Asphalt Roofing Shingles | Advantages


What is Asphalt Roofing Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material installed. They are budget-friendly, lightweight, durable, and come in a variety of styles. Asphalt shingle roofing comes in two varieties–fiberglass and organic mat-based, but what are the best asphalt shingles for your home? It really depends on what your priority is for your roofing project. There are different quality asphalt shingles that vary in pricing, durability, and design style.

3 Types of Asphalt Shingles

  1. Three Tab Asphalt Shingles – These common roof shingles are distinguished by cutouts—tabs—made along their long lower edge. The result is that each shingle looks like three separate pieces when installed, but it’s only one.
  2. Architectural Asphalt Shingles – These roofing shingles contain no cutouts, but their lower portions are laminated with an additional asphalt layer. This creates the contoured, dimensional look that gives them their name. Asphalt sealant bonds the layers, reinforcing the shingles’ waterproof capability. Though durable, architectural shingles are not recommended for low-sloping roofs, which are more vulnerable to wind-driven rain.
  3. Luxury or Premium Asphalt Shingles  -Luxury premium shingles replicate the high end natural slate and cedar shake roofs but at a much lower price.  Natural Wood Shakes and slate are more expensive to install and involve an extended roofing installation labor. A slate roof may cost as much as 10 times that of architectural laminate shingles.

The reasons to choose Asphalt Shingles are:

  • Fiberglass shingles offer good fire protection
  • Look good on most any style home
  • Shingles are often the most affordable roofing option, especially in good/better ranges
  • The best asphalt shingles are a 30-year roof solution installed on homes located in moderate climates
  • The cheapest 3-tab shingles are an affordable way to dress up a home before putting on the market
  • Broad selection of colors and styles including affordable three-tab and architectural shingles that mimic shakes and slate
  • DIY asphalt shingle installation is possible for those with good skills, experience and equipment
  • No support beyond standard roof sheathing is required for shingles
  • 3-tab shingles are rated for 60-70 MPH wind uplift, while standard architectural shingles are rated for 110 MPH winds; high-wind shingles are rated for 130 MPH
  • High-impact shingles such as the ones manufactured by GAF should be used for heavily-wooded locations and areas where large hail is possible
  • Some shingle repairs are easy and cost-effective

Comments

Popular Posts