Looking at US homes, it is safe to conclude that asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material available in the US market. Made of a base mat, a layer of asphalt, and a surface layer of ceramic granules, the asphalt shingles owe their name to the asphalt material that serves the purpose of waterproofing. Today, asphalt shingles come in different sizes, colors, and styles to suit the roofing needs of every homeowner.
So, if you want to know more about asphalt roofing, this article is for you.
Different Types of Asphalt Shingles
Roofs are the fundamental part of any home as they protect homes from any kind of damage. Asphalt shingles have been dominating the US roofing market since their debut in the 1990s. With time and thanks to their growing popularity, manufacturers started developing new asphalt shingles to make them more durable and appealing.
Typically, asphalt shingles are made by mixing materials like asphalt, granules, sealants, fiberglass, and release films. For added durability, manufacturers also mix stable resin that binds fiberglass material. Asphalt provides the water-resistance quality to the shingles while the granules add UV protection.
Before 2008, there were only two fundamental types of asphalt roofing:
organic-mat and fiberglass. In the case of organic shingles, cellulose fibers were used to create the matting, whereas fiberglass shingles use glass fiber in matting.
Fiberglass shingles are easy to install and are more durable than their organic counterparts. However, organic shingles were also more prone to algae growth and wrapping, so manufacturers stopped producing organic shingles in 2008.
While the choices of asphalt shingles can be overwhelming, they come in 3 primary designs: 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles.
3-tab Shingles
3-tab shingles have got their name from three uniform cutouts that are made along the lower edge of these shingles. Each 3-tab shingle looks like three separate shingles when installed on the roofs. They are among the most popular shingle designs and the most affordable ones. They come at a price range of $0.75 to $0.90 per sq. ft. installed.
3-tab shingles can show blow-off issues, but they are typically known for a life span of 25-30 years in optimal conditions. They also produce a simple and uniform look that can be appealing to many homeowners.
Dimensional Shingles
Dimensional shingles are also known as architectural or laminated shingles. Manufacturers create this kind of shingles by laminating two strips of shingles together to yield a thick and multidimensional look. They can also mimic the aesthetics of natural slate or wood shakes to add to the appearance of your home.
Dimensional shingles are heavier and more durable than cheaper 3-tab shingles. So, they are also more wind resistant. Their life expectancy is around 30-40 years and the warranty period is also longer than the 3-tab ones. Also, dimensional shingles cost $3 to $5 per sq. ft. installed. Want to know more about dimensional shingles? Contact roof repair specialists Philadelphia.
Luxury Shingles
Luxury shingles, also known as premium shingles, share a reputation for their superior durability and functionality to the other two kinds of asphalt roofing. They are also the highest quality asphalt shingles that produce stand-out appearances in homes. But, unfortunately, they are also the most expensive among the three types of shingles, priced almost double the cost of the dimensional shingles.
Luxury shingles are also double the weight of 3-tab shingles. As such, they are ideal for homes in hurricane-prone regions. In addition, the extra weight gives them resistance against high wind, hurricanes, and snowstorms.
Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
Versatility
Asphalt shingles showcase unmatched versatility and cover a wide range of roof angles, shapes, and forms. Roof repair specialists use them in almost all roofs, including a cross-hipped roof and a Dutch gable roof.
Cost-effectivity
Asphalt shingles are more cost-effective than any other roofing material. 3-tab shingles and dimensional shingles can easily fit into roofing projects with any budget or scale. They also offer high performance at a comparatively low price point.
Durability
Traditional asphalt shingles may not match the durability of a metal roof, but their durability is justified when you look at their cost. On average, their life span is 25-30 years, but they can also last up to 40 years. In addition, both dimensional and luxury shingles can withstand heavy wind and other elements. They also come with a Class A fire rating, making them resistant to fire.
Energy-efficiency
Asphalt shingles can make your home energy-efficient by bringing down your home temperature. It is because the surface ceramic granules reflect UV radiation which reduces the surface temperature of your roof. At the same time, asphalt shingles come in different color options. Shingles with lighter colors reflect more solar heat than the shingles with darker tones.
Conclusion
There are enough reasons to opt for asphalt shingles when planning your new roof, from multiple designs to numerous colors to affordability. Roof repair specialists can suggest to you the right asphalt shingles considering your roofing requirements and preferences. So, stop wasting your time and contact your local roofing contractor.
