Asphalt Shingle Roofs & Asphalt Roof Shingles – what should you know as a homeowner?
Your roof has a personality of its own given its complex nature and the incredible role it plays in protecting your home. Roofs are diverse, come in many different ways, shapes, and forms in terms of architectural style and design and vary even more so depending on where you live.
Tons of variables are involved when it comes to your roof, roof shingles, and asphalt roof shingles in particular. However, despite this, you might have heard and/or have been recommended Asphalt Shingles at one point in time.
Not a surprise at all! Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in the marketplace, however, I can guess that you may not know too much about asphalt shingles, and I’d be more than likely right. Today, we will give you the inside scoop of asphalt shingles!
>> FAQ: Common Roof Questions
What is an Asphalt shingle roof?
Asphalt shingle roofs are pretty simple to understand as they can be simply characterized by roofs with asphalt-based material for shingles and other structural components that make up the roof including but not limited to, underlayment, roof decking, flashing, and so on. Due to their composition of the asphalt material, they are naturally fire-resistant, energy-efficient, and therefore help reduce energy bills, and are resistant to harmful algae growth.
You can expect asphalt shingles to come in two different types of compositions: Organic shingles and Fiberglass shingles. Organic shingles are thicker, heavier, and waterproof and are rather more flexible. Fiberglass shingles, however, are water-resistant as well but have glass fibers and ceramic granules that help guard against UV rays.
Variety of Asphalt roofing shingles: What are the three types?
Asphalt shingle roofs come in three different types including:
- dimensional shingles/architectural shingles,
- three-tab shingles, and
- luxury shingles (or premium shingles)
With each shingle above, the most common are architectural shingles since they offer both durability and curb appeal. Three-tab shingles are similar to builder-grade carpets in your home – they work, but they’re not the best long-term.
Luxury asphalt shingles cost more but they also have other qualities such as durability and wind resistance alongside more colors! Let us look at them in-depth below:
1. Dimensional Shingles/Architectural Shingles
Dimensional shingles/architectural shingles, otherwise described as laminate shingles, have a unique shape and design when installed, almost mimicking slate tiles or even wood shakes. Very neat! These are the most common asphalt shingles you will see in the marketplace in comparison to the other two varieties.
2. Three-tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are flat and can almost be described as a puzzle in how layers intricately are fitted via the three tabs on the strip singles. They are generally thinner and while they are durable, they are more susceptible to wind resistance.
More and more, roofing contractors are hesitant to install three-tab shingles because architectural shingles last longer and are only a few more dollars per square than their three-tab counterparts.
Luxury Shingles (or premium shingles)
Luxury shingles are larger, more expensive, and weigh more as compared to the other two asphalt shingles on the marketplace, and exhibit a more intricate, well-appointed curbs appeal that mirrors slate roofing and the patterns it entails. It would be wise to take into consideration the weight as that may be a make or break from some houses (although not as heavy as slate shingles).
Important Factors to Consider About Asphalt Shingles!
Below are a few factors to always keep in mind when you are considering a roof replacement for your home! In addition to the types of asphalt shingles, there are factors to always make sure you are mindful of!
>> Learn About Roofing Warranties Here
The Lifespan of Asphalt shingle roofs
The lifespan of Asphalt shingles is roughly 20-50 years according to shingle manufacturers. However, the type of asphalt shingles do in fact matter in regards to life span and are exhibited in the list below from higher lifespan to lower lifespan.
- Three-tab shingles
- Dimensional shingles / Architectural shingles
- Luxury shingles (or premium shingles)
Shingle manufacturers also mentioned that if you take the necessary measures such as ensuring your roof is properly ventilated and installed properly, you can get about 80-85% of its general lifespan out of your roof.
Maintenence
Your due diligence in being proactive and attentive to your asphalt roof pays dividends in the long run, 100%. Regular inspections and careful examinations of your roof’s shingles and structural components is advised. While a new roof replacement may not perhaps be in your near future, a new roofing project that will include an asphalt shingle roof is something to really consider.
Be sure that you get in contact with a roofing contractor to do routine roof inspections to be able to observe, correct, and fix/replace issues from the start before they get worse. While the rule of thumb is 1-2 inspections annually, keep in mind your region’s elements, current damage, and the stage of life your roof is in at this time. Choosing to regularly inspect never hurts!
Asphalt shingles are tough in their wind resistance, algae-resistant shingles, and much more mentioned above. While everything good comes to an end, you are in good hands!
Cost
When it comes to cost, keep in mind there is a large number of variables that will play a role in the final estimation such as geographical location and regional supply and demand, labor, size of your roof, and so on. A little bit tricky, right? I know! However, don’t be dismayed, because that’s ALL roof shingles.
I would recommend getting in contact with roofing contractors in your area, but the numbers in your favor, and comparing and contrasting rates on services you need on your home.
A professional set of eyes will always be much better in giving an accurate quote for you to plan for the next time you need asphalt roofing shingles, roof replacement, inspections, etc.
Is Asphalt shingle roofing worth it? – Final Takeaways
Asphalt roofing shingles are designed in such a way as to address the challenges homeowners face on a daily basis by bringing real-life, sustainable solutions in design, composition, and structure to real-life problems we see with elements, meeting building codes, etc. You heard a lot about asphalt shingles, so you must be asking: Are they worth it to me?
The truth is: That depends!
Consult with a roofing contractor in your area to determine the best fit! All that glitters sometimes is not the type of gold you are looking for – but asphalt shingles prove to be reliable time and time again.