The Benefits of Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Deciding whether asphalt roofing shingles are right for your home comes down to two factors: your preference and your budget. Asphalt roofing shingles cope in any climate or weather conditions; they are cost-effective and popular due to their affordability, ease of installation, and low maintenance. Read on to find out whether this environmentally friendly roofing option is right for you.

It is Durable

Many factors affect durability - weather, roof pitch, quality of installation, and quality of the shingle itself. Most shingles have 15 to 30-year warranties. Ice dams, algae, and extreme temperatures can affect the shingles’ lifespan negatively, but the same applies to many other materials.

Their strength is a function of the fiberglass base layer, known as the mat, which gives asphalt roof shingles their renowned durability. The asphalt layer keeps moisture from seeping through.  Finally, gritty substance on the top layer is normally crushed rock which is sealed and protected with a high-tech ceramic coating. The granules’ function is to protect the asphalt layer from UV rays, assist with fire-resistance, and give color Their durability is also – in large part – due the fact that it is not painted; the color is part of the shingles’ make-up.

Asphalt Shingles Come in Many Colors and Shapes

Asphalt roofing shingles are manufactured in two ways: three-tab or architectural shingles. Three-tab shingles are designed to look like three separate shingles but is one piece. These are super-easy to install and affordable. Architectural shingles, on the other hand, are made with an extra asphalt layer, giving them more dimension so that they have the appearance of a bulkier roofing product such as slate or wood.

Asphalt roof colors – with both three-tab or architectural shingles - can be chosen to coordinate with your home and personal preferences. Bear in mind that your house’s roof is one of its most visible parts so it should blend in with the surrounding houses or terrain. The look of your roof can set the tone for the property’s entire aesthetic.

Wind Resistance

Asphalt shingles are designed for wind resistance and can help reduce your risk of roof damage. Most asphalt roofing shingles in the local market carry the ASTM D3161 Class F and ASTM D7158 Class H wind resistance classifications.

Although it must be noted that wind coverage varies by individual product. If you live in a particularly windy area, double-check the product information, warranty details, and installation guide supplied by the manufacturer. A reputable installer or contractor will do that for you, and you can rest assured of a roof that will stand up to the wind.

Easy Installation Process

Installing your roofing shingles is a fast and simple process. The shingles are attached to the roof (wooden board covered with waterproof vinyl, plastic or felt sheeting) using a nail gun with aluminum nails. Your contractor or roofing specialist will stagger or pyramid the shingles for optimal coverage and to avoid joint breakage. The overlapping is important too. That is then trimmed for a neat finish. Keeping the lines straight is the challenge but will affect the look of your finished roof.

Eco-friendly

Asphalt shingles of yesteryear had a far higher asphalt content that today’s do, making them less eco-friendly. However, the advances in technology and the addition of fiberglass has made the product a great environmentally friendly roofing option. Many of today’s shingles include solar reflective asphalt which helps keep a building cool, offering an eco-friendly benefit by saving energy.

Whether you are building your new home or your existing roof needs upgrading, modern asphalt shingles are an excellent choice. The fiberglass mat, asphalt layer, and granules combine to create a great product that performs well in any conditions.  With proper installation, you will get a durable and affordable roofing solution.

We atBob Harvey Roofing are proud of our thirty years’ experience working in Northern Utah and surrounding areas.Contact us today for more information about asphalt roofing shingles.