Roof leaks are a serious cause for concern during monsoons. But the good thing is that they can be easily prevented by installing high-quality shingles that don’t easily crack. That’s why asphalt roof shingles are so popular.
Asphalt roof shingles protect homes through decades of weathering and requires very basic maintenance. These age-old roofing solutions are easy to install and easily available throughout the country and in hundreds of colours and styles. However, getting a new roof is not as easy as it sounds. Homeowners shouldn’t choose asphalt shingles just because they’re affordable. It is important to select one that is long-lasting, durable and value for money.
If you’re interested in installing new asphalt shingles on your roof shingles, then here’s the ultimate guide to selecting one.
What are Shingles?
Before we dive into asphalt shingles, let’s learn about roofing shingles in general. Shingles are typically flat pieces of roofing materials. They come in rolls, stacks, or sheets. Shingles can be made of asphalt, composite, wood, or other roofing materials. They’re uniform in composition and design, so they provide full roof coverage. Shingles are the most economical option for roofing contractors as it’s very cost-effective to manufacture, install, and replace them. Anyone with prior experience with roofing structures can install shingle roofing. They come in many colours, textures, and materials. Here are the common types of modern-day shingles –- Architectural Shingles
- Metal Roof Shingles
- Fibreglass Shingles
- Solar Shingles
- Composite Plastic Roof Shingles
- Rubber Roof Shingles
- Slate Shingles
- Wood Shingles
- Asphalt Shingles
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are shingles made of asphalt, a black/brown petroleum-like building material. Asphalt is obtained by distilling petroleum. It contains compounds of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulphur. Asphalt is most commonly used as a roofing cover building material. It’s inexpensive and has been in use for ages in the roofing industry.
Almost every colonial or rustic estate home, bungalow, or villa in the world features asphalt roofing shingles. These shingles suit all types of homes. Plus, top sellers of asphalt roofing shingles can manufacture different types of shingles with different features, appearances, textures, and qualities.
The asphalt roofing industry is estimated to be valued at over $136 billion by 2027. Why do asphalt roofing shingles continue to be the go-to solution for property owners? They make homes look unique while providing optimal weather protection. Different types of asphalt shingles offer different types of advantages. Let’s explore them.What are the Different Types of Asphalt Shingles?
When you’re shopping for asphalt shingles (or any roofing solution), you must assess three key factors – costs, warranties, and lifespan. Here’s how the three types of asphalt shingles match upon these factors:
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles:
These shingles have a distinctive look. Each 3-tab shingle has three uniform cuts (boxes or tabs). The three cuts look like three separate pieces once installed on the roof – but they are single pieces. When laid flat on the roof, the network of 3-tab shingles looks very distinguished and consistent. These are the cheapest asphalt shingles in the market. With proper installation and maintenance, 3-tab shingle roofing systems can easily last 25+ years.Dimensional Asphalt Shingles:
These shingles are also called laminated or architectural shingles in the roofing industry. Unlike regular 3-tab asphalt shingles, dimensional shingles look random and unique. Although there isn’t anything wrong with 3-tab shingle roofing systems, they can make the roof look repetitive or dull. With dimensional shingles, you get two layers of fused shingle materials that look unique. They cost slightly more than 3-tab shingle roofing systems.Luxury Asphalt Shingles:
Typically, any shingle that’s made to look like wood, slate, or other expensive material is called “luxury.” They’re larger than 3-tab and architectural asphalt shingles and also cost more. That’s why roofing contractors typically offer extended, prorated warranties with these systems. Luxury asphalt shingles are the ‘heavyweights’ of this category. Homeowners who want the best dimensionality and designs on their roofs should consider investing in luxury asphalt roofing shingles.
Why are Asphalt Shingles So Popular?
Asphalt shingle roofing systems have been popular since the early 20th century. In the past, it was the only fire-resistant roofing material that was also economical. Over the years, homeowners have appreciated the aesthetic qualities and the long-term value of these roofing systems.
Which type of asphalt roofing shingle is the most popular? In the roofing industry, the “standard” asphalt shingles are 3-tab shingles. However, all types of asphalt shingles offer many added benefits, whether they’re coated or not. Here are the key advantages homeowners enjoy after investing in asphalt roofing shingles.Advantages of Asphalt Roofing Shingles
In 2021, labour shortages have impacted many industries – including the roofing industry. This unprecedented side effect of the COVID19 pandemic has resulted in increased demands for construction materials and workers. That’s why, currently, the main advantage of investing in asphalt roofing shingles is cost-efficiency. Other roofing materials may be harder to install and subsequently cost more. With asphalt roofing shingles, homeowners know exactly what they’re buying – high performance, low-cost, and weather-resistant roofing materials. In the long run – wood, slate, or metal roofing doesn’t offer the same cost-efficiency as asphalt roofing systems.
Some key benefits of asphalt roofing shingles include the following:-
Energy Efficiency:
You don’t need to buy solar shingles to make your roof more energy-efficient. When you install an asphalt shingle roofing system, you also have to get thermal insulation installed. This insulation will prevent cold or hot air from entering or exiting your attic throughout the year. This feature of asphalt roofing comes especially handy during the winter and summer months. Buy asphalt shingles with light tones to increase your roof’s ability to reflect the sun’s UV rays.
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Aesthetic Appeal:
Asphalt roofing shingles have been around for ages. Over the years, a wide variety of asphalt roofing shingles have hit and left the market. Currently, these roofing materials are available in a medley of colours, designs, and styles. Want a sequoia or cedarwood roof but can’t afford it? Select asphalt roofing shingles that mimic those roofs! Homeowners also get to pick from flat, uniform, rectangular, and other asphalt shingle shapes. Some homeowners use overlapping asphalt shingles to create a 3D effect! Overall, homeowners can create highly aesthetic roofing systems by selecting the right shingles.
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Straightforward Installation and Maintenance:
Asphalt roofs require very little upkeep or repair. It’s important for homeowners to check on their asphalt roofing systems every few months, especially after storms. But, most high-quality asphalt roofing shingles are wind-resistant. Even on steep or angled roofs, they don’t break easily. The ease of installation also contributes to the low cost of these shingles. Installers don’t overcharge or take too much time to set up asphalt roofing systems.
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Wind and Impact-Rated:
If your region experiences severe winds and weather conditions, buy wind and impact-rated asphalt shingles. These impact-rated asphalt roofing shingles have amazing durability. They can even help homeowners obtain certain reductions in their home insurance plans! More importantly, winds almost never lift up these shingles. The risk of rainwater sneaking in underneath these shingles and creating leaks is minimal. Top reputed sellers of asphalt roofing shingles send their products through severe impact and wind resistance tests.
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Antibacterial Qualities:
Bacterial and pest infestations are serious concerns for everyone in the roofing industry. Due to improper cleaning and maintenance, many roofing systems prematurely lose their quality. Algae, mould, and other infestations ruin their structural integrities. The most common victims of bacterial degeneration are wooden shingles. On the contrary, asphalt roofing shingles are designed to be bacteria-resistant. Ever noticed the bacterial growths that leave ugly black stains on roofs? With bacteria-resistant asphalt roofing shingles, the risk of having such undesirable growths on your roof is minimal. Both asphalt shingles and the underlayment have built-in bacterial resistance qualities. Hence, the overall appearance of asphalt roofing shingles doesn’t diminish easily with time.
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Fireproof:
The fire-resistant nature of asphalt roofing shingles has long attracted property owners and roofing contractors. Most types and grades of asphalt roofing shingles have the highest fire ratings compared to other roofing materials. Getting a roof with a Class A fire-resistance rating is every property owner’s responsibility. Asphalt roofing shingles prevent the penetration of fire inside the house from external fire hazards. They also halt the spread of fire indoors.
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Sound-Efficient:
Nothing’s worse than living under a metal roof during hailstorms. The constant streams of external noises from the water drops hitting the metal can irk anyone. Thankfully, asphalt roofing shingles are relatively sound-free. They don’t sound loud during large downpours. These shingles even insulate sound and help create noise-free internal spaces.
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Easy Integration with Existing Roof Features:
Asphalt roof shingles can be installed around chimneys, skylights, and all types of roofs. These shingles are so flexible – roofers don’t need to uninstall all of them to add or modify new features. On the other hand, metal or wooden roofs typically need to be uninstalled completely for repair and maintenance work.
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Eco-Friendly:
Gone are the days when old, damaged asphalt roofing shingles would be directly dumped inside landfills. Asphalt roofing wastes are valuable materials in the roofing industry. Roofers uninstall old asphalt shingles and send them to repurposing centres. Here, the asphalt shingles are treated and used for various purposes. They can be repurposed into new roofing systems or other products. For instance, many road construction companies use low-cost recycled asphalt to build or fix roads. Since asphalt roofing shingles are made of petroleum, they can also be melted to generate electricity. Overall, this roofing material is pretty eco-friendly and sustainable.
Life Expectancy of Asphalt Roofing Shingles – Which One Should You Choose?
When investing in a new roofing system, there are many important factors homeowners must take into consideration. The quality of the roofing materials, the design of the home, and maintenance requirements are all vital factors to consider. Homeowners must also review their regional weather conditions to ensure their roofing material is up to the task.
Asphalt roofing shingles meet all these factors. They’re low-maintenance, easy to install (irrespective of the home design) and last at least 20 years. Homeowners can even have their asphalt roofing shingles warrantied for up to 60 years for slightly higher premiums. Basic architectural or 3-tab asphalt roofing shingles are very good investments.
Just like clay, concrete, and wooden shingles, asphalt roofing shingles last for several decades, even under extreme weather conditions. The only difference is that this customer-friendly life expectancy comes very cheap when you buy asphalt roofing shingles. This time-tested roofing material which is the choice of countless homeowners across the world is worth the pay.Ready to Select Your Roofing Material?
The best roofers leverage advanced engineering techniques to exploit the dynamic properties of asphalt. At Shibam, that’s exactly what we aim to do. Our engineers are capable Of installing asphalt shingles on any type of roof, we have over 3 decades of experience in the roofing industry and Can help you install asphalt shingles on any type of roof and the way you want.
We’ve installed countless asphalt shingle roofing systems in residential buildings, commercial spaces, and industrial facilities. Interested in exploring the best asphalt roofing shingles in the market? Contact us now, and we’ll try to make your dream roofing system a reality.