Roll vs. Shingle: The Roofing Showdown You Never Knew You Needed

Ever found yourself lying awake at night, pondering life’s greatest mysteries? No? Just me? Well, here’s a question that might not be keeping you up, but it’s definitely worth exploring: Is roll roofing better than shingles? Buckle up, roof enthusiasts (yes, that’s a thing now), as we dive into this thrilling roofing rivalry!

The Contenders:

In the red corner, weighing in at… well, it depends on the size of your roof: ROLL ROOFING! And in the blue corner, the classic crowd-pleaser: SHINGLES!

Let’s break it down, shall we?

Round 1: Installation

Roll Roofing:

• Quick and easy to install. It’s like unrolling a giant carpet on your roof.
• Can often be a DIY job for the brave homeowner.

Shingles:

• More time-consuming to install. Think of it as a giant, mildly frustrating puzzle.
• Usually requires professional installation.

Winner: Roll Roofing takes this round for speed and simplicity!

Round 2: Durability

Roll Roofing:

• Typically lasts 5-10 years.
• More prone to tears and weather damage.

Shingles:

• Can last 20-30 years or more.
• Better resistance to wind and weather.

Winner: Shingles win by a landslide! They’re the marathoners of the roofing world.

Round 3: Aesthetics

Roll Roofing:

• Limited color options.
• Flat appearance. Not winning any beauty pageants.

Shingles:

• Wide variety of colors and styles.
• Can mimic the look of slate, wood, or tile.

Winner: Shingles strut away with this one. They’re the supermodels of roofing!

Round 4: Cost

Roll Roofing:

• Generally cheaper upfront.
• But may need replacing more often.

Shingles:

• More expensive initially.
• But better long-term value due to longevity.

Winner: It’s a draw! Depends on whether you’re team “save now” or “save later.”

Round 5: Suitable Applications

Roll Roofing:

• Great for low-slope roofs.
• Ideal for sheds, garages, or temporary structures.

Shingles:

• Perfect for most residential homes.
• Better for steeper roof pitches.

Winner: No clear winner here. It’s horses for courses!

The Verdict:

So, is roll roofing better than shingles? Well, like most things in life, it depends!

Roll roofing might be your champion if:

• You have a low-slope or flat roof
• You’re on a tight budget
• You’re roofing a non-residential structure
• You enjoy DIY projects (and living on the edge)

Shingles could be your roofing soulmate if:

• You want a long-lasting roof
• Aesthetics are important to you
• You have a typical residential roof pitch
• You don’t mind investing more upfront for long-term benefits

Fun Fact

The earliest known shingles were used in Siberia around 5,000 BCE. They were made from… wait for it… horse and cow hair! Suddenly, asphalt doesn’t sound so bad, huh?

Conclusion

Both roll roofing and shingles have their place in the roofing world. It’s not about which is better overall, but which is better for your specific needs. So next time you’re at a party and someone brings up roofing materials (because that happens all the time, right?), you’ll be ready to roll… or shingle!

Remember, whether you choose to roll with it or shingle all the way, always consult with a professional roofer or San Marcos TX Roofing before making your final decision. Your roof will thank you!