07 Jan Arlington Heights Roofing Contractor: Deciding Between Asphalt Shingles, Modified Shingles, and Cedar Shakes

Has your Arlington Heights, Illinois roof seen better days? Are you looking to replace your existing roof with a new roof? If so, you have a number of different materials to choose from.

Three of the most popular roofing materials are asphalt shingles, modified shingles, and cedar shakes. Each of these materials carries a number of upsides. However, each has its drawbacks as well.

Do you need help choosing between the three options? If so, keep on reading. We’re going to discuss each in great depth.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

The most commonly used residential roofing material in the United States, asphalt isn’t necessarily exceptional in any respect, but is still more than good enough to get the job done. More affordable than both modified shingles and cedar shakes, it is utilized by the majority of homeowners.

Asphalt shingles are fairly durable, typically holding up for around 20 years. Offering decent resistance to both moisture and sunlight, they generally won’t start to curl or crack until they’ve provided decades of top-notch use.

These shingles are available in a number of colors and shapes. Some of the colors you can expect to find are black, brown, red, green, gray, and dark blue. Regardless of what your home looks like, there should be a style of asphalt shingle to match its aesthetic.

One of the biggest downsides to asphalt shingles is that they are lightweight. High winds can rip them right off the top of roofs. Fortunately, if asphalt shingles go missing, they can be easily and affordably replaced.

In terms of maintenance, asphalt shingles require very little attention. Generally, all they need is a cleaning every few years or so.

Modified Shingle Roofs

Modified shingles are a step up from asphalt shingles. They possess the same general aesthetic as asphalt shingles, but far surpass asphalt shingles in terms of durability and performance.

These shingles contain polymers that make them even more resistant to sunlight and water. Whereas a standard asphalt shingle will generally last for around 20 years, modified asphalt shingles will generally last for around 30 years.

Heavier than asphalt shingles, modified shingles are capable of withstanding heavy winds. Because of this, they scarcely ever need to be replaced before their typical expiration date.

Though they’re a little more expensive than asphalt shingles, modified shingles are well worth their price. Durable, low-maintenance, and attractive, these shingles have been growing in popularity over the last few years.

Cedar

Cedar shakes are entirely different from both modified and asphalt shingles. While they possess a similar shape as shingles, they provide an entirely different aesthetic. Generally, they are staggered on top of one another, creating a textured look.

Cedar shakes are extremely durable, and they are naturally resistant to both water and sunlight. In total, they will typically provide around 40 years of top-notch use.

This material also offers superb insulation, sealing out heat, cold, and sound with great success. While asphalt and modified shingles provide decent insulation, it’s not even close to the level of insulation provided by cedar shakes.

While cedar shakes can be made more water-resistant with the use of sealants, it’s not necessary to use such products. Generally, a cleaning every now and then will allow a cedar shakes roof to thrive for decades and decades.

Make Use of Residential Roofing Services in Arlington Heights, Illinois

Are you interested in utilizing asphalt shingles, modified shingles, or cedar shakes on your roof? In need of residential roofing services in Arlington Heights, Illinois? If so, Aspen Exterior is the company to call.

Our team is well-versed in the installation of all three roofing materials, having installed thousands of roofs throughout the Arlington Heights area. We would be glad to accommodate your roofing needs.

Contact us now to schedule an appointment!