Asphalt Roofing – Roofing Materials

Reasons to Choose Asphalt Roofing Shingles
by Roof101 – Constituting about 80% of roofs in America, asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular type of residential roofing material. Asphalt roof shingles are highly economical, starting at about .80 per square foot, and can be purchased in a wide range of sizes and colors.. Because they are easily cut and fastened, asphalt roof shingles are compatible with all kinds of roofing accessories and suitable to all kinds of roofing slopes. Asphalt roof shingles are also widely available, making them easily repaired. Roof 101 contractors provide all kinds of asphalt roof shingle related services, including installation, repair, cleaning, and maintenance, for well affordable prices.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles Materials and Qualities
Asphalt roofing is available in two types; glass fiber and organic shingles. Fiberglass asphalt roofing shingles contain a fiberglass reinforcing mat covered with adhesive asphalt and ceramic granules. Their best quality is fire-rating and installation simplicity. However, organic asphalt roof shingles are considered the best asphalt roof shingles, as they contain 40% more asphalt than fiberglass asphalt roof shingles, which make them heavier and therefore more durable and blow-off resistant. Organic asphalt roof shingles consist of a paper-based material saturated with ceramic granules and coated with asphalt. The ceramic granules provide UV ray reflection, while the asphalt coating provides waterproofing qualities.

The Life-Span of an Asphalt Shingle Roof
The life span of an asphalt shingle roof strongly depends upon the environment. Asphalt roofing in cooler climates lasts longer than those in warmer climates, so fiberglass asphalt roof shingles are used more in the South, while organic asphalt roof shingles are used in the North. Attic ventilation increases the life span, yet an asphalt shingle roof will generally survive 20-45 years.

by Roof101

Asphalt Roofing – Roofing Materials

Reasons to Choose Asphalt Roofing Shingles
by Roof101 – Constituting about 80% of roofs in America, asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular type of residential roofing material. Asphalt roof shingles are highly economical, starting at about .80 per square foot, and can be purchased in a wide range of sizes and colors.. Because they are easily cut and fastened, asphalt roof shingles are compatible with all kinds of roofing accessories and suitable to all kinds of roofing slopes. Asphalt roof shingles are also widely available, making them easily repaired. Roof 101 contractors provide all kinds of asphalt roof shingle related services, including installation, repair, cleaning, and maintenance, for well affordable prices.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles Materials and Qualities
Asphalt roofing is available in two types; glass fiber and organic shingles. Fiberglass asphalt roofing shingles contain a fiberglass reinforcing mat covered with adhesive asphalt and ceramic granules. Their best quality is fire-rating and installation simplicity. However, organic asphalt roof shingles are considered the best asphalt roof shingles, as they contain 40% more asphalt than fiberglass asphalt roof shingles, which make them heavier and therefore more durable and blow-off resistant. Organic asphalt roof shingles consist of a paper-based material saturated with ceramic granules and coated with asphalt. The ceramic granules provide UV ray reflection, while the asphalt coating provides waterproofing qualities.

The Life-Span of an Asphalt Shingle Roof
The life span of an asphalt shingle roof strongly depends upon the environment. Asphalt roofing in cooler climates lasts longer than those in warmer climates, so fiberglass asphalt roof shingles are used more in the South, while organic asphalt roof shingles are used in the North. Attic ventilation increases the life span, yet an asphalt shingle roof will generally survive 20-45 years.

by Roof101

Asphalt Shingles Roofing

Weighing Asphalt Shingles
by Roof101 – There are many reasons why most Americans pick asphalt roofing shingles, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles particularly, when choosing their residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles are economical, inexpensive and simple to install, either by a professional contractor or by homeowners themselves. The other type of asphalt shingles is organic shingles, heavier and more durable, containing about 40% more asphalt per square foot. Fiberglass roof shingles usually weigh in the range of 1.8 to 2.3 pounds per square foot, compared with 2,000 gram organic roof shingles. Although not as heavy as the asbestos roofing shingles of the past, they are in wide use in the United States, even in hurricane prone regions.

Asphalt Roof Shingles in Weather Conditions
Although highly durable, asphalt shingles depend on environmental and weather conditions. They are a better choice for cooler climates compared with warm ones, as they last longer in such conditions. This, among other reasons, explains their wide popularity in Canada and the northern regions of the United States. Roof shingles with a lifespan of 20 years in northern US states such as Minneapolis or Pennsylvania where data has been collected, last an average of only 14 years in the Arizona desert. Asphalt shingles suffer also from dramatic changes in temperatures over a short period of time. Splits and cracks may occur in such conditions.

Warranted Asphalt Shingles
Yet manufacturers of asphalt shingles usually provide 20 to 50 year warranties that cover manufacturing defects. Warranties are generally for the materials and will be voided in certain situations, in the case of improper installation for example. Certain natural phenomena such as hurricanes and severe hail storms may not be covered in the warranties either. Ask for the manufacturer’s literature before making a decision on your asphalt shingles and what type you prefer – fiberglass asphalt or organic asphalt.

Shopping for Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles prices start at around .80 per square foot. The best asphalt roof shingles, however, may be a little more expensive. Here at Roof 101 you are invited to contact us and describe the project you are interested in – installing, replacing, repairing roof shingles or other. A representative will then contact you with professional advice, price estimate and a comprehensive service offer. We will find the right material and work for the look you are after and for your exact location, leaving you satisfied with durable asphalt shingles over your head that are both aesthetically appealing and economical.

by Roof101

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

Asphalt Shingles Roofing

Weighing Asphalt Shingles
by Roof101 – There are many reasons why most Americans pick asphalt roofing shingles, fiberglass-based asphalt shingles particularly, when choosing their residential roofing material. Asphalt shingles are economical, inexpensive and simple to install, either by a professional contractor or by homeowners themselves. The other type of asphalt shingles is organic shingles, heavier and more durable, containing about 40% more asphalt per square foot. Fiberglass roof shingles usually weigh in the range of 1.8 to 2.3 pounds per square foot, compared with 2,000 gram organic roof shingles. Although not as heavy as the asbestos roofing shingles of the past, they are in wide use in the United States, even in hurricane prone regions.

Asphalt Roof Shingles in Weather Conditions
Although highly durable, asphalt shingles depend on environmental and weather conditions. They are a better choice for cooler climates compared with warm ones, as they last longer in such conditions. This, among other reasons, explains their wide popularity in Canada and the northern regions of the United States. Roof shingles with a lifespan of 20 years in northern US states such as Minneapolis or Pennsylvania where data has been collected, last an average of only 14 years in the Arizona desert. Asphalt shingles suffer also from dramatic changes in temperatures over a short period of time. Splits and cracks may occur in such conditions.

Warranted Asphalt Shingles
Yet manufacturers of asphalt shingles usually provide 20 to 50 year warranties that cover manufacturing defects. Warranties are generally for the materials and will be voided in certain situations, in the case of improper installation for example. Certain natural phenomena such as hurricanes and severe hail storms may not be covered in the warranties either. Ask for the manufacturer’s literature before making a decision on your asphalt shingles and what type you prefer – fiberglass asphalt or organic asphalt.

Shopping for Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles prices start at around .80 per square foot. The best asphalt roof shingles, however, may be a little more expensive. Here at Roof 101 you are invited to contact us and describe the project you are interested in – installing, replacing, repairing roof shingles or other. A representative will then contact you with professional advice, price estimate and a comprehensive service offer. We will find the right material and work for the look you are after and for your exact location, leaving you satisfied with durable asphalt shingles over your head that are both aesthetically appealing and economical.

by Roof101

Related Asphalt Roofing Shingles Articles

A roof is one of the most important portions of a home’s structure, protecting the building and its contents from all the effects of weather. Roofs are valuable assets for homes and thus it is imperative that they are built in the perfect way so that they can enhance the overall strength of a building. There are many roofing materials that you can use to protect your property from the weather elements such as rain, snow, wind and so on but the part of the world where your building is situated actually influences your preferences of choosing a particular roofing material.

Different roofing materials come with their advantages and disadvantages according to their particular properties. Some of the most common roofing materials include – rubber, metal, slate, concrete, and the most popular asphalt shingles that are not only easy to install but also come with fire retarding properties for the maximum protection of you and your house. Being a practical choice for many homeowners, Asphalt shingles accounts for more than eighty percent of all new and replacement roofing applications. As they come with 20 – 40 years international manufacturing warranty,   asphalt shingles in true means are the materials that upgrade your house to enhance its re-sale value.

Asphalt shingles come in two varieties based on the type of reinforcement mat used i.e. organic and fiberglass (a.k.a. glass fiber). Where at one side fiberglass shingles are more fire and moisture resistant than organic shingles, the organic shingles offers high tear strength, good wind resistance and are perfect to be installed in colder temperatures. Both types of shingles are judged by warranty and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test standards. Basically any type of asphalt shingle material performance depends on the quality, quantity and compatibility of asphalt fillers, reinforcements and surface granules.

While choosing a roof materials for your home, it is important that you choose the material that not only enhances the beauty of your home but also gives you a relief from your increasing electricity bill. And when you choose asphalt shingles as roofing material for your home you can rest assure that it’ll greatly reduce the heating and cooling expenses of your home energy bill. Asphalt shingles have myriads of qualities to make them a premium choice for residential roof material.

Last but not the least, only selecting a quality material for your roof is not enough to ensure protection against weather elements, it is equally necessary that the material should be fitted correctly on roofs to eliminate the fuss of repairing them again and again. Taking the help from professionals is a good idea in case you don’t have any prior experience about roof fitting.

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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

People often think of dream homes as those neat, crisp-looking houses with brick walls and triangular roofs. Such is a classic picture of what people imagine homes should be like. And this effect can be achieved with a home roofed with asphalt roofing shingles.

Asphalt shingles have become quite so popular when it comes to roofing options for homes. Their versatility and economic value have proven to be so attractive that they now cover as much as 80 percent of the market. Asphalt shingles are quite inexpensive and easy to install. They come in a great array of quality and style and are compatible with a wide range of roof pitches. They can be installed with different roof features, from roof edges to chimneys and wall terminations to vent flashings. Most of all, they are highly attractive and can really give a house that homey effect.

There are basically two types of asphalt shingles available in the market: the organic-mat shingles and the fiberglass shingles. Both of these are of course made of asphalt, but the difference lies on the reinforcing mat – the fiberglass variety of uses fiberglass while the organic variety uses a wood-derived mat made of cellulose fiber.

The organic type of mat requires two coatings of asphalt – a soft asphalt for saturation and then harder asphalt for protection. Meanwhile, the fiberglass type only needs one hard asphalt coating. People choose fiberglass for its light weight, thinness, ease of transporting and high fire rating.

There are those who still prefer the organic type because they are more durable and they are more flexible especially during cold weather. As such, fiberglass shingles are more popular in the central and southern parts of the country while organic shingles predominate the market in the northern parts as well as in Canada.

Buying Considerations

One of the major considerations when buying asphalt shingles is its service life. Warranties for asphalt shingles usually come as longs as 20 to 45 years. However, it is important to choose a particular brand not only for its warranty period as they do not really reflect the actual lifespan of shingles. There have been reports of asphalt shingles failing far earlier than the expiry date of their warranties, and a lot of homeowners have complained that the payouts did not really cover the replacement or repair costs as they should.

But this does not mean that one should completely shun asphalt shingles as a roofing choice with the right mindset in buying, you can still get quality shingles that last long.

When buying asphalt shingles what you need to look at is how much a particular brand meets industry standards, instead of the warranties. For fiberglass shingles, you should make sure that the product meets the standard known as ASTM D-3462, which means that the shingles can withstand tests such as nail withdrawal and tear-strength. In the past decade only a few products have passed this standards and you need to make sure that the one you buy are up to this standard. Shingles are inspected by Underwriters Laboratory and those who pass come with the UL logo and a certification.

Organic mat shingles, on the other hand, should meet the standard called ASTM D-225. Organic shingles usually have greater nail-pull and tear strength resistance compared to asphalt shingles and thus their standards are also higher. A good lose rule of thumb is that heavier organic shingles are sturdier than lighter ones. This may not always be true for fiberglass shingles, though.

As expected, shingles that fulfill the industry standards are more expensive than shingles of low quality. But aside from the quality of the shingles themselves, there is also the factor of installation when the roofing cost is being considered. You may opt to use cheaper nails, but it may be rather wasteful to install good quality shingles using low-grade nails.

Different Looks

What people usually consider when they want asphalt shingles is their appearance. Shingles comes in different styles and colors that can really bring out the beauty of a home. With the right kind of asphalt shingle you can achieve different looks for your dream home.

Asphalt roofing shingles are the roofing materials of choice for many homes and even commercial buildings. With its superb form and function there is no wonder why this has become quite popular when building dream houses.

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