materials that are more durable and weather-resistant than asphalt shingles. Tile is less likely to blow away in a storm. Metal roofs last significantly longer. So, does this mean that asphalt shingles are on the verge of becoming obsolete? Not at all! Asphalt roofing may not outperform other roof materials in every way, but it is still deserving of a spot in the roofing world. Here's why.

Asphalt roofing is affordable. 

In the long term, you might get more out of a tile or metal roof than an asphalt one. But these roof materials cost several times as much as asphalt shingle roofing. Not everyone has the budget for a tile or metal roof, and asphalt offers good protection for a much lower cost. 

Asphalt roofing is fairly easy to install and repair.

While installing a roof is typically not a DIY job, installing an asphalt shingle roof is not exactly rocket science, either. Asphalt shingles are easier to install than tile and metal, and doing so requires fewer specialized tools. So, roofers can put an asphalt roof on a home quite easily. When such a roof needs repairs, those can be performed with ease, too. If you're handy, you may be able to patch an asphalt roof yourself. That's much harder to do with tile or metal sheets.

Asphalt roofing comes in many varieties.

Asphalt shingles are not one-size-fits-all. There are specialized ones that are made to be more wind-resistant. Others are made to be reflective so they don't get so hot in warm climates. Roofing companies have spent a lot of time developing asphalt shingle options that are pretty versatile and durable.

Asphalt roofing has a versatile look.

It's hard to imagine a home that would look out of place with an asphalt shingle roof. This material looks as good on modern homes as it does on more traditional homes. The same can't necessarily be said for metal, which has a decidedly modern look, or for tile, which tends to look a bit "beachy" for some regions.

Asphalt shingles may not be the very best in every way, but they are a solid and versatile roof material, and they are rarely a bad choice. They'll stick around for that reason.

Contact residential property roofing services to learn more.