What Are the Best Alternatives to Asphalt Shingles?
You might be left thinking that an asphalt roof is your only option when you hear that other materials come with long lead times or are simply unavailable.
Unfortunately, asphalt roofing doesn't match the durability, performance, or aesthetic appeal of synthetic alternatives. It's not sustainably produced, lacks the authentic look of cedar and slate, and doesn't meet the highest industry ratings. So what are your options?
At Enviroshake, we strive to ensure homeowners and contractors are fully informed about their roofing choices. Here, we explain all the factors to consider when selecting a roofing material and why you shouldn’t settle for asphalt.
The Downsides of Asphalt Roofing
While asphalt roofs are inexpensive, they present many challenges:
- Will asphalt shingles devalue my home? Replacing a cedar roof with asphalt can immediately devalue a property.
- How often do asphalt shingles need to be replaced? Most asphalt roofs need full replacement after 10 to 15 years due to granule loss, cracking, curling, and cupping. This frequent replacement schedule can make asphalt a costly choice over a home's lifetime.
- How do asphalt shingles hold up in bad weather? High winds can easily tear asphalt shingles off a roof, and the degrade quickly under heavy snow and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Health Risks: Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles emit formaldehyde, a toxic material that can cause respiratory irritation and more serious health effects.
What is the best alternative to asphalt shingles?
Composite and synthetic roofing products like Enviroshake are the most practical upgrade from asphalt. They match or exceed the look of natural materials like cedar and slate while outperforming them on durability, fire resistance, and weather performance. Unlike asphalt, a quality composite roof is built to last the life of the home, with no re-roofing cycle and no ongoing maintenance costs eating into your investment.
Why Choose Synthetics Over Asphalt?
Synthetics like Enviroshake provides a superior alternative with the most authentic-looking shake and slate products on the market, the best performance ratings in the industry, and no ongoing maintenance required. Our enhanced production capacity also ensures your roofing material is delivered on-site, on time.
- Does Enviroshake require maintenance? No. There is no staining, sealing, or topical treatment required at any point.
- What warranty does Enviroshake come with? A 50-year fully transferable warranty that protects your investment and supports resale value. Realtors agree Enviroshake delivers a 70 to 80 percent ROI upon resale.
- What impact rating does Enviroshake carry? Class 4 under UL 2218, the highest impact resistance classification available. Many insurance carriers offer discounted premiums for Class 4 rated roofing.
- Is Enviroshake fire rated? Yes. Enviroshake is Class A & Class C fire rated, and is fully WUI compliant, satisfying insurer requirements in fire-prone and wildfire interface zones.
- How quickly can I get Enviroshake? We ensure project deadlines are met. Reach out and we can walk you through what's in stock and current lead times.
Ready to ditch asphalt for good? Get in touch with our team and we'll help you find the right product for your home, walk you through lead times, and get you set up with a free brochure or sample.
Contact us or download a free brochure today!
