Asphalt is a naturally occurring element. Probably more commonly known for its use in building roads, it’s environmentally friendly and one of the world’s oldest building materials. Economic, durable, attractive, and easy to install and maintain, it’s no mystery that asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for roofing material in the United States.

Starting at less than per square foot, asphalt is an inexpensive roofing option suitable for most building projects. And the simple installation, maintenance, and repair enables many homeowners to complete a roofing project themselves.

Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are more popular and less expensive. Organic shingles are heavier and more durable. Fillers are added as reinforcement and protection. Asphalt weighs less than concrete, slate, wood, and metal roofing, making it easier and less expensive to install.

Correctly installed, quality manufactured asphalt singles have few problems. Most problems arise from poor installation, improperly ventilated attics, or “spliced” shingles (which should be discarded before installation). A well-ventilated attic is thought to prolong the lifespan of shingles. Of course, there can be other damages to shingles such as debris, falling limbs and trees, and damaging weather conditions. Wind can cause the singles to uplift or tear off, and excess moisture can cause mildew problems.

The cost, maintenance, and lifespan of asphalt shingles depends a good deal on the environment. For the most part, the hotter the weather, the shorter the lifespan of the shingle. Drastic and sudden temperature changes, also called thermal shock can cause shingles to expand and contract too quickly, causing cracks and splits.

Asphalt roofing shingles generally carry a manufacturer’s warranty against defects. However, warranties do not usually cover labor charges or consequential damages. If your home is damaged due to a defective shingles, the warranty is not responsible. Make sure you get a written warranty and understand the terms and limits. Warranties are not valid if the materials were incorrectly installed or if the damage is due to insufficient attic ventilation. Warranties do not cover “acts of God or nature,” which is a common term for natural disaster such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Wind causes a substantial amount of shingle damage. Despite other options, asphalt shingles remain the top choice because they are also easy to replace. Heavier roofing materials can become projectiles in high winds, causing further damage on the home. To better protect against other damages, trim limbs away from your home and clear trees that could fall on your roof.

Despite all of nature’s forces, asphalt shingle manufacturers engineer their materials to endure the wind, rain, sun, and snow. Some shingles are even treated to withstand moisture damage, which can leave black spots and streaks due to mildew and algae.
Not only is asphalt durable, efficient, and economic, it can also be beautiful and add value to your home. Dozens of colors, textures, and styles, there are even asphalt shingles that look like cedar, tiles, or slate. With so much variety, your roof can be as unique as your imagination. Changing the style of your shingles can make your house a one-of-a-kind in your neighborhood.

Copyright (c) 2006

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

Asphalt is a naturally occurring element. Probably more commonly known for its use in building roads, it’s environmentally friendly and one of the world’s oldest building materials. Economic, durable, attractive, and easy to install and maintain, it’s no mystery that asphalt shingles are the most popular choice for roofing material in the United States.

Starting at less than per square foot, asphalt is an inexpensive roofing option suitable for most building projects. And the simple installation, maintenance, and repair enables many homeowners to complete a roofing project themselves.

Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles are more popular and less expensive. Organic shingles are heavier and more durable. Fillers are added as reinforcement and protection. Asphalt weighs less than concrete, slate, wood, and metal roofing, making it easier and less expensive to install.

Correctly installed, quality manufactured asphalt singles have few problems. Most problems arise from poor installation, improperly ventilated attics, or “spliced” shingles (which should be discarded before installation). A well-ventilated attic is thought to prolong the lifespan of shingles. Of course, there can be other damages to shingles such as debris, falling limbs and trees, and damaging weather conditions. Wind can cause the singles to uplift or tear off, and excess moisture can cause mildew problems.

The cost, maintenance, and lifespan of asphalt shingles depends a good deal on the environment. For the most part, the hotter the weather, the shorter the lifespan of the shingle. Drastic and sudden temperature changes, also called thermal shock can cause shingles to expand and contract too quickly, causing cracks and splits.

Asphalt roofing shingles generally carry a manufacturer’s warranty against defects. However, warranties do not usually cover labor charges or consequential damages. If your home is damaged due to a defective shingles, the warranty is not responsible. Make sure you get a written warranty and understand the terms and limits. Warranties are not valid if the materials were incorrectly installed or if the damage is due to insufficient attic ventilation. Warranties do not cover “acts of God or nature,” which is a common term for natural disaster such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes.

Wind causes a substantial amount of shingle damage. Despite other options, asphalt shingles remain the top choice because they are also easy to replace. Heavier roofing materials can become projectiles in high winds, causing further damage on the home. To better protect against other damages, trim limbs away from your home and clear trees that could fall on your roof.

Despite all of nature’s forces, asphalt shingle manufacturers engineer their materials to endure the wind, rain, sun, and snow. Some shingles are even treated to withstand moisture damage, which can leave black spots and streaks due to mildew and algae.
Not only is asphalt durable, efficient, and economic, it can also be beautiful and add value to your home. Dozens of colors, textures, and styles, there are even asphalt shingles that look like cedar, tiles, or slate. With so much variety, your roof can be as unique as your imagination. Changing the style of your shingles can make your house a one-of-a-kind in your neighborhood.

Copyright (c) 2006

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

When talking about replacing or building a roof shingling a roof is among the least dear systems of installation for most homes. Many individuals feel that cheap and roofing don’t belong in the same sentence, far less the same paragraph though shingling with asphalt shingles is among the least expensive options for people that need a new or replacement roof. It pays though to have a look at the long stretch instead of simply focusing on the initial roofing job. If you intend to live in your home longer than the guaranty on your shingles would last, you may want to consider something a little sturdier than conventional asphalt shingles.

These other shingle options like slate, wood shingles, metal shingles, and tile each bring a different type of beauty to the table but also an additional layer of sturdiness over what’s often offered by asphalt shingles. All of them last for longer with some lasting outside the usually forecasted lifespan of any modern roof.

If you’re at all nervous about the state of the environment, shingling a roof with one of those other materials could be a big benefit to your cause. There are numerous reasons that explain why but first to consider is that the less you are replacing a roof, the less waste you are making. The advantages don’t end here though .

Wood tiles supply an added layer of insulation that will help in keeping warm air within during the months of winter and cool air within the home during those dog days of summer.

This leads on to the consumption of less energy ( which also saves on your electricity bills ) and the releasing of less pollution due to the lessened need for power.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs offer an added environmental benefit in the sense that they can be placed over existing roofs. This suggests that there’s very little waste when these roofs are installed. But the bonus does not end there. Years from now, 50 or so to be specific, when the time is right to replace that metal roof, the metal that was employed on the roof is totally reusable. No rubbish heap filling needed due to your metal roof.

Slate Roofing

Slate roofs are known to outlast even metal roofs and individual shingles can get replaced as required to avoid the cost and waste of replacing an entire roof in one slid swoop. What this suggests for you is that you’re going to spend more up front but may not be sure to need to replace this particular roof anytime in your lifetime. The final analysis is this : be ready to explore all your options for shingling a roof before choosing that asphalt is the most suitable choice.

The majority see few advantages to roof replacement. It’s a high-priced proposal whether or not you are hiring professionals to get the job done or taking on a huge risk and doing the work yourself. In any case , there are lots of benefits that go with replacing a roof once it hits a condition of decline that are easily worth considering.

Consider these advantages of roof replacement before you choose to try and wait it out for another wet season or worse, disregard the problem in the hope of it going away. The issue is that once issues begin showing up in most roofs, it is a difficult battle to keep everything in tip top running condition.

The elements and other environmental components simply present way too much of a challenge to beat for roofs that are have no protection from these elements day by day, month to month, and year by year. The 1st benefit is safety. As your roof ages it provides less of a buffer between you and the elements. If it is in seriously bad shape you run the danger of the roof leaks and causing mildew build ups that are unseen in your walls or your roof falling down all together and doubtless injuring any folk ( or damaging property ) within the building.

If your roof is damaged badly enough that safety is in peril you owe it to oneself and anybody else who sets foot within your building to replace the roof for additonal protection. Another big benefit of roof replacement is that your new roof will be under some variety of guaranty ( presuming you have it installed by approved and bonded pro contractors ). This gives you a security net should issues arise in the life cycle of the guaranty.

This should provide some reassurance. Another benefit is that upkeep plans are sometimes available with new roofs.

This implies that somebody will come out according to a fixed on schedule and check the roof for damage, leaks, or soft spots that can crop up while performing routine upkeep that is meant to increase the lifespan of the roof. While this is a cost that will have to be paid monthly it can help to save you serious money when all is cleared up.

The final benefit is the load it’ll take off your mind. There’s a great amount of worry that goes into managing a business or owning a home short of a new roof. Once you make the choice you must find the weight or troubling and wondering being removed is virtually cathartic. Replacing a roof is an important choice and one that should not be made on an impulse. However, when needed can be an excellent all around decision for your business or home.