Everyone at Active Exteriors understands the angst that goes into making decisions about the exterior of your home, such as over which roofing shingles to choose.
Your roof plays such an important role in protecting the whole structure. It also keeps you safe from the weather, heat, and cold. This is why you want to know which shingles are best, to make the right choice.
About Asphalt Shingles
Most roofing companies prefer using asphalt shingles. These products are made up of layers of multiple materials, depending upon their specific type. Fibreglass asphalt is the most popular composition.
Below is a glimpse into how these shingles are made:
- A special coating is made of powdered limestone and asphalt, then heated to almost 400 degrees Fahrenheit
- Fibreglass mats are fed into a coating machine where the coating is applied to both sides
- Granules of crushed rock or ceramic are added to the coated fibreglass mats for sun protection, colour, and texture
- The shingle is fed into a press to embed the granules
- A sealant is applied to provide wind and hail protection
- Finished mats are cut into shingles
- The shingles are packaged and sent to roofing companies
How Long Shingles Last
Two neighbours using fibreglass asphalt shingles, or any other type, can have very different results for their roof lifespan. This is because there are multiple factors that affect how long your shingles last.
Overall, you can expect your fibreglass asphalt shingles to last between 25 and 50 years. That is, with some time reduction if you live in an area of harsh weather throughout each year.
Factors affecting how long your fibreglass asphalt shingles last include:
- Climate
- Roof design
- Installation quality
Harsh weather is very damaging to shingles, despite being the element these products are designed to withstand. In the right conditions, shingles can quickly lose durability, waterproofing, and flexibility.
As a result, your roof suffers damage that leads to leaks and other problems. Signs you need to call your roofing company include shingle cracks, curls, or missing granules.
Why Asphalt Shingles are Best
Asphalt shingles are considered best by most roofing companies for many reasons. These reasons include:
- Lightweight
- Low cost
- Easier installation
- Variety of colours
- Durable
Fibreglass asphalt shingles are so lightweight that they do not burden your roof, especially when compared to types requiring extra structural support, such as slate.
Asphalt shingle products cost less than other types, and you can expect them to last much longer because of their durability. Installation, repair, and maintenance are also cheaper for these shingles too.
Your roofing company prefers asphalt shingles when it comes to installation ease, too. Most roofing jobs are completed in just one day when using asphalt. This means less disruption of your home life and privacy.
Of course, having a choice of about 15 colours makes asphalt shingles look great on your home, too. You can choose from various colours, patterns, and textures to suit your home’s design, era, and architecture for lasting curb appeal.
Finally, being durable makes asphalt shingles the most popular choice. These products do not require the extensive maintenance of other types or materials.
Asphalt resists extreme heat and cold, just like it protects your home from ice, wind, and fire. You can enjoy the peace-of-mind of having a great warranty on top of the material’s outstanding durability and strength.
