The Many Faces of Shingle Roofing – Part 1: Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle has long been the most popular type of roofing shingle, and it still is till today. However, although widely known as “asphalt” shingle, they are not entirely made of asphalt. They have a base material at the core that is covered with layers of asphalt, making them highly durable.
The regular asphalt shingle that we know has an organic core, which is usually made from a wood-based material, such as paper, cellulose or wood fiber. Below are a few reasons why you might want to consider organic asphalt shingles:
- Durability – Organic shingles are highly durable due to the amount of asphalt each unit contains.
- Water resistance – Asphalt is a waterproof material, making it perfect for roofing application.
- Variety of designs – Organic shingles are available in a wide variety of designs. Since they come in different styles, it’s easy to select the best style for the architectural design of your home. The shingles are also available in different colors, making it possible to choose the best color for your home’s overall theme.
- Minimal maintenance – Aside from performing periodic inspections and cleaning, there is hardly any other maintenance work required for this type of roofing material.
- Long lifespan – Asphalt shingle roofs generally tend to last anywhere between 20 and 30 years. If properly maintained, there’s a good chance they could last longer.
- Easy to repair – Damage to an asphalt shingle roof is relatively easy to repair, but you should remember that it’s best to leave any repair work in the hands of a professional roofer.
- Affordability – One of the reasons why asphalt shingle is highly popular is because it’s generally more affordable than other types of roofing materials.
In the next installment of this three-part series, we’ll talk about fiberglass shingles, which are also becoming more and more popular nowadays. Stay tuned!