Asphalt Roof Shingles – What You Need to Know

One of the many types of shingles is the asphalt roof shingle. It is one of the most commonly utilized materials for roof covering. In fact, about four-fifths of homes in the United States have asphalt shingles on their roof. This is due to the fact that this particular type of shingle is easy to install and available at an affordable price.

Basically there are two types of asphalt roof shingles available in the market. These are the fiberglass and the organic shingles. The former shingle has a glass fiber reinforcing mat. It is a wet laid glass fiber mat that is bonded with urea-formaldehyde for reinforcement. Afterwards, this mat is coated with asphalt that contains mineral fillers to make it waterproof.

On the other hand, organic shingles are made up of paper saturated asphalt to make them waterproof. Then a top coat of an asphalt adhesive will be applied as well as ceramic granules will be embedded on it. The ceramic granules contain copper and also tin so as to prevent the roof shingle from acquiring any moss growth.

In terms of durability, fiberglass shingles have no match to organic ones. This is because organic shingles carry more asphalt than fiberglass shingles. However, this makes the organic shingles weigh more.

Aside from the fiberglass and the organic type of asphalt roof shingles, there is the laminated roof shingle. This type uses two different layers and is heavier and even more expensive than its former counterparts. It is also found more durable. The laminated roof shingles also provide a more 3-D effect to the surface of the roof.

Asphalt roof shingles are mostly recommended on locations with climates that are cooler. Since these roof shingles are made of asphalt; it can be easily damaged by a thermal shock. The ambient changes in temperature can dramatically damage the roof shingles in a short span of time.

Now, if you are looking for a roof shingle, consider the above information to help you in your purchasing decision. Consider the durability and its compatibility to the climate you have at your location. As for good asphalt roof shingles; it generally last almost twenty five to fifty years.

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