A very popular choice across North America is to opt for an asphalt shingle roof. The popularity of this roofing type is well deserved as it is designed to last for many years, is very durable and comes in hundreds of styles and colors.
Easy to Get & A Great Value
Not only does asphalt shingles offer a very wide variety in style, but it is also readily available across the U.S. Add to that that these shingles are relatively easy to install and it becomes clear why so many contractors recommend this roofing option to their customers. While installing any roofing often ends up pricey, an asphalt shingle roof is one of the cheapest roofing options in the market. If the current structural surface beneath the roofing system or the roof deck is still in a suitable condition it is possible to place the new asphalt shingles on top of the old shingles. In this case there is no need to remove the old roofing first This saves a lot of time and money. Consult your asphalt roofing contractor to assess if this option could work for you to save you time and money.
Roof Shingles Types
Asphalt roofing shingles are available in three main categories being strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. Asphalt shingles are also known as composition shingles. The term composite refers to the shingle being made from asphalt, mineral, fiberglass, and cellulose mat granules. Wood shake shingles or clay tiles however are made from a single material.
Understanding the differences between each type of roofing shingle is important for you to pick the most appropriate option for your house.
Strip Shingles
Strip shingles, strips or 3-tab shingles due to the cut shape, are the most basic or original asphalt shingle. Their often slate-like look has a very flat appearance and is made from a single layer of asphalt. These shingles generally weigh less and are cheaper than other asphalt shingles. These were the main shingles in the market before designer shingles appeared in the market in the 1980s. These days the original strip shingles are mostly used by developers that build low-cost housing, or by homeowners who need to replace roofing shingles on houses with current strip shingles roofing.
Dimensional Shingles
Dimensional shingles, architectural, or laminate shingles are the most commonly used shingles. These shingles have two or more layers of asphalt merged together. They are thicker and richer with a multi-dimensional appearance and are typically heavier than strip shingles. They look like wood shake and natural slate roofing and have improved warranty protection.
Luxury Shingles
These shingles offer a different appearance or functionality that are far superior to dimensional shingles. They are the best quality laminated shingles available today. These shingles offer the highest level of protection for enduring the elements and they are glorious looking and luxurious with top quality, coloration, and even dimensions. These offer the most realistic old-world wood shake and quarried slate roofing look.
The Dynamic Benefits of Asphalt
Manufacturers are able to produce many specialty products across all shingle types due to modern engineering techniques and the dynamic properties of asphalt. These shingles offer enhanced resistance to damaging hail, and fight algae growth. They are also able to reflect the heat of the sun using cool roof color technologies that keep homes cooler and save you money on air conditioning bills. Specialty shingles in some areas can even lower your insurance costs. In hail zones having impact resistant shingles on your roof will benefit you in lower premiums. Asphalt shingles are naturally fire resistant and are a great choice in wildfire prone areas.
Give us a call today to discuss the different options available to you and receive more information.
