Asphalt shingles tops on the block in Charlotte NC

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Asphalt shingles are made with felt paper or fiber glass matting permeated with asphalt, covered by another layer of asphalt containing colored mineral granules. Their excellent durability and performance levels account for the popularity attributed by homeowners to asphalt roofing.

Weight of asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles were previously classified by weight per hundred, or per 100 square feet, as a means to predict durability of the various thicknesses available in asphalt shingles. Most asphalt roofing in use today is classified by the warranty offered by the manufacturer. Asphalt shingles are now known as 10 year, 15 year, 20 year, 25 year, 30 year or 35 year shingles.

Options in asphalt shingles

Modern asphalt roofing is available in various textures and edge patterns. Strip shingles are about three times as long as they are wide and are distinguished by the number of cutouts or tabs that they have. Different texture and shadow effects are achieved with strip shingles by varying the number, shape and alignment of the cutouts. The most common type of strip shingle is the three-tab shingle. Interlocking asphalt shingles are individual shingles that mechanically fasten to each other, and are used to provide greater wind resistance.

Benefits of asphalt roofing for residential roofing use

• High performance in extreme temperatures and in areas where wind, water, and ice are prevalent.
• Affordable high-volume production and low application costs of asphalt shingles provide overall value in terms of comparable life expectancy.
• Low maintenance and easy repair for properly applied asphalt shingles.
• Fire and wind resistance standards for asphalt shingles are rated and defined by nationally recognized standards and tested by independent testing agencies. Wind resistance labels indicate the asphalt roofing has been manufactured and tested to demonstrate acceptable resistance in high-wind locations.

For more information on asphalt shingles and for help in selecting which asphalt shingles might be the best choice for your residential roofing needs, contact the asphalt roofing specialists at Advanced Roofing and Exteriors in Charlotte NC. Visit them online at www.AdvancedRoofingandExteriors.com  and complete a customer service request for a consultation.

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Asphalt shingles tops in Charlotte NC residential roofing

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

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!