Asphalt Roof Shingles For Your House

A type of roof shingle, known as asphalt roof shingles are one of the most widely utilized roof covers. Almost four-fifths of homes in the U.S. have asphalt shingle roofs. This is because the shingles are extremely economical and fairly easy to repair and install.

There are two basic types of asphalt roof shingles available. These are the fiberglass or glass fiber and the organic shingles. The shingles made of fiberglass have a glass fiber reinforcing mat. The mat is specifically manufactured in the shape of a shingle. This mat is then coated with asphalt that contains mineral fillers.

However, the fiberglass mat is not waterproof by nature. It is basically a wet laid glass fiber mat that is bonded with urea-formaldehyde resin. This is used for reinforcement. The asphalt present in these roof shingles make these fiberglass shingles waterproof.

The fiberglass reinforcement was originally devised as a replacement for asbestos paper reinforcement of roofing shingles. They typically range from 1.8 to about 2.3 pounds per square foot. The older versions of asbestos were harder to tear and actually more durable. However, due to its hazardous nature, the asbestos roof shingles are now being replaced by fiberglass asphalt shingles.

Organic shingles are usually paper saturated with asphalt to make them waterproof. They are then applied with a top coat of an asphalt adhesive. Then these shingles are further embedded with ceramic granules. A portion of these granules contain copper. The granules also contain tin so as to prevent the roof shingle from acquiring any moss growth.

Around forty percent of organic shingles carry asphalt per hundred square feet vis-Ã -vis fiberglass shingles. This makes the organic shingles weigh more. At the same time, it ensures that they have excellent blow-off resistance and durability.

The newest forms of asphalt roof shingles are known as the laminated roof shingles. These shingles use two different layers. Though heavier than its former counterparts, these are a lot expensive than the other two forms of roof shingles. These are also found to be much more durable than the traditional designs of shingles. The laminated roof shingles also provide a more 3-D effect to the surface of the roof.

Most asphalt roof shingles last longer in climates that are cooler as compared to warmer ones. As a matter of fact, the roof shingles are made of asphalt that can be easily damaged by a thermal shock. The ambient changes in temperature can dramatically damage the roof shingles in a short span of time.

Nevertheless, the best way to judge asphalt roof shingles is by their weight per square. They are ranked mainly by their warranty too. Good asphalt roofing shields generally last the consumer almost twenty five to fifty years. So opt for it now!