What are Roofing Shingles and Why Should a Homeowner Use Them?

There many different types of roofing shingles available for individuals that are looking to either build a new home or replace their current home’s roof.  While there are many choices, most homeowners choose an asphalt shingle roof.  Asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular form of roofing in the US.  In fact, four out of five homes have asphalt shingle roofs.

Asphalt shingles appear to be small, individual shingles applied to roof.  In fact, generally speaking asphalt roofing shingles are large slabs that include many different shingles.  The standard size of the slabs is three feet long.  They are notched mostly for appearance and look like small individual shingles.

Why Choose Asphalt Shingle Roofs?

Perhaps the biggest reason that many people in the United States use asphalt roofing shingles, also known as composition or fiberglass shingles, is due to the price.  The cost of asphalt shingle roofing is generally lower than any other types of roofing.  Also, this type of roofing is fairly easy to install.  The two types of asphalt shingles a homeowner can install include composition and fiberglass shingles.

The Types of Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Composition shingles are preferred by some individuals because they’re made of organic materials, whereas fiberglass shingles are of course made of fiberglass.  Both of these types are considered asphalt shingles.  This is because, whatever material they’re made of, whether fiberglass or organic composition, they are then soaked in asphalt.  Some homeowners actually prefer fiberglass materials because they are more fire resistant than the regular organic type. 

Other Types of Shingle Roofs

While asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing in the US for residential homes, there are other types of shingle roofing that is used as well.  For example, some homeowners may choose to use metal shingle roofing, which resemble wood shakes.  These are generally made of aluminum that has been formed to look like shakes.

This style is popular, although more expensive than asphalt shingles.

Metal roofing shingles may be preferred by some consumers due to the fact that they are very fire resistant.  In fact, if installed properly and with the right materials beneath the roofing, metal roofing shingles can receive A class a in fire resistance.  This is the highest class of fire resistance possible.

Wood shingles or shakes are another type of roofing shingles a person can install in their home.  However, this style while very attractive in appearance can be much more expensive than asphalt shingles.  However, this type of roofing can be installed directly over old asphalt shingles.

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Asphalt Roofing Shingles:  The Most Popular Roofing

When you think “roof”, you probably think of a roof made of asphalt roofing shingles.  If you don’t have asphalt shingle roofing, chances are the guys next door does.  It is just about the most popular roofing material in America.

Formula For Success

Asphalt roofing shingles are so popular because they are easy to get a hold of, cheap, lightweight and do not require a degree in rocket science to install.  Any competent roofer will know how to install and maintain a roof made of asphalt roofing shingles.  Contrast this to slate roofing, which requires different skills in laying down, handling and cutting altogether. 

Just like any other kind of roofing materials, there are different grades of asphalt roofing shingles.  The higher the grade, the more expensive they will be.  But it might be cheaper to shell out now rather than later.  How tough are asphalt roofing shingles?  Class IV is considered tough enough to withstand hail.  And you are not stuck with just gray anymore.  Asphalt roofing shingles now come in a variety of colors.

Asphalt roofing shingles are made of fiberglass and an organic composite material of felt, paper and asphalt.  The organic ones are heavier, less likely to blow off but are more expensive.  If you are seeking to live in your home and not sell it in a few years, consider the organic alternative. 

Warranties

Many asphalt roofing shingles come with warranties lasting decades.  You can have your contractor or roofer order any special brand name shingles, such as Elk or Eagle.  Although asphalt roofing shingles are tough, they do need your help and at least a biannual checkup in order to do their job.

You need an annual or at least a biannual roof inspection to be sure there isn’t any small problems that can turn into big headaches.  Tiles can be damaged or get loose.  Because of their wide availability, getting replacements is easy for your roofer.

You also need to be sure your attic or upper crawlspace has adequate ventilation.  The temperature outside of your home will often be a lot different than inside of your home.  The roof is then hot on one side and cold on the other.  This can stress asphalt roofing shingles, causing them to give up the ghost.  But with a proper buffer zone between the roof and your home, the stress of the differing temperatures is lessened.  If your attic or crawlspace has pools of water, mold, smells damp – you need to get it fixed

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