Among all the roofing materials out there, asphalt and rubber shingle remain two of the most popular choices for homeowners. Though it’s hard to truly go wrong with either, they do share a considerable amount of difference. In today’s blog, we’ll be taking a dive into the characteristics of each, so you can decide what’s best for your roof! If that sounds interesting, keep reading below for more information!
Rubber Shingles At A Glance
As the name would suggest, rubber shingles are typically made of rubber, but can sometimes contain plastic or even slate. In many cases, rubber shingles are compared of recycled materials such as used tires, making them a sustainable, eco-friendly option. They can come in the form of either rolls or sheets.
Asphalt Shingles At A Glance
The most widely installed roofing material here in the United States, asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of styles, types, and colors. Contrary to what you might think, asphalt shingles are not made with their eponymous material. Instead, they are often made with a variety of materials like cellulose fiber, glass fiber, or wood fiber. Unlike rubber shingles, asphalt shingles typically do not come in the form of either rolls or sheets.
Main Differences Between The Two
There are intrinsic differences between these two materials as mentioned above – like their ingredients – but there are further differences that are important to consider when deciding between the two. Some of these include:
Value/Price Point
Asphalt shingles are the standard when it comes to cost-friendliness. There is no doubt that asphalt shingles are the more affordable option, usually costing an average of $100 per square foot, as opposed to the average of $400/square foot for rubber shingles. This is not to say that asphalt shingles are the superior, but if you’re looking to give your wallet a rest, you can’t go wrong with them.
Durability
Naturally, if you’re looking for a roofing material, you probably want one that’s strong and durable. In this department, most would point to rubber shingles as the champion of durability. Rubber is noted to sustain the elements better than their asphalt counterparts, lasting about 10-20 years longer.
Ease of Installation
Simply put, neither material is necessarily difficult for contractors to install. As such, this is an effective tie between the two, asphalt is relatively easy to install and remove, and so are rubber shingles.
The Takeaway
In conclusion, it’s difficult to discern a clear winner between these two materials. That’s why it’s smart to ponder how either would work for your own scenario – do you favor strength, budget-friendliness, or longevity the most? From there, you can make your decision as to which material is best for you.
Contact Bay State Exteriors!
Looking for high quality roofing services? Bay State Exteriors is here to serve homeowners throughout the Boston metro area and beyond! Our team of experts can work on your asphalt shingle or rubber roof and restore it to glory! To get in touch, simply give us a call at 857-389-5284 to talk with our team. We look forward to hearing from you.