As you may already be aware, most roof shingles are made of asphalt. Such popularity does not come without reason, but there are still plenty of other options out there. For those who are considering the question of whether or not to use asphalt composition shingles, we hope that this article will provide some helpful advice.
A Tale Of Two Shingles
There are two types of asphalt shingles. Before the early 1980s, most asphalt shingles were made of asphalt and not much else. These are referred to as “organic” asphalt shingles. These shingles consist of a core made of cellulose material (derived from various wood products) which is then impregnated with asphalt to make it waterproof. Then, it is sandwiched between two layers of asphalt sheeting. Granules of powdered rock material were then added to the top layer.
Composition shingles, on the other hand, have a core of fiberglass that has been impregnated with asphalt. It is still sandwiched between two layers of asphalt sheet with granules on top. For decades, this has been the most popular type of roof shingle.
Pros Of A Composition Roof
Composite shingles have more or less replaced the old organic shingles. Fire safety is the main reason for this fact. As you might imagine, those old organic shingles were not very resistant to fire. The cellulose core was made of either wood pulp or compressed paper.
Asphalt is not flammable, but it will certainly burn if a flame is applied. Thus, it was deemed necessary to use a fireproof fiberglass core instead. Bear in mind that these shingles are fire-resistant but not totally fireproof.
Composition shingles are also lighter than most other types. While this makes them a little more vulnerable to the wind, it also makes them much easier to use. It also means that these shingles won’t put much strain on the structure of your home. The old slate-shingle roofs could sometimes weigh as much as 30 pounds per square foot! By contrast, composition roofing only weighs about 2.5 pounds per square foot. Organic shingle roofing is heavier than composition roofing because wood and paper are heavier than fiberglass.
Cons Of A Composition Roof
There are several downsides to consider. For one thing, these shingles aren’t very impressive when you look at them. They provide a flat, dull surface that adds nothing to the aesthetic appeal of a building. If you really want a home that stands out visually, you will need to ditch those things.
Another slight problem is the fact that composition roofing is not very thick. This makes it far easier for the wind to grab a shingle and tear it away. Deterioration is another serious concern. Because these tiles are so thin, the granules are not as firmly anchored. As such, they will erode much faster than other types. Anyone who has ever had to clean out granules from their rain gutters will appreciate this fact.
Two Types Of Composition Shingles
There are basically two types of composition shingles: Architectural and 3-tab. Architectural shingles are designed for high-durability uses, as they do a great job of resisting high winds and other natural hazards. They are very thick, and their surface is textured so that the roof looks more like an old-style cedar shake roof. Of course, they are more expensive.
3-tab shingles, on the other hand, are much thinner and less durable. This isn’t necessarily a terrible thing, as these shingles are mostly used for residential homes in places that do not usually experience severe weather conditions. For most homeowners, these shingles will do the job at a minimal cost. They don’t have the nice textured look of architectural shingles, but they’re a lot easier on your wallet and easier to install.
Alternatives
There are, of course, many alternatives to asphalt shingles. Don’t bother looking for organic asphalt shingles (there is no reason to buy them anyway), as these are no longer made. However, there are many other materials you can use, including wood shakes, clay tiles, tin sheets, tar, stone, and even solar panels!
Conclusion
There are many reasons for the popularity of asphalt shingles. After reading this article, you should be familiar with most of them. If you are on a budget, these things are probably your best option. If not, We hope that you will do a little bit of research and learn even more. To begin this process, please fill out the contact form below. Call us at 856-264-9093.
