Which Is Better for Chicago Homes? Difference Between Asphalt Shingles and Rubber Shingles
Ready to learn about rubber shingles vs asphalt shingles? To maintain a cost-effective, durable, and eco-friendly roofing system, you should first choose the right type of roof tile. Asphalt shingles are cheaper and more common among homeowners in Illinois, but rubber shingles are more durable and resistant to weather. A rubber roof is also more environmentally friendly. However, rubber is several times more expensive than asphalt. So we have collected the most important information to help you make the right choice for your home in Chicago from the popular options.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Overview in Chicago
Asphalt shingles consist of several key components:
- Fiberglass
- Asphalt
- Mineral filler
- Ceramic granules
- Sealant
- Protective coating on the bottom
Asphalt shingles are the most popular material for pitched residential roofs in Chicago. It is suitable for roofs with a slope of 2:12 to 21:12 and can be used on such types of roofs as gable, mansard, and hip roofs. It is chosen for its affordability, ease of installation, and variety of styles and colors.
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Rubber Roofing (Sheet or Roll) Overview
The rubber roof consists of synthetic rubber (EPDM, TPO, PVC) with a reinforcing layer (fiberglass, polyester) and additives for weather resistance, especially in some Chicago Neighborhoods. This roof is ideal for flat or low-pitched roofs of residential and commercial buildings. It provides excellent waterproofness, weather resistance, and durability. EPDM is particularly suitable for roofs where water accumulates, and its ease of installation reduces installation costs.
Rubber Shingles Overview
Rubber shingles are becoming increasingly popular in Chicago areas with flat roofs because of their long-lasting durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions.
First, rubber shingles consist of recycled tires. During the production process, binders, color pigments, and other additives are added to the crushed rubber to improve its properties. It can consist of up to 95% recycled materials.
Rubber shingles are used for pitched roofs of residential buildings in Chicago. You can install them on traditional gable, hip, and mansard roofs. Its main advantages are resistance to harsh weather conditions (wind, hail, and ultraviolet rays), as well as high energy efficiency and durability.
Whether you need a simple repair or a complete replacement, our expert team in Chicago is here to help.
Asphalt VS Rubber Roof VS Shingles Cost
Durability and Lifespan
In Chicagoland, where winter storms and heavy rainfall are common, rubber shingles are favored for their superior weather resistance and durability. Still, choosing between asphalt shingles and rubber? Well, that’s how long these roofs can serve you:
- Asphalt shingles – standard 3-tab shingles – 15-30 years, architectural shingles – 20-30 years, premium shingles – 25-40 years.
- Rubber shingles – 30-50 years.
- The rubber coating (EPDM) – 40-50 years.
What about weather resistance? Asphalt shingles are ideal for use in moderate Chicago suburbs but not for areas that experience frequent freeze-thaw cycles, hail, and UV radiation. Rubber tiles and roofing do a much better job of withstanding the weight of snow and rain, hail, and UV rays.
Explore our collection of informative and engaging videos on roof repair.
Environmental Impact: Comparison Between Asphalt Shingle and Rubber Roofing
For those searching for more durable roofing solutions near me, rubber shingles are gaining popularity due to their long lifespan and resistance. Rubber tile/roofing is made with recycled car tires, therefore, the disposal of these tiles/roofing saves space in the disposal sites. Making rubber roofing using recycled materials has less energy consumption than using new materials, such as asphalt shingles. It’s also worth mentioning that there are companies that will recycle these roofs when they fail in your homes.
Asphalt roofs cannot be recycled and have a shorter service life. All of this leads to more waste – so asphalt shingles are not for the environmentally conscious.
Aesthetic Appeal – Asphalt and Rubber Roofing
You can buy rubber shingles in a variety of styles (even those that resemble slate, wood, and asphalt roofs). Producers present a wide range of colors and styles as well as it is possible to paint selected tiles individually according to desires. While using asphalt shingles you have more choices of ready-made designs, rubber shingles, in turn, offer more customization.
If you’re looking for local roofers near you, consider asphalt shingles, which come in various colors and styles. Rubber shingles can look like expensive roofing materials (such as slate), which adds aesthetic value to your home in Chicago suburbs at a lower price.
Pros and Cons Summary for Homeowners
Asphalt shingles
Advantages:
- Affordable price
- Large selection of colors and styles
- Easy installation, which reduces labor costs
Disadvantages:
- Limited lifespan (20-30 years)
- Vulnerable to damage due to weather conditions
- Negative impact on the environment due to the use of oil
A roofing company close to me usually offers a budget-friendly solution for homeowners in the area.
Rubber Tiles
- Durability, resistance to impact, cracking, and decay
- Resistance to extreme weather conditions
- Environmentally friendly, often made from recycled materials
- Higher initial price
- Fewer options for colors and styles
- Can have a strong odor at first
Rubber Roofing (Sheets or Rolls)
Advantages:
- Long service life (30-50 years)
- Energy efficiency, good insulation
- Easy to maintain
Disadvantages:
- Requires specialized installation
- Limited aesthetic appeal, available mainly in black or white colors
- Higher initial cost
Choosing the Right Roofing Material
Firstly, choose asphalt shingles for sloped roofs (with a slope of 4:12 or more), but do not choose them for flat roofs because of the risk of leakage. Rubber tiles are suitable for both sloped and flat roofs.
Secondly, asphalt shingles work well in many climates, but deteriorate quickly under heat or sunlight. At the same time, rubber tiles are more temperature resistant UV, and moisture-resistant, and have higher hail and wind protection.
If you have a sloping roof and are looking for a cheap and easy-to-install roof, asphalt shingles are the way to go. However, rubber tiles offer greater durability and resistance to weather conditions. For flat or low-sloped roofs, rubber roofing is the best option because it prevents water accumulation and leaks, and can last up to 50 years.
Conclusion
We have come to an end! We would like to remind you that the cost of rubber roofs is higher at the beginning, but otherwise, they will definitely impress you. If you want to find a more budget-friendly solution, feel free to look at asphalt shingles. In general, take into account what kind of roof you have, how much money you have, and what you like in general (styles, designs). Choose rubber shingles if long-term value, environmental friendliness, and energy efficiency are important to you. Ask more about the best solution from local roofers near you.
FAQ
What is the difference between rubber roofing sheets and rubber shingles?
To create roofing sheets, manufacturers join large flat pieces of rubber together, while rubber shingles are made up of individual small pieces. That is, like traditional tiles.
How does the installation process differ between rubber roofing (sheets) and rubber shingles?
To install a rubber coating, you need to clean the roof, apply glue, and stretch the sheets – you can’t do this yourself. However, if you have experience, you can handle rubber tiles that need to be nailed down like regular tiles.
How long do rubber shingles last compared to asphalt shingles?
Rubber tiles have a much longer service life, which can reach 30-50 years or even more. Asphalt shingles usually last 15-30 years.
How does the weight of rubber shingles compare to asphalt shingles for sloped roofs?
Rubber shingles are usually lighter than bitumen shingles. Therefore, you can reduce the load on the roof and foundation. However, the weight difference is not significant, and both types of tiles can be used on most pitched roofs.
Are rubber shingles more expensive than asphalt shingles?
Yes, rubber tiles are more expensive than asphalt tiles. It costs more at the beginning, but it lasts longer and requires less repairs. Asphalt shingles are cheaper but have a shorter service life.
