Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing type in North America. Inexpensive and easy to install, they are available in a wide variety of qualities, making it difficult for a layman to pick the best type for the job. For this reason, it is a good idea to hire a licensed, knowledgeable contractor comfortable with explaining the many roofing options available as well as how to shingle a roof.

While many consumers focus on warranties, many home improvement experts are quick to point out that most warranties are little more than sales tactics. Instead a consumer should look for asphalt shingles that are made to meet specific industry standards and hire an experienced roofing contractor to install them. An informed consumer should also pick which type of asphalt shingle will work best for his home and climate.

Fiberglass shingles are the lightest and thinnest type of shingle, making them the easiest type of asphalt shingle to move and install. They are made of a mat of fiberglass that is then coated in asphalt. Fiberglass shingles are popular in southern areas of the United States. Fiberglass shingles also have the higher fire rating when compared to other asphalt shingle types. Look for fiberglass shingles that meet ASTM D-3462 standards.

Organic shingles are preferred in colder regions because they are more flexible than fiberglass shingles in low temperatures. Rather than having a fiberglass mat, a cellulose fiber mat is covered with soft asphalt and then coated in a harder asphalt. Due to the cellulose mat as well as the two layers of asphalt, organic shingles are far heavier than fiberglass shingles. Look for shingles that meet STM D-225 standards. In general, a higher quality organic shingle will also be heavier.

In addition to traditional two tab or three tab asphalt shingles, architectural shingles are available. This type of asphalt shingle mimics almost any type of material, including slate, wood, or even metal shingles. Unlike traditional shingles, architectural asphalt shingles are often laid in random patterns to further imitate another material.

While many homeowners appreciate the appearance of slate or wood without the higher price, many designers avoid these types of shingles because they are inauthentic. For homeowners with the same concerns, architectural shingles are available in colors and patterns that imitate no other type of material.

Due to the high cost of labor, plan on purchasing the best shingles you can afford. Carefully read the manufacturer's literature and make note of any actions that could void the warranty. Common actions that violate a warranty are installing shingles without a licensed contractor or applying new shingles over an existing roof.

In an attempt to save on labor and waste disposal costs, layering new shingles over an existing roof has become popular. In addition to possibly voiding the shingle's warantee, layering shingles has several other significant drawbacks. The largest drawback is the added weight on the roof. Some building codes will not allow layering for this reason. Other building codes will only allow the shingles to be layered once, leaving an even more expensive removal and replacement job when the new shingles must be replaced.

Manufacturers discourage shingle layering because cupped, warped, or otherwise damaged old shingles can affect the new materials. Layering shingles can also cause moisture to become trapped between the layers, causing premature rotting of structural roofing members. Avoiding a full tear off also deprives your contractor of the opportunity to identify and fix any potential problems before a leak occurs.

The roof is one of the most expensive components of any house. A poorly installed roof can cause expensive home repair costs that over time can easily exceed the initial cost of hiring a licensed contractor. Of course, hiring the right contractor to install asphalt shingles is crucial. For this reason, be sure to solicit recommendations from friends and neighbors.

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