Is it time to replace your roof? If so, you may being wondering where to go from here—after all, there is a wide array of roofing shingles to choose from, and each separate roofing material comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages regarding style, affordability, color options, and weight. One of the most common options, asphalt roofing shingles are a popular choice for repairing or replacing a roof due to their durability and variety of colors. But are they right for you? Here are a few pros and cons of asphalt roofing shingles which may help you decide.

Pro: Affordability. Asphalt shingles are one of the least expensive roofing shingles available, making it a very attractive option for many homeowners. Combined with low-priced installation, an asphalt shingle roof will often cost a fraction of what another roof, such as one of metal or wood, may run.

Con: Lack of thermal protection. Unlike other, more expensive roofing shingles, asphalt offers only a minimal amount of protection against the temperature. For example, on a hot summer day, asphalt roofing shingles will transfer heat into the home rather than deflect it—which can be a nightmare for homeowners without air conditioning. If you do choose asphalt shingles, make sure your attic is well-ventilated to the outside in order to counteract this issue.

Pro: Weather resistance. For residents who live in areas where there is plenty of ice, water, and wind, asphalt shingle roofs are common because they withstand extreme weather very well.

Con: Lack of durability. If you’re looking for a lifetime guarantee, you may want to steer clear of asphalt roofing shingles. They usually last 20 years at the most—and that’s with the best of maintenance—whereas you can find other more costly roofing shingles that will last up to 50 years.

Pro: Easy installation. Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the easiest of roof materials to install by a professional roofing company, and one of the least expensive installment options as well.

Con: Risk of rot. If your asphalt roofing shingles are damp, moist, and in a shady part of the roof, they run a high risk of rot. While this rot can be repaired easily, if it is not fixed in the early stages, it can affect the underlying layers and even the structure of the roof.

Pro: Low maintenance. One of the reasons that asphalt shingles are so affordable is that they require very little maintenance. Furthermore, when they are in need of repair, it’s easy enough to simply replace a few roofing shingles instead of an entire roof.