Engineered Thatch Roofing: an Alternative to Asphalt Shingles

Selecting the correct roofing material is among residential and commercial buildings’ most important design choices. To ensure the best choice for your home’s or building’s longevity and aesthetic appeal, it’s critical to understand the various options available to you through an unfiltered, impartial lens. 

Similar to how we compared engineered thatch roofing and tile, this blog will explore nuanced differences between engineered thatch and asphalt shingles, presented as a balanced overview with a discussion of each use case. We understand the complexity of developing architectural plans, but with some clarity around roofing materials, we hope you’ll be able to make a decision that is informed and satisfying to your particular situation. 

So – engineered thatch and asphalt shingles – how do they stack up? Which is best for you? 

Benefits of Engineered Thatch Roofing 

Engineered thatch is a synthetically engineered thatch that looks and feels exactly like the natural type. Engineered thatch takes all the benefits of natural thatch (the natural beauty, charm, and style). It removes all the downsides (low durability, maintenance cost, mess from plant debris, attraction to pests, and depletion of natural resources). 

Thatched roofing has an undeniable track record of quality, keeping humanity safe, warm, and dry for thousands of years – engineered thatch roofing has evolved that tradition into the modern age. By retaining the beauty of natural thatch in a non-flammable, weather-resistant, and affordable product, engineered thatch is a modern roofing solution for practically any home or building. The benefits of engineered thatch include: 

Cost 

Engineered thatch has a higher initial cost than asphalt shingles, but its durability, longevity, and low need for maintenance are well worth the long-term investment covered by a 20-year warranty. Furthermore, engineered thatch is lightweight, which can lead to lower initial construction costs. 

Durability

Endureed’s engineered thatch roofing is created using a patented formula that protects the roof from rot, decay, extreme weather conditions, and fading color. Specifically, it is made from class A fire-resistant materials. It can withstand category 5 hurricane winds while avoiding any brittleness and cracking that asphalt shingles suffer in hot and cold weather or bright sunlight. Endureed guarantees 20 years of no maintenance! 

Eco-Friendliness 

Engineered thatch is made from responsibly sourced materials and manufactured using sustainable practices that minimize the potential carbon footprint. Engineered thatch is also fully recyclable, whereas asphalt shingles are widely regarded as not eco-friendly and are not usually recyclable. 

Aesthetics

They say classics always stay in style, which is certainly here to stay. With the union of classic charm and modern elegance, engineered thatch is a practical and aesthetically pleasing roofing type.

Utility

Engineered thatch takes practicality to the next level. This roofing type has natural insulation properties that help keep a building warm during the winter and cool during the summer while reducing energy expenses on heating and cooling systems. Engineered thatch is also fire-resistant because it can withstand extremely high heat and repel fire. 

Benefits of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are among the most popular types of roofing covers and have been a staple of American residential architecture for nearly a century. Developed by American inventor Henry Reynolds of Grand Rapids, Michigan, the popularity of asphalt shingles began in the early 1900s, soared in and through the World War Two era, and continues to dominate today. 

The benefits of asphalt shingles include: 

Cost

Asphalt shingles are known to have low upfront costs. Installation and materials are usually lower than other roofing materials, but this does not include any damage or required maintenance. 

Installation

Installing asphalt shingles is a relatively straightforward process. While it’s not usually recommended for people without experience to attempt any type of roofing, asphalt shingles can be installed on a DIY basis if you or someone you’re working with has experience with roof-work safety and you have access to video tutorials. 

Access

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing, and the number of companies that offer them is immense. With many companies offering a single product, finding manufacturers with competitive pricing and features is easy. 

Customizable 

Although you might have a particular style in mind when you think about asphalt shingles, the truth is that they come in a wide variety of options. Black and brown are popular choices, but you can also choose asphalt shingles in blue, red, or green colors. 

Maintenance 

More maintenance might be required for asphalt shingles than engineered thatch, but the maintenance is usually easy and inexpensive. This is primarily because individual shingles can be replaced should there be any isolated damage or issues. 

When to Use Engineered Thatch vs. Asphalt Shingles

Engineered thatch and asphalt shingles can both be used in similar contexts. Whereas engineered thatch may thrive in upscale urban developments, heritage sites, fire-risk areas, and themed venues (zoos/aquariums/spas/resorts), and asphalt shingles thrive in fast-expansion residential developments, they both share common ground in that suburban residences can select from either material. 

The question becomes, is engineered thatch a worthy alternative to asphalt shingles? Asphalt shingles are primarily used in residential settings, so to be a serious alternative, engineered thatch would need to be able to thrive in neighborhoods as well. 

Fortunately, it ticks all the boxes regarding superior durability, longevity, and maintenance. Costs are also generally comparable, with a higher upfront cost of engineered thatch offsetting its 20-year guarantee of no maintenance. Ultimately, it falls to personal taste whether it is an alternative. 

Some neighborhoods with strict homeowners’ association guidelines, for example, may require a standardized look and therefore prevent you from choosing engineered thatch, but most situations will allow the selection of engineered thatch, which is far more than just an aesthetic choice but an investment into a quality future as well. 

The Bottom Line

Selecting the perfect roofing material for your home or business requires much consideration. Fortunately, Endureed’s premium engineered thatch is a fantastic material choice – offering superior aesthetics, durability, functionality, and safety. 

Asphalt roofing is the right choice if you want to blend in with your neighbors and invest in a roof that has a low initial cost. On the other hand, if you want to add charm and elegance in measure with reliability and protection against adverse climates, engineered thatch is the roofing material for you. 

If you’re considering a new engineered thatch roof for your home or business, don’t hesitate to contact the team of experts at Endureed today!