Asphalt Shingles 101
In spite of the availability of dozens of different roof coverings, asphalt shingles remain the most popular steep slope roof in the U.S., gracing more than 80 percent of homes across the country. Innovations continue to make these durable shingles attractive, with new features and new products keeping interest high. Understanding the benefits of these advanced shingles is helpful, and a trustworthy Ocean County roofing contractor can help local homeowners find just the right shingle roof for their homes.
There are plenty of reasons for the popularity of asphalt shingles. They are the most affordable roofs on the market, costing less than half the price of slate, metal, cedar shake and tile roofs. They are also less expensive to install, maintain, repair and replace. While some types of asphalt shingles don’t last quite as long as some other roof coverings, recent innovations in cool roof technology, algae resistance, heat resistance and hail protection make asphalt shingles an excellent choice.
Once a homeowner decides to go with asphalt shingles, there are a few additional decisions to make. Asphalt, or three-tab, shingles are made as either organic or fiberglass. Organic products use a paper mat backing. Fiberglass shingles use a fiberglass mat.
Roofers may also suggest that homeowners consider laminate or architectural shingles. These shingles are built up more thickly and have more dimension than traditional asphalt or three-tab shingles, often achieving twice the thickness of regular shingles. This additional depth makes laminate and architectural shingles more durable than regular shingles. One roof manufacturer goes so far as to make an architectural shingle consisting of eight layers, including two layers of diamond cut granules that provide outstanding weather, sun and heat resistance. These eight layers make the shingles 53 percent thicker than most architectural shingles.
Both asphalt and laminate shingles offer countless style and color choices. From shingles that look like wood shakes to products in custom color palettes, homeowners can select roofs that enhance their home’s architecture. There are also shingles available in “cool” reflective colors that improve energy efficiency.
In addition to favorable pricing and aesthetics, asphalt shingles provide outstanding safety and weather-resistant features. Most offer the highest available Class A fire ratings, wind-resistance from 90 to 150 mph and superb hail resistance.
Choosing a roof is often a difficult process, and it’s easy to let all the many choices cloud the decision making. Understanding and researching the options and considering the advice of a local roofing professional will make the final decision easier for homeowners. A roofing contractor from Fortified Roofing of Ocean County NJ can answer your questions about roof repairs or skylights.
Common roofing term explained by Fortified Roofing of Ocean County NJ:
Granules
Small bits of crushed or cut tile, rock, porcelain and slate are the granules that cover asphalt and architectural shingles. Granules create a defensive layer that protects the shingle’s layers from heat and UV damage.
Ocean County roofing company Fortified Roofing answers a question:
Can a new roof be applied over an old roof?
Sometimes new shingle roofs can be laid over an existing shingle roof, but that depends on whether local building codes allow the procedure. Other factors influencing the decision to tear off the old roof include the stability of the home’s structure, the condition of the existing roof and the weight of the new roof.
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If you would like to ask a question regarding roofers, a new roof installation, roof leak repairs, skylight options or gutters and downspouts please contact Fortified Roofing today!
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