Reasons behind the popularity of asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are used on
so many residential roofing projects for very good reasons:
·
They perform well in extreme temperatures
·
Require low maintenance
·
Fire and wind resistant
·
Come in more than a dozen different colors
·
Solid and blended and are guaranteed for 20 to
30 years
·
Excellent value for residential roofing
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Asphalt roofing ABC’s
Asphalt roofing is made of
asphalt soaked felt paper or fiberglass matting coated with another layer of
asphalt and then covered with mineral granules to extend the life of the
shingle. The lighter the color of the granules, the more light and heat is
reflected. Asphalt roofing historically has been classified by weight; 100
square feet of asphalt shingles of a certain thickness and weight, called a square,
is rated with an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Heavier shingles
can be expected to last longer. Today, asphalt shingles are classified by the
warranty offered by the manufacturer, and commonly referred to as 10-year,
15-year, 20-year, 25-year, and 30-year or 35-year shingles.
Advances in asphalt shingles
With advances in manufacturing
techniques, asphalt shingles are available in various colors, textures and edge
patterns. Since the mid-1960’s most asphalt shingles are self-sealing, in which
a strip of tar edging on one shingle fuses with an overlaying shingle in the
heat of the sun. The sealing process helps prevent single shingles from being
blown off in a wind storm.
Wear on asphalt shingles
As asphalt shingles wear, they
gradually lose their granular shield, and ultra-violet light causes them to dry
out and become brittle, crack, buckle, and curl. An area where granular material
has eroded tends to wear from heavy foot traffic, tree branch abrasion, or
water erosion from downspouts onto the roof surface.
Residential roofing maintenance
Asphalt shingles require regular
inspection and maintenance to confirm from your roof performance is still at
its peak. Unless you are a trained roofer, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors
recommend you stay on the ground and hire residential roofing experts to
inspect your roof and for potential problems with your asphalt roofing.
Serving the Charlotte NC to Ft Mill and Rock Hill SC areas, this
reliable roofer is rated Charlotte’s #1 roofing company. Call them today for a
free estimate, or to schedule semi-annual roof inspections of your asphalt
shingle roof!
