With around 75% of all homes in the United States having shingles as their primary roofing material, it’s pretty likely that your home has shingles on it. When it is time to replace your roof, it’s necessary to understand the different aspects of shingles so that you can pick the perfect ones to meet your needs and your budget.
What Are Shingles Constructed Of?
When people talk about shingles, they’ll typically talk about asphalt shingles. It’s important to realize that while today’s shingles contain some asphalt, they’re mostly made of fiberglass. The fiberglass material is covered with a thin layer of asphalt and granules to provide the traditional asphalt shingle appearance.
Types of Shingles
There are three main types of modern shingles. These include three-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury shingles.
Three-tab shingles are the most common. With this type of shingle, there are three distinct tab sections that provide a look that is similar to slate tiles.
Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, feature a thicker base level. Architectural shingles have a layered appearance with a three-dimensional look.
Lastly, luxury or premium shingles are considered to be ultra-dimensional. Compared to three-tab and dimensional shingles, luxury shingles are significantly thicker and create a much higher profile for a distinctive appearance.
Specialized Asphalt Shingles
Apart from the three main types of shingles on the market today, there are different types of specialized shingles that help protect your roof from various adverse conditions. For regions of the country that experience hail several times per year, there are impact-resistant shingles. These shingles are specifically designed to hold up well to pelting hail up to two inches in size.
Another specialized type of asphalt shingle is a solar-resistant shingle. Also known as a cool shingle, these feature lighter colors to help reflect the direct sunlight away from your roof. This design helps to drastically reduce your roof temperature and cooling costs in the summer months.
In very wet climates, such as near the ocean, stain-resistant shingles are a popular choice. These shingles are treated with a deterrent that inhibits the growth of algae and the discoloration that it may cause.
In areas where wildfires are a concern, homeowners can invest in fire-resistant asphalt shingles. These help to deter flames and give the fire department extra time to put out the fire before it completely damages your home.
For environments that receive a lot of wind, there are wind-resistant shingles. These are designed to withstand high-force winds and require a particular type of specialized installation to be successful.
The Many Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
When evaluating the benefits of asphalt shingles, it is obvious why so many homes throughout the nation utilize this type of roof covering. Asphalt shingles are extremely affordable for the average homeowner. They last between 15 and 30 years, depending on the specific environment.
Asphalt shingles are available in a variety of different colors and styles so that you can find the perfect match for your existing home’s design. In addition, asphalt shingles are very easy to maintain and highly durable in most conditions. For most roofing professionals, asphalt shingles are the easiest and most cost-effective choice for installation.
When you opt for asphalt shingles over other roofing options, you don’t have to worry about them rusting out like their metal counterparts. Whenever you have a problem with a specific area of your roof, you can simply replace the affected shingles without sacrificing your home’s aesthetic.
Signs Your Asphalt Shingles Need To Be Replaced
While asphalt shingles are durable and last a long time, they will eventually reach a point where they will need a replacement. As a homeowner, it’s crucial that you’re able to recognize when your shingles need to be replaced to prevent costly damage to your roof and other areas of your home. Some common signs that you’ll notice include cracking shingles, buckling shingles, leaks, and an extreme accumulation of granules in your gutters and downspouts.
Reliable Roofing Services
At Transformation Roofing & Home Services, we offer reliable residential roof repair, replacement, and inspection services throughout Atlanta, GA and the surrounding region. We can also help with all of your storm damage needs. Call Transformation Roofing & Home Services today to get one of our roofers on the way!