What is asphalt roofing shingle?
Asphalt shingle, a type of roofing that is made from residual petroleum product. Asphalt Shingle Roofs have been around for nearly a century. Even though it has been around for some time, there are still plenty of people who don’t know much about asphalt shingle roofs.
An asphalt shingle roof is typically composed of three layers: the bottom layer which serves as protection against weather elements, then the adhesive and finally the granules which give it its color.
When deciding to install asphalt shingle roofs, there are several factors you will need to consider such as where you live, what function your house performs etc. Considering these things before installation can help you save money and time.
There are three types of asphalt shingles for roofs:
3-Tab Shingles
The standard 3-tab asphalt roof is the cheapest type of asphalt shingle available on the market. Each tab contains strips that extend across most of the length of the shingle, reducing each strip into one line in between them. They have smaller granules than other types of asphalt shingles, which means they do not last as long and need to be replaced more often. These types of roofing materials are usually sold per square foot, making it easy to know how much you will need when planning your project. Installing these types of shingles can also add up to the cost, because it takes three times as many shingles to cover a roof than it would with other types of asphalt shingles.
Dimensional Shingles
Dimensional styles are different types of asphalt roofing material that can come in several types and styles. Some common types include architectural, popular and laminated dimensional shingles. These types of materials have between two and four tabs that extend from the sides of each individual strip, making them much longer lasting than 3-tab shingles. This is because they have more surface area to attach to the nail strips binding them together, allowing for a much stronger seal against wind damage through storms or other weather conditions. This also means they need less nails per square foot of roofing area when installing, causing them to cost less.
Luxury Shingles
The final types of asphalt shingles available are types like laminated or architectural styles that can also come with additional materials or coatings for added protection. These types of shingles are often made in the same way as dimensional types, but they have extra layers of material underneath their top layer. This means they do not need nails to hold them in place like 3-tab types. Instead, they are held down by weights along the length of each strip on either side. They are more expensive than standard types because their multiple layers offer more resistance against damage due to sun exposure and high winds storms. Luxury types of asphalt shingles are also available with protective coatings that help them resist damage from algae, mold, and mildew.
4 important questions about asphalt roofing you need to know
Will asphalt shingle roofs withstand winter?
Asphalt shingle roofs are weatherproof and, with proper care, can stand up to harsh climates like the ones experienced in some parts of North America. This type of roofing is meant to resist freeze-thaw cycles that occur when temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing point which may cause damage over time not just in asphalt shingle roofs but in all types of roofing materials. Asphalt shingle roofs do require extra attention during extreme weather changes so if you want to avoid expensive repairs down the road, make sure you keep your asphalt shingle roof clean during difficult seasons.
How does asphalt shingle roofs last?
Asphalt shingle roofs are durable and can last for an average of 20 years before requiring maintenance. However, this figure varies greatly depending on how well it is maintained and where you live. Obviously, if you live somewhere with heavy snowfall, the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof will decrease drastically due to natural wear and tear that occurs because of freezing temperatures and the weight of snow. After all, asphalt shingles are not designed to deal with weather-related damage such as ice dams which causes water to back up under the roof.
Will using asphalt shingles in my roof void my warranty?
No, using asphalt shingles in your roof will not void the warranty on your roof. However, you will need to check with the manufacturer of your roofing material for specific instructions. You may be required to use a more expensive asphalt shingle instead of using more affordable asphalt shingles to keep the warranty valid.
What are some alternatives to asphalt shingle roofs?
Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most common types of residential roofing material available so it is unlikely that you will have trouble finding one at your local hardware store or even online. If you’re looking for an alternative type of roofing material, consider ventilated metal roofs which can help cool down interior temperatures while maintaining high durability thanks to their galvanized steel construction. Metal panels are also known for their excellent insulation and resistance to ice dams.
Or maybe you need a material that can help keep your energy bills down? In this case, consider asphalt shingle roofs made from recycled materials which are more environmentally friendly as well as budget-friendly since they cut down on manufacturing costs since fewer resources are required to make them.
Contact us now with any questions you may have about asphalt shingle roofs or other types of residential roofing materials available today. We’re here to answer all your questions and help you find the roofing material that will suit your unique needs best. Call now!
