The Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Author: Barbara Horwitz-Bennett | December 17, 2025
It's worth considering the pros and cons of any roofing material before you slap some on your house. Put pen to paper, and asphalt shingles quickly emerge as a standout candidate with a considerably long list of benefits—including affordability, durability, ease of installation, and low-effort maintenance—that cement its place as a market leader.
According to findings from a 2025 Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association report, 80% percent of American homes have asphalt roofs. You can't walk around a suburban neighborhood without seeing homes adorned in the telltale roofing cover.
Let's explore why contractors and customers alike turn to asphalt shingles time and time again.
Asphalt shingles are easy to maintain and affordable
An asphalt roof is easy to maintain and very affordable—checking off two top priorities for most homeowners—especially when compared to other commonly used roofing materials like concrete, clay tiles, and slate.
When it comes to cleaning, step away from the power washer. Asphalt shingles can be easily cared for with a deck broom to knock out debris and a hearty application of a cleaning solution to make things sparkle and shine.
Asphalt shingles are adaptable
Additionally, unlike metal roofing, asphalt shingles are resistant to moisture damage and do not rust. If some damage does occur, it's often limited to a section of individual shingles, which are easy to repair.
Other important benefits to consider include asphalt's resistance to fire and its adaptability to a wide variety of roofing styles. While the former is a protective measure in case disaster strikes, the latter is an aesthetic benefit. Asphalt is also available in a wide assortment of colors, shapes, and dimensional depths, widely appealing to customers.
Asphalt shingles are a cost-effective roofing solution
Price-wise, Home Advisor puts a typical asphalt shingle roof between $4.25 and $12.25 per square foot, depending on the kind of shingles you select. The typical midrange price for a full roof replacement on a 3,000-square-foot roof is $6,800 to $24,000.
The final price tag varies, depending on a number of factors, including the type of shingles chosen, the roof slope and complexity, and other materials like underlayment and flashing, in addition to labor costs. Even the region will factor into the final cost, as climate can impact the scope of a project.
Customers should also budget for any warranty plans, the cost to remove their old roof, and any dumpster or disposal fees for getting old roofing materials off their property. It's a lot to balance, but a reliable contractor can help estimate all of these costs.
Considerations for Asphalt Shingles
In order to evaluate the whole picture, there's more to consider when it comes to roofing material. Keep in mind that asphalt shingles are not recyclable, and therefore not as eco-friendly as other roofing types. Additionally, standard asphalt shingles don't stand up well in high-wind areas. If the client lives in an area prone to tornadoes or hurricanes, their home may need a heavier asphalt product or special installation.
It's also important to know that asphalt roofs are not as long-lasting as other roofing types; This material has a 10- to 20-year shelf life. This less-than-lifetime longevity may be nothing to worry about if they don't plan on owning their home for longer than a few decades. However, clients may want to invest in something more durable if they can afford the upfront cost, and if it's an appropriate structural choice for your home. Of course, vigilant inspections and proactive repairs prolong the life of any asphalt roof.
Consider the pros and cons of asphalt shingles and talk about your choices with an experienced roofing contractor at QXO. Get in touch today!