All You Need to Know About Asphalt Shingle Roof
Asphalt shingles are an American invention and are widespread in use in North America. This type of roofing material remains the most popular, even today, more than one hundred years since it was invented. Many people favor asphalt shingle roofs because the material is inexpensive, requires minimal upkeep, and the shingle tiles come in many colors and styles.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about asphalt shingle roofs.
What are asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles are composed of four materials: fiberglass, asphalt, mineral granules, and raw asphalt sealant strips.
A shingle is made by thoroughly coating a fiberglass mat with hot asphalt. Next, the shingle is coated with mineral granules for additional protection from the elements, especially UV rays. Finally, to bond them together, the top of every shingle is covered with sealant strips to connect them to the next layer.
What are the pros and cons of asphalt shingles?
Here's a brief overview of the most important traits:
Pros:
Affordability: Asphalt shingles are the most affordable roofing option
Easy installation: It takes less time. A typical house roof can be covered with asphalt shingles in a week or less.
Has a longer manufacturers warranty than tile.
Resistance: Although the overall resistance is moderate, compared to some of the other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are top-rated for wind, impact, water, and fire resistance. Additionally, particular types of mineral granules provide resistance to algae, while another kind enables the shingles to reflect some of the sun's energy.
Esthetics: Three types of asphalt shingles exist and come in hundreds of colors and styles.
Cons:
Weakness to extreme temperature: While fire-resistant, asphalt shingles perform poorly in scorching climates; they fade in color and crack under extreme heat. They can also be damaged in minus temperatures. Finally, since too much expanding and contracting will make them crack, asphalt shingles don't handle temperature fluctuations very well.
Not environmentally friendly: Asphalt is a form of petroleum, and producing shingles takes up a significant amount of energy.
What types of asphalt shingles are there?
Asphalt shingles come in three types: strip or 3-tab, dimensional or architectural, and luxury shingles. These types vary in shape, the overall look, and the way they're made.
3-tab are less common today and are mostly used in inexpensive housing. They consist of a single layer of asphalt, which makes them the lightest and cheapest type, and they have a flat appearance.
Dimensional shingles, also called architectural or laminate shingles, are currently the most common type. They are made with two or more fused asphalt layers, which makes them more durable. They have a richer appearance that replicates wood shakes. They are stronger, thicker, hardier, more wind and weather-resistant.
Luxury shingles are pricier than the other two types, but they are in a class of their own when it comes to resistance, durability, and an esthetic impression. Their wood shake and quarried slate looks are not mere replications but almost-exact representations.
All about the shingles
If you're looking for a reliable roofing solution, it's useful to learn more about the various types of materials. Now that we've told you about the pros and cons, the composition, and different kinds of asphalt shingles, making a well-informed decision will be easier.
Patterson Construction Company installs and repairs residential roofs of all kinds, skylights, roof ventilation, fascia and underlayment on Phoenix-area homes. Call 602-825-3638 for a free quote today!
