The Pros And Cons Of Rolled Roofing Vs Shingles Roofs
When renovating or building a new home, one of the biggest investments homeowners make is in the roofing material. Two of the most common options for residential roofing are rolled roofing and asphalt shingles. At first glance, both provide durable, waterproof coverage. However, there are several key differences between these products that impact the cost, longevity, performance, and even the look of your home.
Rolled roofing, also referred to as roll roofing or modified bitumen roofing, comes in continuous sheets that are unrolled and installed over the roof deck. Asphalt shingles are comprised of individual tile-like sections made from fiberglass, organic mats, or composite materials. They are installed in an overlapping pattern and nailed down row-by-row. When comparing rolled roofing vs shingles, you need to weigh factors from affordability to durability and aesthetic appeal.
Installation and Material Cost Differences
One of the first considerations for most homeowners is cost, both for materials and professional installation. Rolled roofing typically has a lower upfront material cost per square foot than asphalt shingles. Installation costs are also usually lower since unrolling and fastening sheets can be accomplished quickly. Shingles involve more intricate installation labor due to their interlocking design and the need to precisely position and nail down each piece.
However, it's important to factor lifecycle costs over the long term functionality of the roof. The average lifespan of rolled roofing is 10-20 years, while high quality architectural shingles often last 30-50 years or more with proper maintenance. Within the lifespan of a single shingle roof, rolled roofing would need to be replaced at least once, possibly twice. This drives up the long term expenses.
Additionally, rolled roofing may negatively impact resale value due to its shorter longevity and less attractive look. Asphalt shingles are perceived as higher quality and can allow homeowners to recoup some of the investment upon selling the home. First costs are not the only considerations when choosing between these two roofing systems.
Typical Material and Installation Costs Per Square
- Rolled Roofing - $50-100 materials, $30-50 labor
- Asphalt Shingles - $80-350 materials, $70-150 labor
Average Lifespan
- Rolled Roofing - 10-20 years
- Laminated Asphalt Shingles - 20-30 years
- Architectural Shingles - 30-50 years
Performance Factors and Durability
In terms of durability, rolled roofing can provide reliable waterproofing, especially on low or completely flat roofs. However, shingles tend to better withstand weathering and age over decades of service. Individual asphalt shingles are nailed or stapled down versus rolled roofing which is loose-laid or only partially secured. This makes shingles more wind and storm resistant.
The multi-layer construction of asphalt shingles also boosts their impact protection and longevity. Rolled roofing relies on a single layer of asphalt and sometimes a mineral surface coating. Over time, the rolled material can become brittle and develop cracks or tears. Properly installed shingles maintain their integrity and layered waterproofing abilities longer.
In very hot or consistently cold climates, asphalt shingles perform markedly better than rolled roofing which can become pliable and prone to damage. The durability, wind uplift resistance, and impact protection of shingles allow them to withstand severe weather events like hail, heavy snow loads, and high wind speeds in many areas.
Ideal Roof Slope
- Rolled Roofing - Flat or nearly flat roofs up to 2:12 pitch
- Asphalt Shingles - 4:12 pitch or greater for optimal performance
Appearance and Style Choices
Homeowners focused on aesthetics and curb appeal have far more options with asphalt shingles. Rolled roofing primarily comes in basic black, white or brown. Some varieties feature decorative mineral surfacing for slight visual interest. Overall though, choices are very limited.
In contrast, asphalt shingles come in a vast range of colors from popular black, brown, and gray to eye-catching reds, greens, and blues. There are also multi-tone designer blends. Dimensional architectural shingles add extra texture and thickness for increased visual drama. The variety of patterns available, such as architectural, tabbed, and dimensional styles mimicking wood shakes, slate, and stone, allow for creativity.
This versatility in styles and colors enables homeowners to complement both traditional and contemporary home exteriors. Rolled roofing simply cannot compete with the design flexibility of asphalt shingle roofing.
Rolled Roofing Styles
- Smooth asphalt
- Mineral-coated
- Decorative granule surfaces
Asphalt Shingle Options
- 3-tab
- Architectural - dimensional and layered
- Luxury styles mimicking wood, slate, and stone
- Alternative colors like green, blue, red
- Designer blends
Installation Considerations
There's no question that rolled roofing allows for simpler and quicker installation compared to shingles. Full rolls of material can be secured over the roof deck in large sections using mechanical fasteners, asphalt adhesive or heat welding. With individual shingles, each piece needs to be meticulously laid in place row by row and fastened down while precisely aligning edges.
However, technological advancements have made the installation process easier for DIYers to tackle. Newer synthetic underlayments provide a protective barrier over the roof deck. Starter shingles come pre-cut for ease of alignment along the edges. Nailing guides and markings on shingles assist with proper placement. Power tools like pneumatic nailers simplify the fastening process as well. With proper training and equipment, shingle projects are doable for many homeowners.
An advantage of rolled roofing is the ability to install it directly over existing shingles in certain re-roofing scenarios. This avoids time consuming and costly tear-off of the old roof. Asphalt shingles typically require complete removal down to the roof deck before installation of new material. Proper disposal of existing roofing adds expense, efforts, and landfill waste.
Key Installation Tips
- Ensure roof deck is prepped properly by removing old roofing, making any needed repairs, and installing protective underlayment
- Follow all manufacturer application instructions precisely
- Wear safety equipment like harnesses and toe boards for steep roofs
- Consider hiring professional installers for complex projects or difficult access roofs
When weighing rolled roofing vs asphalt shingles, the deciding factors for most homeowners are cost, architectural style, and desired longevity. For flat commercial roofs, rolled roofing is often an economical solution. On sloped residential roofs, shingles typically provide better performance and design options.
Rolled roofing does have lower upfront costs, but requires replacing well before a comparable shingle roof would reach its service life. Asphalt shingles offer far more color and style choices for greater curb appeal and home value. They also stand up to weather extremes and protect against impacts over decades of use. Carefully evaluate your own budget, roof structure, and needs when selecting between these popular materials.
For flat or minimally pitched roofs on homes and outbuildings, rolled roofing can provide adequate waterproofing at a reasonable initial price. On sloped roofs where performance is critical, aesthetics matter, and a long service life is desired, investing in asphalt shingles is usually the smarter choice.