Shingle Roof

Shingles are currently the most popular type of residential roof material for a variety of reasons. First, they are the most cost effective. Second, they come in a variety of colors and styles. Third, shingles are durable (some have been tested and have achieved a 130 MPH wind uplift rating). Finally, shingle roofs can be easily repaired and are the easiest to maintain.
Cost of installing shingles is determined by geographical location, slope of the roof, height of the building, ease of access to the premises, complexity of the project, the particular type of shingle and numerous other factors. Apart from offering a wide selection of styles, asphalt shingle roofing is widely used and easy to install. This makes them an attractive option for professional roofers to offer their customers. And while a new roof is not cheap at all, asphalt shingle is one of the least expensive options. If the existing roof structure (the structural surface under the roof system) is in good condition, new asphalt slabs can also be attached to the old roof shingles, reducing the need (and cost) to tear off the old roof.

Fiberglass shingles have a glass fiber reinforcing mat manufactured to the shape of the shingle. This mat is then coated with asphalt which contains mineral fillers. The glass fiber mat is not waterproof by itself; its purpose is for reinforcement. What makes the glass fiber shingle waterproof is the asphalt. However, the asphalt itself will not stick to the mat. For this reason, “fillers” are used. The fillers in the asphalt cling to the glass fibers in the mat. The asphalt then encapsulates the glass fibers, fills all of the little holes and voids in the mat rendering it waterproof. After this cools a bit, an adhesive asphalt is used to cover the mat and the ceramic granules are then embedded. Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of colors to match almost any facade or landscape.

Most shingle manufacturers now offer lifetime warranties on their products which range between 30-50 years. The lifespan of asphalt shingles depends highly upon the type of shingle selected as well as the environment where it is installed. Shingles in cooler climates such as the northern United States tend to last longer than those installed in the warmer climates with excessive UV exposure. Heavier weight dimensional or architectural shingles last longer than traditional 3-tab or strip style shingles.