Rolled Roofing vs Shingles: Which is Best for Your Roof? A Comprehensive Guide

In this day and age, there are more roofing options available for homeowners than ever before. And while many people are familiar with shingles, they may not be as knowledgeable about rolled roofing. But before you make any decisions about repairing or replacing your roof, it's important to understand the differences between rolled roofing and shingles and decide which is the best option for you. That's where this comprehensive guide comes in!
Here, we'll provide an in-depth look at the differences between rolled roofing and shingles. We'll discuss their properties, benefits, installation guidelines, and more … so you can make an informed decision on which kind of roofing material will be best for your home.
So, if you're wondering which type of roofing you should use for your next project … then read on and learn what our guide has to tell you about rolled roofing vs shingles.

Quick Overview

Rolled roofing materials are typically cheaper than shingles but have a shorter lifespan. In most cases, shingles are the better choice due to their durability and lower maintenance costs. You should speak with a professional roofing contractor to determine which option is best for your particular roof.

Qualities to Consider when Choosing Rolled Roofing vs Shingles

When deciding between rolled roofing and shingles, there are a variety of qualities to consider in each. Rolled roofing generally offers a more cost-effective option, often requiring half as much material as shingles. It is also simpler and faster to install, making it ideal for covering expansive roofs. On the other hand, shingles offer increased durability and may last up to twice as long as rolled roofing materials, making them a better long-term investment. Additionally, they come in a wide selection of colors and textures that rolled roofing does not offer.
Ultimately, the choice between rolled roofing and shingles will depend on personal preference and the specific need of the home’s roof. Factors such as budget, installation time, durability, design aesthetic, climate, and local regulations should all be taken into account when selecting the ideal material for your home or commercial building needs. If you're a commercial building owner, any qualified commercial roofing contractors should be able to assess your roof for you.
Now that you have an understanding of the differences between rolled roofing and shingles in terms of their qualities, let's take a look at how these materials will affect the exterior and interior design of your home.

Must-Know Points to Remember

When deciding between rolled roofing and shingles, it is important to consider a variety of factors such as cost, installation time, durability, aesthetic, climate, and local regulations. Rolled roofing generally offers a more cost-effective option that is simpler and faster to install, while shingles offer increased durability and come in a wide range of colors and textures. Ultimately, the choice between rolled roofing and shingles will depend on personal preference and the need of the home’s roof. These materials will have a significant impact on both the exterior and interior design of your home.

Exterior and Interior Design Concerns

When considering rolled roofing vs shingles, it's important to think about the exterior and interior design concerns that come into play. On the one hand, shingles can come in a variety of styles, colors, textures, and shapes. This flexibility makes them easier to match the existing facade of a home or building. Rolled roofing, on the other hand, is limited to basic roof types, so it may be difficult to find an option that matches the color of the home. Additionally, with shingles, you have more options in terms of ventilation since you can choose which area you want to install your venting option. With rolled roofing, ventilation is generally done from either end of the roof.
In terms of interior design, shingles provide better insulation from sound and maintain a comfortable temperature inside your home compared to rolled roofing. The overlap that comes with shingle installation provides better protection against air infiltration, whereas rolled roofing relies solely on sealants. Not only does this help keep out cold air during the winter months, but also loud noises such as rain and wind.
Taking all of these factors into consideration when selecting between rolled roofing vs shingles will ensure that both the exterior and interior designs are taken into account before making a final decision. However, there is another important factor to consider when looking at these two types of materials: the quality of materials used for each option. That topic will be discussed in the next section.

Quality of Materials Used for Rolled Roofing vs Shingles

The quality of materials paints an important picture for both rolled roofing and shingles. Rolled roofing can be made of tar paper, asphalt treated or untreated paper, or modified bitumen. Depending on the intended purpose of the roof, a material may be more suitable than another. Traditional felt paper is perhaps the least expensive option among rolled roofing materials. Commonly used in low-slope roofs, it features a base layer adhesive and has basic wind resistance. Meanwhile, asphalt-covered felt paper is much thicker than standard felt paper. It offers improved waterproofing and superior wind resistance, making it ideal for climates with heavy rain or strong winds. Furthermore, customers also have the option to choose from modified bitumen rolls which are largely made of rubberized asphalt. Such materials are highly resistant against water damage, UV rays, and temperature swings.
On the other hand, shingles offer quality materials mainly referred to as Asphalt and Fiberglass Shingles (AFS). The latter is now a common choice among homeowners because they are lightweight yet durable compared to Asphalt Shingles (AS). Both types of shingles feature a granular surface that assists with waterproof protection and heat reflection from direct sunlight. One next advantage of AFS is that their surface is tougher than AS and tends to last longer than its counterpart with minimal wear and tear over time. However, due to their complex construction architecture, AFS tend to be much pricier than AS overall.
In conclusion, both rolled roofing and shingles provide quality materials fitting various needs. Without discarding either end of the spectrum, the best option would depend on your budget capacity as well as climate conditions for each material's respective advantages to truly take effect. Moving forward, let's take a good look into how strength and durability factor into our decision when finding the right material for your roof installation project.

Strength and Durability Factor

When considering whether rolled roofing or shingles is the right fit for your roof, it is essential to evaluate the strength and durability of each material. It is no surprise that shingles are generally more durable than rolled roofing and have a longer lifespan. Shingles are made to handle extreme temperatures and can withstand up to 110 mph winds with the appropriate underlayment, sealing, and anchors. On the other hand, depending on the type of rolled roofing used, it usually offers lower wind resistance—around 80-90mph. This means that additional support may be needed in certain areas prone to high winds to ensure adequate coverage and protection from high pressures.
In terms of general strength against wear and tear, shingles typically are the superior choice as they are designed to provide an extra layer of protection against debris and weather elements. Rolled roofing, on the other hand, is more vulnerable leaving it susceptible to damage such as cracking or blistering over time. When properly sealed after installation though, those issues can be minimized significantly.
Before making a decision on which material is best for your roof, consider putting weight on both sides of the argument – quality materials used vs strength and durability – while taking into account all individual factors such as weather conditions in your area, budget, etc.
Taking into consideration this weighty deliberation, the next step in choosing a roof should be looking at maintenance requirements for rolled roofing vs shingles. The proper upkeep can prolong the life of any material helping you get the most out of your investment.

Maintenance Requirements for Rolled Roofing vs Shingles

When considering rolled roofing vs shingles for your roof, maintenance requirements should also be taken into account. Rolled roofing is generally known for its low maintenance and longevity; however it is susceptible to cracking in extreme temperatures, so it requires periodic inspection and resealing. Furthermore, due to its lower cost and simple installation process, it may be prone to water seeping beneath the seams if it wasn't properly sealed during installation. Shingles, on the other hand, require regular inspection for damage caused by wind or storm; they may also need replacing if the asphalt or color deteriorates because of prolonged exposure to sun. Despite some extra effort needing to be put forth in maintenance, shingles are a good investment if you expect long-term use.
In conclusion, while both rolled roofing and shingles offer their own benefits in terms of strength and durability, the required maintenance demands can vary greatly so that needs to be weighed accordingly against any costs associated with roofing repair time and cost . However, it's important to keep in mind that taking the appropriate preventive measures now can ensure future peace of mind when it comes to your roof.

• Rolled roofing is cheaper than shingles, with an average cost of $0.50 per square foot compared to an average cost of $2.50 to $8.00 per square foot for shingles.
• Shingles typically last longer than rolled roofing, with a lifespan ranging from 20 to 50 years depending on the material used, while rolled roofing can last up to 15 years.
• According to Roof Hub, shingles provide superior water protection, which makes them more resistant to weather damage over time compared to rolled roofing.

Required Repair Time and Cost

In terms of required repair time and cost, comparing rolled roofing vs shingles requires a further investigation. Rolled roofing can be repaired quickly due to its large sheets of covering that can eliminate the need for multiple patch-up jobs. However, it is also more likely to require an entire sheet replacement compared to one or two shingle replacements with asphalt shingles. Additionally, since rolled roofing is less expensive than other types of roof coverings, it may be easier and less expensive on the front end, but may end up costing homeowners more in the long run due to its shorter lifespan and higher likelihood of requiring full sheet replacement instead of partials. Asphalt shingles are generally more expensive upfront as well as during repairs compared to rolled roofing with its longer lifespan providing value for money over time when fewer repairs or replacements are required.
When it comes to accuracy in repair costs and time, both types of roof coverings require specialized knowledge, expertise, and experience. When making decisions concerning these two types of roof covering, homeowners should seek out additional information from qualified contractors and professionals before investing in either one. That being said, asphalt shingles typically have a longer lifespan which means they will require fewer repairs overall and cost less in the long run despite potentially more expensive upfront investments.
Ultimately, installation cost and repair times – as well as their associated costs – should factor into any consideration for rolled roofing vs shingles. It is important to weigh all factors to make an objective comparison while taking current weather conditions into account since both types of roof coverings could be affected differently depending on climate conditions. Unfortunately, there isn’t one clear answer that fits all scenarios when considering what type of roof covering is best for each individual home. With all this in mind, let us now focus our attention on the environmental impacts that come with choosing rolled roofing vs shingles.

Impact on the Environment with Rolled Roofing vs Shingles

When deciding between rolled roofing and shingles, it is important to consider the impact on the environment. While both roofing materials require fewer resources than traditional clay tiles, there are significant differences in their environmental impact.
Rolled roofing typically consists of asphalt-soaked paper or fiberglass mats which are coated with a mineral granule surface for increased protection against UV rays and other elements. Often made from recycled petroleum products, this material provides excellent insulation and durability but offers less longevity than shingles. Rolled roofings’ short lifespan results in additional waste that must be disposed of more frequently when compared to shingles.
On the other hand, shingles last significantly longer than rolled roofings and may even increase the home's energy efficiency by trapping heat better at lower temperatures. Many shingle manufacturers invest in environmentally friendly manufacturing processes such as recycling or using renewable energy sources. Although most shingle materials come from raw minerals, they have mid-range lifespans which result in fewer resources being used during frequent installation and replacement cycles.
Overall, while both rolled roofing and shingles have environmental benefits, depending on your needs and available resources, opting for metal or sustainable wood options might be a better choice for an eco-friendly home makeover due to its long life span. Additionally, homeowners should look into other measures such as proper insulation and solar panel installation that may further reduce environmental impact significantly over time.

FAQ

What factors should be taken into account when calculating the cost of either rolled roofing or shingles?

When calculating the cost of either rolled roofing or shingles, there are several factors that should be taken into account. First, the size of your roof should be considered as the larger the roof, the more materials needed to cover it. Secondly, the type of roof should be considered: rolled roofing is much thicker and heavier than shingles so needs a stronger base. Thirdly, the quality of both materials should be taken into account: higher grade rolled roofing and shingles will last longer but are more expensive. Lastly, local labor costs should be taken into consideration when choosing between rolled roofing or shingles. The installation process for rolled roofing is more complex and can require additional time and labor to complete correctly.

What are the pros and cons of using rolled roofing vs shingles?

Rolled roofing and shingles are two popular roofing materials that have distinct pros and cons. Rolled roofing is a type of material used on flat-surface roofs, such as those with low slopes. It's made out of asphalt-based sheets that come in long rolls or strips and can be applied quickly. Some advantages of using rolled roofing include its low cost, availability in large rolls which make cover larger areas quickly, fewer seams compared to shingles, and speed of installation since it can often be applied without the need of a professional. However, one of the biggest downside of using rolled roofing is that it has a shorter lifespan than shingles, with these roofs often needing repairs or replacement within 10-15 years.
On the other hand, shingles are individual pieces of material that overlap each other when installed on a roof. This type of material is more commonly found on steeply-sloped roofs. The benefits of using shingles include an increased lifespan (usually around 25 years), easy maintenance due to being able to spot repair and replace individual shingles, better fire resistance compared to rolled roofing they’re also available in a wide variety of colors and styles which makes them more aesthetically pleasing than their rolled counterpart. However, one downside is that like any other roofing material they will eventually deteriorate over time and will likely need replacing within their lifespan. In addition, shingle installation can be very labor intensive so it may require the hire of a professional contractor, raising the overall cost.
In summary, it's important to consider both the pros and cons when deciding between rolled roofing vs shingles for your roof. Each type has its own strengths and weaknesses making them suitable for certain applications but not always ideal for others. Ultimately it comes down to your preference as well as your budget and the style/aesthetic appeal that you want for your home.

What are some key considerations to keep in mind when deciding between rolled roofing and shingles?

When deciding between rolled roofing and shingles, some key considerations to keep in mind are long-term cost, maintenance requirements, environmental impact, aesthetics, and ease of installation.
Rolled roofing is typically cheaper than shingles up front, but it may not be the best value in the long run since it often needs to be replaced after 7-10 years. In addition, it can require more frequent maintenance and repairs. While some types of rolled roofing are made from recycled materials, they generally have a lower recyclability rate than shingle options. Moreover, because it is usually more flat and not textured in appearance, rolled roofing may not be as aesthetically pleasing as shingles. On the plus side, rolled roofing is less difficult to install than most shingle options.
Shingles offer many advantages over rolled roofing including better durability and higher recyclability. Shingles come in a variety of styles and textures that can complement any home exterior aesthetic. They also require less frequent maintenance than rolled roofing. The downside is that shingle installation can be more complex and costly than rolled roofing.
Deciding whether to use rolled roofing or shingles should take into account all of these factors so you can make an informed decision about what will work best for your roof in the short-term and long-term.