Choosing asphalt shingles
There are so many different roofing materials available today, it can be confusing and difficult to choose the “right one”. So, why not stick with what is tried and true, asphalt shingles? They are the most common roofing material found on homes all across Texas and around the country.
Other than they’ve been around forever, why choose asphalt shingles? Besides being perhaps the most visible part of your home, the first thing many people will notice is the roof. Why? Because it either looks old and worn or spectacular and eye-catching. Roofing esthetics is important and with the following asphalt shingles benefits you can have, why not choose asphalt shingles?
1. Versatility
Asphalt roof shingles are available in a multitude of angles, forms, and shapes, working perfect with almost any roof type. No matter the size or complexity of your roof, there are asphalt shingles that will provide a seamless coverage.
2. Design Choices
Asphalt shingles come in different architectural styles. From the traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles that work with any home design to the dimensional and premium asphalt shingles in multiple styles. Some even mimic the look of cedar shakes, slate tiles, and other roofing materials, giving you a design advantage without the drawbacks of those other roofing materials.
3. Color Choices
Asphalt shingles come in a multitude of colors. Choose a color that will improve the curb appeal or provide a totally different look. Other roofing materials won’t offer you as many colors to choose from.
4. Quality with Cost-Effectiveness
One of the top benefits of asphalt shingles is the high performance you get for a lower cost. One of the most cost-effective materials you’ll find that has a long lasting reputation, giving you a high ROI for your dollar.
5. Energy-Efficient
Today, homeowners are all about energy efficiency and asphalt roof shingles is there for you! With a professional installation that includes underlayment, asphalt shingles will make any home more energy efficient.
6. Impact-Resistant Rated
A big concern for most homeowners, besides the cost, they want to know, “Are asphalt shingles impact resistant?”. No matter where you live in Texas, the roof needs to endure different types of severe weather, with hailstorms at the top of the list. Asphalt shingles come specially modified to be impact resistant.
7. High Wind Resistant
The high winds that blow across Texas can be a problem. Asphalt shingles that are installed correctly are wind resistant because they won’t lift up, making the underneath vulnerable to roof leaks. Asphalt shingles are manufactured today that meet and exceed the required Class F wind rating.
8. Class A Fire Rated
Not only are asphalt shingles wind rated, but many of them come with Class A fire rating, the highest rating possible, providing homes with superior protection of external fires spreading.
9. Sound Deadening
One feature of asphalt shingles that is often underestimated is the sound insulation they provide with their composition. When it comes to external noises, asphalt shingles are significantly quieter than other roofing materials like metal. With some asphalt shingles, depending on the design, they are a lot quieter in hailstorms and heavy downpours.
10. Algae-Resistant
A tough problem for the roofing industry is algae growth, especially wood based roofs. That ugly black stain can distract from a home’s beauty and is a concern for homeowners as to the damage that this blue-green growth can do to their homes. Asphalt shingles come with an algae-resistant coating to protect your home.
11. Easy Installation
Asphalt shingles are a favorite for roofing contractors because of the ease of installation. The easier a roofing material is to install, the faster the job goes and that keeps the overhead down.
12. The Weight
Asphalt shingles are the ideal weight for the structure of most homes, unlike other roofing materials on the market. No special additions or changes are needed to the structure for weight support with asphalt shingle roofing.
13. Easy Repairs
Having an asphalt shingle roof repaired isn’t as challenging as other roofing materials like ceramic tile. The matching of replacement shingles is easy and the process of repairing the roof is easy too. Stay with the same contractor that installed the roof will make it an easy process.
14. Integrating with Roof Features
Asphalt shingles are a flexible material that can integrate with chimneys, dormers, gables, and skylights.
15. Recyclable Material
The asphalt shingles in the years past would be taken directly to a landfill after tear-off. Today, asphalt shingles can be recycled when they have reached their end-of-life on roofs. Old shingles are being used for improved roads and generate power.
How many types of roofing shingles are there?
There are 3 categories of asphalt shingles, knowing the difference between them is key in choosing the right one for your home and your budget.
- STRIP SHINGLES aka 3-TAB SHINGLES: The way these asphalt shingles are cut into simple strips gives them their name. As they are installed on a room, they form a single asphalt layer and have flat appearance that has the look of slate. typically offers a slate look. This single layer of roofing material has a lighter weight and lower cost compared to other roofing materials, including the other 2 categories of asphalt shingles.
- DIMENSIONAL SHINGLES aka ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES: Of the three categories in asphalt shingles, these are the most prevalent. Multiple layers are used in manufacturing, then they are fused to get a thick multi-dimensional appearance. They can be engineered to mimic natural slate or wood shake roofing materials. Typically heavier than the 3-tab asphalt shingles and have an improved warranty.
- LUXURY SHINGLES: These asphalt shingles are the highest-quality with a differentiated appearance and functionality of the dimensional shingles. A heavyweight class that gives your roof a premium protection against the climate and weather. They give a home a stunning appearance with their high quality and exquisite coloring and dimensionality.
What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?
The architectural asphalt shingles have an additional layer of asphalt shingles that are laminated along the lower portions without any cutouts. The basic tree-tab shingles have distinguished cutouts that give them the “tabs” along the lower edge.
How thick are asphalt shingles?
What may not seem thick enough, the 3/16” thickness of the average asphalt shingle becomes thicker as they are installed overlapping each other. By the end of the installation, they have doubled in thickness.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?
Each asphalt shingle manufacturer will have their own stated lifetime. When installed on a roof that been properly vented, the average home will get as much as 80% to 85% of the state lifespan from the asphalt roof. For the basic 3-tab asphalt shingle, that equates up to 22 years and for the dimensional asphalt shingle, that equates up to 28 years.
Is there a 50 year shingle?
Yes, and they are ideal for Texas homes! The 50-year asphalt shingles are more expensive, but with a lifespan of half a century, if they can withstand the climate, weather, and the test of time, you may never have to re-roof your home again. Call 513-563-9988 today for your shingle roofing system in Cincinnati, OH.