One of the biggest debates that people have when they’re installing a new roof is what type of material to use. Traditionally in Texas, people have asphalt shingles, metal panels, or clay tiles. However, while each of these options are durable and aesthetically pleasing, they’re also expensive and difficult to install. 

As a result, some people are turning to roll roofing in place of the more common options, like shingles. While roll roofing and shingles have a few things in common, they’re very different in terms of installation, application, and quality. If you’re planning to install a new roof on your home are debating between roll roofing vs. shingles, you’ve come to the right place. 

Everything You Need to Know About Rolled Roofing 

Roll roofing, also known as MSR, is made of asphalt and is a mineral-surfaced roofing material. However, the fact that both shingles and rolled roofing is asphalt-based is where the similarities end between the two. Rolled roofing is better for flat or mostly flat roofs with a slope of 2:12 or less, whereas shingles are best for roofs with more slope. 

Rolled roofing comes in rolls, similar to a carpet, that are typically 36 feet long and 3 feet wide. A single roll covers 100 square feet, and you install rolled roofing the same way you would a carpet or rug. Simply fasten the end to the edge of the roof, and start unrolling the roofing. You then use roofing nails to fasten the roof periodically. However, the main seal comes from overlapping various sections of the roofing and melting or fusing them together. 

Because of how affordable and easy rolled roofing is to install, many homeowners like the idea of using it. However, there’s much more that you need to know about rolled roofing before you get too excited about using it on your home. 

Everything You Need to Know About Shingles 

For nearly a century, asphalt shingles have been the gold standard of the roofing industry. While some homeowners are starting to move towards metal or clay roofs, shingles are still the most popular roofing material in the country. 

While shingles are made from the same material as rolled roofing, they’re thicker, stronger, and more durable. Asphalt shingles also look much better than rolled roofing, and they have the ability to move and shift with your home. This flexibility means that shingled roofs last much longer than rolled roofing. 

Roll Roofing Vs. Shingles: Price Comparison 

In terms of the upfront cost of roll roofing vs. shingles, there’s no comparison. Rolled roofing is much cheaper than shingles, both for the materials and in installation costs. Professionals can install rolled roofing much quicker than they can traditional shingles, and you can save even more money by doing the work yourself. 

However, while rolled roofing is cheaper to purchase and install, it won’t always save you money in the long run. Roll roofing isn’t nearly as durable as shingles, which means you’ll have to replace it two or three times as often. 

Roll Roofing Vs. Shingles: Which Option is Right for Me? 

Now that you have a better idea of roll roofing vs. shingles in terms of what they are let’s look at how the two stack up head to head. 

Roll Roofing Vs. Shingles: Installation 

Shingles are more difficult to install than roll roofing. In fact, most homeowners with basic tools and working skills can install their own roll roofing. Shingles, on the other hand, are more finicky and typically require professional installation. While roll roofing has the advantage in initial cost and installation, these are the only advantages it has over shingles. 

Roll Roofing Vs. Shingles: Durability 

Because shingles are thicker, higher quality, and installed individually, they last much longer than roll roofing. Shingle roofs can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, whereas roll roofing typically only lasts for a maximum of 8 to 10. However, because rolled roofing isn’t flexible and can’t stretch, it’s prone to cracking and can give out in as little as 3 years. 

Roll Roofing Vs. Shingles: Resale Value 

If you’re ever thinking about selling your house and are concerned about resale value, shingles are the way to go. A new shingled roof will improve the value and quality of your home, whereas installing a new rolled roof could decrease the value. Any realtor or home inspector worth their salt will immediately see the rolled roof and warn potential homeowners. Realtors and inspectors see rolled roofing as a money pit because they know how fragile and cheap it is. 

Roll Roofing Vs. Shingles: Appearance 

Shingles also look much better than rolled roofing does post-installation. You can choose a variety of styles and colors with shingles but rolled roofing typically comes in black or white, and there’s only one style – rolled. 

Roll Roofing Vs. Shingles: Where to Use Them? 

If you’re investing in a new roof for your house or business, you should always use shingles over rolled roofing. Shingles look better, last longer, improve the quality and value of your home, and are better for traditional homes with a slope of 3:12 or greater. 

Rolled roofing, on the other hand, is best suited for barns, shops, garages, and other work or outbuildings. While you can technically use rolled roofing for houses with slopes of 4:12 and less, it’s better for flatter roofs on uninhabited structures. 

Contact KangaRoof for Roll Roofing or Shingle Installation

Whether you’re leaning towards rolled roofing or shingles for your home, business, or another building, contact us at KangaRoof. We’re an industry leader when it comes to all types of roofs, and no job is too big or small for us to handle. While we always recommend shingles for residential structures, we’re happy to install whatever roofing material you prefer.