Asphalt roof shingles are available in a wide variety of colors and styles. Choosing Spring Valley Roofing can add beauty and value to your home while protecting it from heat, rain, hail, snow, fire, and other hazards.
Choosing a local roofing contractor who understands manufacturer recommendations and installation guidelines is important. Failing to follow these guidelines can lead to a faulty roof and nullify your warranty.
Asphalt roofing shingles are designed to protect your home from various natural hazards, including rain, snow, hail, and wind. They are a cost-effective option to protect your home and improve its value with minimal upkeep. They are also recyclable, which helps the environment.
In addition, many styles are treated with fire-resistant chemicals to help prevent shingle and roof surface damage. Additionally, they are available in various colors and textures to complement any architectural style. Some are even designed to resemble other beautiful materials like cedar and slate.
An asphalt roof can be constructed in various ways and from different raw materials. The most popular choice is asphalt shingles, which are durable enough to last decades. These shingles are designed to withstand a range of harsh weather conditions, and they are extremely easy to install.
These shingles are made from a combination of raw materials carefully selected, processed, and designed to work together. The base material is a heavy fiberglass mat with oil-refined asphalt. A mineral granule layer is added to the top of the shingle to add strength and durability.
The most common types are regular 3-tab, architectural, and premium shingles. Three-tab shingles have three regularly spaced tabs that give them a distinctive appearance. Alternatively, architectural shingles have multiple layers and a thicker cut, giving the shingle more dimensionality and providing a more varied visual appearance. Premium shingles have a more refined and detailed look with more granules and a darker color.
Many of these shingles are made with solar reflecting qualities that can reduce your air conditioning costs in warmer climates. Some are also treated to guard against algae growth, which can discolor the shingles.
All of these shingles are tested for their resistance to different weather conditions. A shingle’s durability is determined by its fastener pull-through resistance, the bond strength of the self-seal adhesive, and its ability to resist moisture penetration. The best shingles will have a Class A fire rating, which indicates that the shingle has been tested to withstand high heat levels without bursting.
The most common roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles, is made from a mix of petroleum-based materials, including an oil refining byproduct known as road asphalt. This asphalt is mixed with other minerals to increase strength, weather resistance, and durability. The mix also includes ceramic granules to add color and texture and protect the asphalt from impact damage. The granules are added to the asphalt in layers that are heated together, rolled into shingle sheets, and cut into different shapes for different roof types. The shingles can then be glued to the roof with special adhesives. A layer of protective underlayment is then placed over the asphalt shingles before additional protective coatings such as felt or ice and water barriers are added.
The shingles are tested for fire resistance according to Underwriters Laboratory (UL) standards. A shingle can achieve an impact-resistant rating from Class 1 to Class 4, with the higher ratings providing better protection against hail damage. Some insurance companies offer premium discounts for shingles with high impact-resistance ratings.
Because the roof is such an exposed area, it’s a vulnerable part of any building structure. A roof is exposed to blowing embers from forest fires and the potential for flames rising from chimney flues and other sources within the house. The most important factor in protecting your home from a house fire is the choice of the right roofing material. Luckily, many modern asphalt shingle varieties have a Class A fire resistance rating.
Class A fire-resistant shingles are not impervious to fire but should never be considered “fireproof.” A fire-resistant shingle will still melt or distort under extreme heat, especially near an existing fire. In addition, a wood-shingle or low-quality asphalt roof can be susceptible to falling debris during a fire that fuels the spread of the flames and damages the rest of the building structure.
Synthetic shingles and tiles provide an alternative to natural cedar shakes and slate for homes in fire-prone areas. These products replicate the look of natural wood shakes and slate without the fire hazards. The synthetic products are designed to allow minimal flame transfer and self-extinguish during a fire. These shingles are also energy-efficient, reflecting the sun’s heat up and away from the roof.
When protecting the people and belongings you love, your roof is your first line of defense. It protects you from rain, wind, ice, snow, and UV rays that can damage your roof.
A properly maintained asphalt shingle roof is a great choice for your home. These roofs require little maintenance and can last for decades. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive and come in various colors to suit your aesthetic.
Asphalt roofing is easy to install. The shingles come in smaller and lighter pieces than metal or slate shingles, making them easier for professionals to handle during installation. This helps lower your labor costs and ensures that the job goes much faster than if you used a different roofing material.
These shingles are also very durable, which makes them less vulnerable to storm damage than other types of roofing. However, it would be best if you had a professional inspect your roof after a major storm to ensure no damage was done.
It would be best to keep your gutters clear of debris, as this can lead to clogged drains and overflowing water, seeping through the shingles and damaging the wood and siding beneath them. Regular inspections will help prevent problems and save money on repairs or a replacement roof.
While 3-tab asphalt shingles are less popular than they once were, they still have a large market and are often used on rental properties or in cases where the homeowner can’t afford dimensional shingles. Asphalt shingles are also more energy-efficient than other types of roofing. They reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them, keeping heat out of your home and reducing your energy bill. They are also recyclable, which helps reduce waste and pollution.
Asphalt shingles are a good choice for a budget-friendly roofing material. They also provide many customization options to suit your home’s aesthetics. However, there are better choices for energy-efficient roofing. Other premium roofing materials, like natural slate, clay tiles, and wood shakes, have better insulation properties.
The durability of asphalt shingles depends on the direction your roof faces and other factors. The orientation of the roof can affect the amount of direct sunlight it receives. If it faces both east and west, the shingles will receive an even amount of sunshine throughout the day. On the other hand, if your roof is south-facing, only one side will be exposed to the sun all day and bear the brunt of the elements.
Another factor is the climate in your area. Hot summers and cold winters can wreak havoc on a roof. Heat can cause a build-up of moisture in the attic, while cold temperatures can lead to ice damming and leaks. A local roofing professional can help you choose the right asphalt shingle to withstand your climate’s conditions.
The durability of an asphalt shingle is also determined by its construction and design. In addition to the base material derived from crude oil and recycled fiberglass, other components like mineral granules, adhesives, sealants, and other additives are included in a standard shingle. The granules that surface the shingles are created from hard rock crushed and screened to exact granular size specifications. The granules are then bonded to the base layer using an asphalt adhesive. The granules are processed into various colors via ceramic firing, which gives the shingles their long-lasting color. Other types of granules are also available, including algae-resistant and reflective.
Despite their durability, asphalt shingles aren’t considered environmentally friendly. Their manufacturing process requires fossil fuels and the production of fiberglass releases toxic air pollutants such as styrene into the atmosphere. If you are concerned about the environment, you can always opt for a green roofing solution made from recycled materials.
Asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of ten to thirty years. You can increase the life of your asphalt roof by following a regular maintenance schedule that includes a thorough inspection and repairs. By hiring a local roofing company, you can be sure your asphalt roof will protect your property for many years.