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Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt Shingles - Function and Style
Asphalt shingles are a proven roof covering material that is
available in many styles, shapes and colours. Architectural shingle types
- such as laminates - are rapidly gaining in popularity. Asphalt shingles
are suitable for most residential applications. In fact, industry
estimates show approximately 80% of the total residential roofs are
covered with asphalt shingles. Properly installed asphalt shingles will
not only effectively shed water off the roof; they will enhance the
beauty, character and value of your home. Lastly, asphalt shingles are
backed by a warranty typically ranging from 20 years to Lifetime.
Making Asphalt Roofing Products
Asphalt Roofing Products are manufactured in a continuous
process using organic felt or fiberglass mat as the core materials on
which other components are layered. The organic felt is saturated and
coated with hot asphalt and the top surface is then covered with a
protective layer of coloured, U.V. resistant ceramic granules. The
fiberglass mat is coated with hot asphalt and the top surface is then
covered with a protective layer of coloured U.V. resistant ceramic
granules.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingles
- Affordable Cost: Compared to other roofing products, asphalt
shingles are relatively inexpensive.
- Peace of Mind: Asphalt shingles have been around for over 100 years.
They have a proven track record in our harsh climatic conditions.
- Availability: Asphalt shingles are commonly available at most
lumberyards.
- Suitability: Asphalt shingles are available in a wide selection of
sizes, styles and colours, suitable for most residential applications.
- Warranty Coverage: Asphalt shingles are protected with warranty
periods ranging from 20 years to Lifetime, which will suit any budget
and needs.
- User-Friendly: Experienced Do-It-Yourselfers can apply asphalt
shingles successfully.
- Low Maintenance and Easy Repairs: Other more expensive roofing
products can require more maintenance, specialized tools, can be more
difficult to repair and almost always require professional installation.
Asphalt shingles meet other roofing material types
In the roofing industry, there are currently other, more
expensive materials available to cover roofs. Some products include Metal
or Wood shingles and Concrete or Slate tiles, these materials generally
require professional installation which can be quite expensive. Some of
these products are quite heavy on the roof structure and are not
necessarily suitable for all roof types. The maintenance required to keep
these products looking good surpasses by far the low maintenance required
with asphalt shingles.
Choosing the right shingles for your roof
Many variables will guide you in the decision of which
shingle type is suitable for your dream roof. The choice of shingles must
consider the budget available, the style of the roof and its slope, the
warranty coverage desired, and the reputation and track record of the
roofing products manufacturer.
Plain facts about Organic and Fiberglass Shingles
Both types of shingles, when applied properly will perform
well. In order to better compare, here is some helpful information.
Organic Shingles:
- Have many decades of proven performance.
- Organic shingles are softer and easier to work with than fiberglass
shingles, especially in cold weather applications.
- Contain more asphalt and nearly always use heavier weight
reinforcement than fiberglass shingles of similar weight.
- Absorb roof stresses better and are more tear-resistant than
fiberglass shingles.
- Are typically thicker than fiberglass shingles and are better
capable to hide minor imperfections in the roof deck or the old layer of
shingles.
Fiberglass Shingles:
- Are more resistant to heat, which may cause blisters to form on
softer organic shingles.
- On most application, fiberglass shingles require the installation of
an asphalt saturated felt underlayment.
- Are more resistant to curling, which can happen with organic
shingles after many years of service.
- Roof assemblies covered with fiberglass shingles have a higher fire
resistance rating than roof assemblies covered with organic shingles.
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