The Basics Of Asphalt Shingles
Take a moment to scan the roofs of the homes in your neighborhood, and chances are good that you will see mostly asphalt shingles. This type of roofing material is the product of choice for a majority of American homeowners. Asphalt roofing is cost-effective to manufacture, relatively inexpensive for homeowners to purchase and simple to install. Your Voorhees roofing contractor can provide manufacturer information on this popular roofing option.
The two types of this roofing material are organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles consist of a matted base made from recycled felt, which is permeated with asphalt waterproofing. Layers of asphalt coat the matting, and ceramic granules create an outer coating that protects the shingles from ultraviolet rays. Organic shingles contain over a third more asphalt than their fiberglass counterparts; thus, they are the heavier and more expensive of the two types.
Fiberglass shingles contain a fiberglass scrim as a base, and a coating of asphalt prevents moisture permeation. An overlay of ceramic granules provides additional protection from the elements. These lighter, thinner shingles are strong and durable, and they are more popular with homeowners than organic shingles.
Both varieties of asphalt shingles come in standard, 12-inch by 36-inch sheets. Three-tab shingles have notches along their lower edges. This design approximates the look of three separate shakes per sheet. Another design category, the architectural style shingle, has no tabs but does sport an extra layer of asphalt along its lower edge that provides a dimensional profile.
Fortified Roofing of Voorhees NJ would be happy to answer any question you have about roofing, new roofs or skylight installation.
The fact that so many styles of asphalt shingles are available accounts in part for their popularity. Manufacturers can make this material resemble other kinds of roofing, like cedar shakes or tile. They can make them rounded or squared to suit different home designs. In terms of color, consumers have plenty of options, and the choices are not just limited to solid shades. Heathered mixes of complementary hues or blended shades create unique effects.
One of the most recent asphalt roofing innovations on the market is the cool roof shingle, a product that reflects solar radiation away from the home. This keeps interior spaces cooler and facilitates energy savings in hot weather.
Manufacturers warranty that asphalt products will last between 15 and 30 years. Climatic concerns, such as ongoing warm weather or frigid, ice-dam generating winters affect the lifespan of the materials. Roof pitch affects roof longevity too. Steeper roofs drain more quickly and are less vulnerable to moisture penetration than flatter structures.
Just like every other type of roofing, asphalt shingles do have some disadvantages. For example, they become brittle in below freezing temperatures. They can expand and crack or buckle in extreme heat. Also, asphalt is a petroleum product that consumes nonrenewable resources; the manufacturing process is energy consumptive and produces greenhouse gas emissions.
When shopping for a durable, economical roofing material, knowing the basics about asphalt shingles should help you make an educated choice.
Because of its many advantages, this roofing product covers nearly 70 percent of all American homes. However, it may not be the right choice for your climate or your environmental conscience. Fortified Roofing of Voorhees NJ would be happy to answer any question you have about roofing, skylight installation or new gutters.
Term & definition explained by Fortified Roofing, Voorhees NJ:
Nonrenewable resources
Natural resources are nonrenewable if they exist in limited amounts or cannot be renewed as quickly as they are consumed. Some resources in particular, such as fossil fuel and precious metals, are the products of millions of years of natural processes.
Question and answer courtesy of a Voorhees roofing contractor:
What is the most environmentally friendly roofing material?
Using environmentally friendly roofing will benefit your household in several ways. The runoff from your roof will not carry toxic chemicals into your garden or your groundwater, and recycled shingles generally last longer, saving you considerable funds during your occupancy in the home. Environmentally responsible manufacturing practices reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well to keep the air around you cleaner and the earth cooler.
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