Asphalt shingles didn’t become one of the most popular roofing materials for no reason. They provide exceptional beauty and protection against the elements while being very cost-effective compared to other materials. It won’t be hard to find a shingle that complements your home style because they’re available in many different colors and textures. 

But, there are a few false notions that can make you think twice before considering asphalt shingles for your home. As a trusted roofer in the Puget Sound region, Polar Bear Exterior Solutions has debunked some of the most common ones below:

“Asbestos is a Key Component in Manufacturing Shingles”

This is no longer true as manufacturers stopped using asbestos back in the mid-20th century after the health risk and fire safety codes were updated. Asbestos was phased out in favor of safer inert mineral stabilizers. Only if you’re planning to buy and restore a home constructed between the 1940s and the 1970s, you might want to have the shingles and other building materials checked to see if there are any traces of asbestos.

“You Save Money With a Roof Overlay”

A roof overlay means installing a new layer of shingles over an old and worn and damaged roof. You might see it as a cost-effective solution, but the immediate benefits aren’t worth the costs in the long run. Aesthetics also becomes at risk because you have two roofing systems over your head, which may lead to sagging and the roof laying unevenly. Most roof repair and replacement contractors don’t follow this practice, as it doesn’t last as long as a brand-new roof and you’ll end up with more repairs later.

“Dark Shingles Affect Indoor Comfort”

Dark-colored shingles naturally absorb more radiant heat than light-colored ones. However, the difference is not enough to affect your home’s comfort. Dark shingles do absorb more heat compared to light-colored shingles because they absorb more heat from the sun instead of reflecting the heat. But even if you live in a very warm climate, dark shingles are still a fine choice as long as you have adequate attic insulation to prevent the heat from affecting indoor comfort.

Polar Bear Exterior Solutions is the trusted roofing contractor that homeowners in Seattle, Mukilteo and the rest of Snohomish and King counties continue to trust for their needs. Call us at (425) 290-5579 today to get a free estimate. You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment with one of our experts.