In the past, most homes were built with roofs made of wood shake, slate, or clay. Over time the decades, roofing manufacturers continuously better roofing products have been developed.
Asphalt’s primary role in roofing shingles is to serve as a waterproof agent. Asphalt also holds the granules in place and adds to the overall strength of the roofing shingle. The best asphalt will stay flexible and will not dry out or become hard or brittle for the expected life of the roofing shingle.
There are three major categories of Asphalt Roofing Shingles available in the market: Strip, Dimensional, and Premium asphalt roofing shingles.
Strip asphalt roofing shingles are single-layered asphalt roofing shingles typically designed to look like slate. Strip roofing shingles are usually the lightest weight asphalt roofing shingles available in the market. Strip roofing shingles are used primarily by home builders manufacturing economy priced homes or purchased by homeowners as replacement roofing shingles for homes that already have strip shingles on the roof.
Dimensional asphalt roofing shingles are manufactured as multi-layered products and provide a thicker and richer appearance on the roof (a multi-dimensional look). Dimensional roofing shingles typically are heavier weight than strip roofing shingles and usually have improved warranty protections, which can range from 30-years to Lifetime.
Premium asphalt roofing shingles are usually described as laminated shingles. These products may have designs that mimic “old-world” roofing shingles, like natural slate or natural shake roofing shingles. Premium asphalt roofing shingles might also have important functional improvements such as Impact Resistance or Solar Reflectivity that can possibly extend the life of the roofing system or provide lower energy costs.
But why choose Asphalt shingles over other roofing materials? Let’s tackle the reasons why asphalt shingles are so popular for sloped residential and commercial roofs alike.
Affordability: The cost of installation is also significantly lower than what you would you pay for specialty roofing materials. Fierce completion for asphalt roofing installation jobs among general contractors also contributes to fairly low labor prices, which means that if you shop around, you can get a really good deal.
User-friendly / Ease of Installation: Unlike most other roofing materials, which require specialized training and experience to properly install, asphalt shingles can be installed by any knowledgeable roofing contractor. It is even possible for a homeowner skilled in DIY projects to install an asphalt shingles roof on their own. Also, while asphalt shingles are not the lightest roofing material available, they are light enough to be installed on almost any roof without requiring additional structural support.
Variety of Styles: Asphalt shingles are manufactured in almost all colors imaginable. Numerous patterns are also available, allowing you to create an attractive custom look that will greatly enhance the appearance of your home. When installed properly, asphalt shingles are no longer easy to identify. Why? Some are made to convincingly mimic the look of slate, wood shakes or even tile.
Durability / Low Maintenance and Easy Repairs: The life span of asphalt shingles is approximately 20 years, though some warranties guarantee the life of the shingle for much longer periods. It is usually very easy to tell when asphalt shingles need replacing. A close inspection will reveal numerous cracks in older shingles. Further, if the shingles start to look swollen or bloated, it may be time to consider replacing them. Many people may be tempted to wait until further problems — such as leaks — develop, but this can cause substantial damage to the home and should be avoided.
For more details please visit: http://www.kelowna-roofing.ca/
