Exactly What Are Asphalt Shingles?

The popularity of asphalt roofing can never ever be overstated. For one, such type of roofing is pretty inexpensive, costing about $ 0.80 a square foot. Second, an asphalt roof is easy to install and the installment can be done in a day or two. Third, an asphalt roof is relatively durable and routine maintenance and repair are simple. Fourth, asphalt shingles are versatile and can be utilized in many architectural types -- owing to various styles and colors of asphalt shingles.

There are two kinds of asphalt shingles: organic and glass fiber (a/k/a fiber glass). In glass fiber types, a glass fiber reinforcing mat is formed into the shingle's shape. Asphalt with mineral fillers is then applied to the shingle. Asphalt shingles are waterproofed and, in the instance of the glass fiber kind, exactly what makes the asphalt roof water resistant is that is the asphalt integrated with mineral fillers.

The organic type of asphalt roofing is constructed from an organic felt product that is typically paper saturated with asphalt so that the shingles come to be waterproof. Adhesive asphalt is then applied on top and ceramic granules are rooted. The organic tiles are larger, thus making them more heavy duty than their glass fiber equivalents.

Because of their lightness, any roofing contractor or homeowner would like glass fiber shingles to organic asphalt shingles. Aside from their even more economical price, glass fiber shingles are even easier to produce. The roofing contractor might also favor glass fiber asphalt shingles due to the fact that such shingles are simpler to work with than organic ones.

Asphalt shingles -- whether glass fiber or organic-- are additionally preferred because of the fairly long roof life span. Nevertheless, the roof life span for asphalt depends on the state or environment where such shingles are being installed. Asphalt shingles tend to last longer in cooler temperatures, compared with shingles in warmer environments. The average life span of a shingle is about 20 years; nevertheless, this varies in particular states. In Arizona, the shingle's life span is about 14 years while in Minnesota the shingle's life span is about 19.5 years. In Pennsylvania, the shingle's life span is 20.8 years.

To prolong the roof life span, a typical roofing contractor would favor sloped roofs over flat roofs. If water is allowed to "flood" flat roofs, algae and fungi might form. The freeze-thaw cycle can also contribute to the wear and tear of asphalt shingles. During the winter season, water on flat asphalt roofs can be similarly destructive as water will certainly penetrate the cracks and freeze at night. Asphalt shingles are attractive to look at. Hence, such shingles would be utilized better in sloped roofs.

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