For the most part, we are all pretty familiar with asphalt shingles as a roofing material. Over a period of more than a hundred years, it has been the most popular roofing material in America because of its cost-efficiency. Appropriate for roofs with a steep slope, asphalt shingle roofing currently dominates the American residential roofing market including condo complexes and townhomes. While these roofing systems have always been extremely effective, the advent of new technologies such as recycling of old shingles has made it an even more attractive option for any homeowner.
Composition of Asphalt Shingles:
Asphalt shingles comprise of four different layers, the first one being fiberglass reinforced mat for the purpose of resistance to tearing. The lightweight fiberglass is then coated with hot asphalt. This petroleum-based material is added to withstand the impact of wind and debris, and resist moisture. In order to ensure UV protection and proper aesthetics, ceramic-coated mineral granules are also embedded. Many different color choices are available for these granules. Finally, raw asphalt sealant strips are used to make up a final layer. These strips are applied to the top of the shingles to keep them in place and the next layer of shingles covers them.
Types of Asphalt Shingles:
When choosing asphalt shingles, there are many different options for you. Here are the most popular ones.
- 3-tab shingles: This is the most inexpensive and basic option. The entry-level shingles in this category are rated for a wind uplift of 60-80mph. Available in a variety of colors, these flat and light shingles are known as 3-tab shingles because one continuous shingle appears to be a combination of three shingles.
- Architectural shingles: Compared to 3-tab shingles, these are made of thicker layers and are heavier. With different patterns and tones, these shingles often come with a three-dimensional look. Architectural shingles are generally rated for a wind uplift of up to 110mph, or even 130mph. They can stand up very well against wind and hail, and may even be resistant to fire. It’s important to have a stable roof when facing these conditions.
- Premium shingles: Also known as designer shingles, these shingles mimic different types of natural roofing materials such as slate or cedar shake. Most of these shingles are rated for up to 110mph of wind uplift.
The Pros:
Asphalt shingles are highly preferred amongst homeowners because they are extremely functional and provide excellent value. If properly installed by the roofing service, asphalt shingles allow water to flow off the roof without any difficulty. To reduce the probability of leakages, it is important, however, to pay adequate attention to the underlayment, valleys, and flashing.
The most important benefits of Asphalt shingles include:
- The most affordable option for roofing.
- Looks good on almost all home styles.
- A broad selection in terms of styles and colors.
- No support is required in addition to the standard roof sheathing.
- Fiberglass shingles can provide reliable protection against fire.
- Easy to install, and can be fit easily into tight spaces and corners.
- Available options for impact-resistant products.
The Cons:
The average lifespan of asphalt shingles is between twelve and seventeen years. In general, shingles with better materials and installation tend to last longer. However, their performance depends a great deal on the elements of weather.
Some drawbacks of asphalt shingles include:
- The most basic options can be susceptible to wind lifting
- Extreme heat can cause cracks, leading to poor performance.
- It can be damaged when used in areas with below-freezing temperatures.
- Colors may fade over a period of time.
- Susceptible to damages caused by UV rays and hail.
- In certain conditions, may support algae and moss growth.
- Lifetime cost is higher compared to metal roofing.
If you want to find out more about different roofing options, it is a good idea to seek advice from a reliable roofing service provider like American Pride Roofing. You can find out more about American Pride Roofing by visiting their website.
