Asphalt Roofing: the Pros and Cons

Asphalt is a very versatile material. It’s usually used to surface driveways, carparks and roads. But it’s also a great material to use to cover your flat roof.

Mastic asphalt is usually used for roofing. This is made up of asphalt, limestone powder and limestone aggregate. Typically roofers apply asphalt to a roof by heating it up in a boiler and trowelling it on.

Asphalt is popular because it’s long-lasting and versatile. To help you decide whether you want to use asphalt on your flat roof, we’ve made a list of its pros and cons. For More information about asphalt roofing or to get a quote from up to 4 roofers for a new asphalt roof contact us.

Man doing Asphalt Roofing

Asphalt Roof Pros

Long-lasting

Asphalt is long-lasting. It can withstand normal weather conditions and being walked on. If you install and maintain asphalt roofing properly, it can last for over 30 years.

Easy to repair

Asphalt is easy to repair. If any cracks appear you can easily fill them in.

Versatile

Asphalt is versatile. You can mould it into different shapes to suit a variety of roofs. It’s also suitable for any size of roof.

Clean finish

Asphalt has a smooth, clean finish, which can look neat and tidy. It’s also popular for its matte finish.

Asphalt Roof Cons

Heavy

Asphalt is heavy. This means that the roof structure it sits on must be strong enough to take its weight without moving or buckling. So asphalt isn’t a suitable roofing material for weak or flimsy roofs.

Affected by weather

Asphalt can be affected by weather. In hot temperatures it can become soft and malleable, and cold weather can make asphalt brittle. Brittle asphalt can develop cracks or shatter on impact.

Expensive

Asphalt can be expensive. It costs significantly more per square metre than several other roofing materials, like felt and rubber.

Unsuitable for sloped roofs

 

Asphalt is unsuitable for significantly sloped flat roofs. Roofers lay asphalt hot, which means it’s in thick liquid form. If the slope of a roof is too steep, the asphalt will slowly run off the roof rather than setting.

So asphalt is great if you want a long-lasting roof with a smooth, clean finish. But it’s not the best material to use if you have a weak or significantly sloped roof. Our guide to roofing costs covers a wide range of materials to you can make the best decision on what is right for your budget.

If you want to find a contractor to install an asphalt roof, you can fill in our online form. We’ll put you in contact with up to 4 roofers in your local area. Or if you want to learn about other flat roofing materials you can take a look at our information on felt, rubber, GRP fibreglass and PVC.