Asphalt shingles were invented by an American roofing contractor, Henry Reynolds of Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1903. However, asphalt shingles weren’t in general use up until 1911. But as fate would have it, by 1939, manufacturers had produced 11 million squares of shingles to cover 45 percent of residential homes in the United States of America.
What are Asphalt Roofing Shingles Made of?
The asphalt shingle is manufactured using three elements laid across as layers: ceramic granules on the top to offer protection against ultraviolet rays of the sun and reduce the temperature, waterproof asphalt in the middle, and a base mat. The material of the base mat may differ in an:
1. Fiberglass Asphalt Shingle
A shingle with a fiberglass base mat is lightweight, durable, and strong. They also have a better fire rating and are less expensive than organic shingles.
2. Organic Asphalt Shingle
On the other hand, an organic base mat consists of cellulose fiber that may be derived from wood or paper. This makes them less environmentally friendly and more expensive. However, organic shingles are your go-to if you don’t wish to compromise on durability, flexibility, and thickness.
Regardless of the base mat type, asphalt shingles are generally manufactured in a range of brown and gray hues — this makes it easier to find a color to complement the exteriors of your residential building, especially the color of the siding. The shape, size, and design of the asphalt shingles may also differ significantly.
The Benefits of Choosing Asphalt Roofing Shingles
1. Lifespan and Resale Value
Asphalt shingles are fairly popular in North America, as most homes across Pensacola, Florida, use asphalt roofing shingles, and rightly so considering their benefits. They remain durable throughout their lifespan of 40 to 50 years. With regular maintenance, it’s possible to extend the life of your asphalt roofing shingles project significantly; be quick to patch roof holes and replace shingles to see the difference yourself.
The lifespan and ease of maintenance for asphalt roofing shingles tend to have a significant impact on the resale value of the home as well.
2. Cost of Installation and Living
They’re also affordable considering they cost only one-half (sometimes even one-third) of the total cost of their metal roofing counterparts. In addition, asphalt shingles are not susceptible to cost fluctuations. They also account for a lower cost of installation.
Asphalt roofing shingles tend to make for warmer homes. Hence homeowners save significantly on water and heating bills during the winters.
3. Ease of Maintenance
Periodic roof inspection and maintenance is an integral course of action for roofs of all types. Roofs are susceptible to damage from external threats, such as high pressured winds, impact from rain and hail, exposure to the sun, and snow damage. To make things worse, there’s the elemental threat of the growth of algae and fungus due to trapped moisture and the accumulation of dirt and debris.
As for asphalt roofing shingles, letting damage go unrepaired often translates to further deterioration of your roof. For this reason, it’s recommended to undergo roof inspection at the hands of a professional roofing contractor to catch any damage before it worsens. For example, debris and water seeping in via a compromised roof may cause permanent damage to the interiors of your home. Nailing down or sliding in replacements is an easy project to execute. However, it’s better to leave it to professional roofing contractors.
To maintain the integrity of your roof, it’s best to clean dirt and debris regularly using the right equipment. It’s also important to get the gutters cleaned periodically to prevent water from standing still near the edges of the roof as it promotes the growth of moss, algae, and mildew.
The Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles
1. 3 Tab or Strip Shingles
This is a popular shingle style choice among most homeowners in Pensacola, Florida. Each patch of the roofing material consists of two vertical cuts that create three separate tables — i.e., one piece is equal to three separate-looking shingles. They’re also widely preferred for their budget-friendliness.
2. Dimensional, Architectural, or Laminate Shingles
Instead of cutouts, this shingle type uses multiple layers of the roofing material to make it appear dimensional. They may appear in a random pattern or simulate the appearance of a wood shake roof — but whatever it is, it’s sure to be good-looking.
3. Luxury, Designer, or Premium Shingles
Don’t be misled by the name. These shingles personalize the high-end aesthetics minus the hefty price tag. This type of shingle mimics the appearance of tile, slate, and wood shakes to further add to the visual appeal of your roof. They’re also thicker and larger in comparison to other types of asphalt roofing shingles, as they are made to look like slates rather than shingles.
Certified Pro Roofing Offers Services for All Types of Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Certified Pro Roofing is a roofing company operational in Pensacola, FL. We provide affordable emergency roof repair services alongside skillful roof inspection for roof leaks repair and other roofing problems. We’re the best roofing contractors in Pensacola for new residential roof installation as we work with asphalt, metal, and flat TPO (or Thermoplastic Polyolefin). We’re licensed, insured, and certified for operations in the Florida Panhandle and southern Alabama.
Contact Certified Pro Roofing in Pensacola, FL, to discuss financing options for repair or new roof installation of your asphalt roofing shingles. In partnership with GreenSky, we give you 0 percent interest for 6 or 12 months when the amount is paid off fully (*terms and conditions apply).
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