Asphalt shingles are the most popular material for residential roofing applications. Why? Because asphalt is cost-effective, it’s durable, and it looks great with a variety of home styles.
Accent Roofing lays tens of thousands of asphalt shingles each year. We know the ins and outs of this versatile roofing material and take great pride in always helping our customers select the ideal roof product for their home. Here’s what our technicians want you to know about asphalt shingles.
Benefits of Asphalt
The contributions of asphalt shingles to the impermeability of your home are myriad. The primary value-adds of this material include:
· cost-effectiveness
· low-maintenance
· easy installation
· aesthetic variety
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles come in several types, but two are by-far the most common for use in both residential and commercial applications.
Three-Tab: Three-tab shingles are the traditional choice for asphalt shingles, although they’re gradually being phased out by applications that offer even more durability.
Dimensional: Dimensional shingles are made of laminated asphalt and can thus imitate the style and/or look of expensive shingle treatments such as slate or wood shakes.
All asphalt shingles have a core made of fiberglass. This adds heft (to stay put during heavy winds) and allows the shingles to flex during cold weather. When finished, the shingles are coated with ceramic granules that help protect them from the sun and moisture. Some shingle brands coat their shingles with algae-resistant granules to prohibit the growth of unattractive blue-green algae.
Shingles come in a wide variety of colors, ranging from earthy reds to dark blues and blacks. In the southeast, black and dark gray asphalt shingles are two of the most popular styles.
Installation of Asphalt Shingles
As with any roofing product, new asphalt shingles are impacted by the way in which they’re installed. Ultimately, some factors in the lifespan of your roofing materials are out of your control, including climate, humidity, and weather events.
It’s imperative that you have your asphalt shingles installed by a professional roofer in your area. Not only is DIY-roofing unsafe, only professional roofing contractors have the experience necessary to determine how best to seal and protect your roof. Asphalt shingle warranties vary brand-to-brand and can be nullified if the shingles are not properly installed.
Professional Application of Asphalt Shingles
Your roofer should walk you through the entire process before re-roofing or repairing your asphalt-shingled home. Here are a few of the components you can expect to be used during installation of a new asphalt roof.
Drip Edge: Protects the lower edge of the roof deck from water that wicks back up before flowing off.
Roof Deck: Your roof’s “deck” should be smooth, dry, and free of holes or gaps.
Underlayment: The protective membrane that sits underneath your shingles to prevent leaks.
Flashing: Protective coverings for valleys, joints, and corners where shingles will come together.
Shingles: The exact number of shingles/shingle sheets needed varies depending on each roof’s size.
Do you have questions about whether asphalt shingles are the right choice for your roof?
The professional roofers at Accent Roofing are here to help.
Give our team a call today to discuss the pros and cons of all roofing materials on the market. We want to help you make an informed decision about the best fit for your roof.
