Asphalt shingle roofs are unfairly mistreated. The product has improved since the introduction of fiberglass, which has replaced the old felted paper for about ten years. Today, says president of Roofmi, we can get asphalt shingles with 50-year guarantees, and even lifetime guarantees!
At equal quality, the asphalt shingle has an unavoidable advantage. It costs less than steel, aluminum or cedar shingles. A lot less expensive. Asphalt shingle roofs start at $ 5,000 or $ 6,000 for a gable bungalow. On a larger and more complex, steeply gabled house, a high quality shingle roof can cost anywhere from $ 15,000 to $ 20,000. The same sheet steel roof could exceed $ 50,000. The bill for some copper or zinc roofs can even reach $ 150,000.
“There are about 100,000 homes in the Gatineau area,” says Raymond, “and 90 to 95 per cent of them are covered with asphalt shingles. In their new residential projects, builders still use only asphalt shingles. This is the dominant product, and the most economical. In fact, with fiberglass, asphalt shingles have nothing to envy to their more expensive competitors.
Regarding quality-price, Roofmi has no hesitation: he is happy to recommend the installation of asphalt shingles. Roofmi customers can choose from an assortment of standard asphalt shingles with a 25 year warranty or lifetime guaranteed shingles. Color choices range from shingle of neutral tint to blends of four colors in illusion.
Raymond Roofing also lays metal roofing that “charms by their look of country house, but also by their resistance to the different climates of the region”.
Many advantages
Having proven themselves over time, asphalt shingles come in many styles, colors and shapes to suit the most demanding customer needs. Well laid, these shingles are waterproof and contribute to the evacuation of water from the roof. Asphalt shingles have several advantages:
– their affordable cost;
– their resistance (asphalt shingles have been used for more than a century and have been proven in our climate);
– their availability (we can buy them from all good retailers and roofers);
– the wide range of products (all shapes, sizes, styles and colors);
– Guarantees that range from 20 years to the end of life, providing the customer with security and peace of mind.
– easy to install and low maintenance compared to other more expensive roofing materials.
Although there are other more expensive roofing materials, such as metal or wood shingles and concrete or slate tiles, asphalt shingles are in most cases better suited to all residential roofs since they are lighter and better supported by the frame. In addition, maintenance to maintain their initial appearance is much less demanding.
