Asphalt shingle roofing is incredibly popular for a reason. These are some of the reasons why you might want to work with a Lafayette roofing contractor to install asphalt shingle roofing on your home:
How Asphalt Shingles Are Made
The process begins with a sheet of fiberglass membrane, usually on large rolls of synthetic layers. Some are manufactured using organic fibers, such as wood chips, cardboard, and paper. The membrane creates a flexible, strong base for the shingle that adds weather protection, increased fire resistance, and a longer lifespan to the roofing shingles.
Next, the large sheets of the membrane are covered with hot asphalt. The asphalt is added to increase the weather resistance and durability of the shingles, with additional ingredients added to increase the shingle’s fire resistance. While the material is still hot, granules in the form of tiny pebbles or crushed stones are pressed into the asphalt. Some granules are formulated to resist algae growth, and others are specifically designed to reflect the sun’s heat. Another layer is usually added to the shingle to keep the surfaces from sticking together during the packaging process. Finally, once the shingle material is manufactured, the sheets are typically cut into a shingle that measures 12 by 36 inches. The roof shingles are then packaged into bundles.
What Asphalt Does For You
Asphalt roofing shingles come in various colors, textures, profiles, and patterns. Now that you know how they’re made, here’s what they can do for your roof!
Affordable
Perhaps the top advantage of asphalt shingles over other roofing materials is that they still offer high performance for a lower cost. Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing materials upfront, and they still last long enough to provide the most value over the long term. Those who need more weather, fire, or wind resistance can find those features in performance shingles, without incurring too much extra cost.
Effective
Asphalt shingles can cover many different angles, shapes, and forms. No matter how large or complicated your roof is, you can trust that asphalt shingles will cover it all seamlessly. There are slope requirements, as there is a minimum slope for asphalt roofing. However, almost all homes in North America are suitable for asphalt shingles. Of course, you wouldn’t want to install a roofing material on your home if it didn’t serve its purpose well, no matter how inexpensive. Asphalt shingles are an effective roofing material that serves its purpose well, standing up to the elements and keeping you safe and dry.
Traditional Aesthetic
Asphalt shingles are the time-tested choice homeowners have been relying on for a long time. If you’re going for a more traditional look with your home, you might like the reliable reputation asphalt shingles provide. Not only are they a popular roofing option now but they have been popular for many years. Many homeowners feel that they lend a more traditional look than metal roofing or some of the other modern roofing options that are out there.
Easy to Install
If you are concerned about labor charges when installing a new roof, you’ll probably be happy to know that asphalt shingle roofing is one of the easier options for roofing installations. Asphalt shingles are easier to handle than heavy tile roofing or large pieces of metal roofing, and they can typically be installed quickly and easily by someone with roofing experience.
Simple Replacements
Good-quality asphalt shingles that are properly installed should last for many years, but they can sometimes be damaged by issues that are out of your control. If just a couple of shingles are damaged by the weather, you can have just the damaged shingles replaced. This is not an easy option with some roofing types, such as traditional metal roofing. You don’t have to worry about rust. Metal roofing can become rusty, particularly in coastal areas where it is exposed to saltwater. Fortunately, asphalt shingles do not rust or corrode.
Ready to Choose Your Shingles?
To help you sift through different shingles, contact the roofing professionals at Burford Roofing & Construction today. They will help you choose the right shingle for your budget, home color, and weather conditions. Call us for a free estimate.
