Understanding Roofing: Can Asphalt Shingles Be Your Choice?
Understanding Roofing: Can Asphalt Shingles Be Your Choice?
Asphalt shingles have earned their place as the preferred roofing material for residential properties. Their affordability, durability, and the plethora of color choices available make them an ideal match for any home exteriors.
While other roofing materials like slate may provide a unique aesthetic, they are heavier and may not suit every home. In particular, older or structurally weakened homes may struggle to support the weight of these roofs.
Lightweight Yet Sturdy Asphalt shingles are exceptionally lightweight, which makes them easy to transport and install on a roof. This feature also means they require less maintenance than their heavier counterparts, such as clay tiles and slate.
The 3-tab variety is the most popular type of asphalt shingle. These shingles are designed to appear as three separate pieces and sit flat against a roof, providing a uniform and neat look. While this variety is often the most cost-effective, architectural asphalt shingles are also available. These thicker, more textured shingles add a striking aesthetic to your home while also offering energy efficiency.
Asphalt shingles can be used on a wide array of roofs, though they may not be the best choice for low-pitched or flat roofs. Such roofs are more susceptible to wind damage, and a single shingle can easily dislodge during severe weather. However, if this happens, the shingle can be replaced without affecting the remaining shingles.
Durability Defined Asphalt shingles provide a sturdy covering for your roof, resisting heat, heavy rain, snow, and wind. They are also designed to withstand fading and discoloration from sun exposure.
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of types and styles to cater to your specific aesthetic needs and architectural design. Depending on the shingle type, they can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
Three-tab shingles, identified by cutouts along their lower edge, offer the most basic and affordable option, lasting between 15-20 years. Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, may cost more but provide a decorative flair to your roof, with some designs mimicking the appearance of slate, wood shakes, or tiles.
Premium shingles, such as those offered by Abel & Son, boast a shadow tone granule blend, adding color depth and dimension to your roof. These shingles are fire-resistant, hail and wind-resistant, and can last up to 30 years.
Affordability Meets Aesthetics As one of the most budget-friendly roofing options, asphalt shingles are easy to install and can endure up to 20 years with proper maintenance.
There are shingle types to suit every home style and climate. 3-tab shingles are the most economical choice, while architectural shingles offer a layered look and longer warranty terms. Luxury shingles imitate the appearance of cedar shake or slate roofs, providing dramatic curb appeal, albeit at a higher price.
Specialty shingles are also available to combat algae growth or increase resistance to hail damage. Some even feature "cool roof" color technologies that reflect the sun's heat, lowering energy bills. For a sleek, stylish look, you can opt for shingles that mimic the appearance of hand-cut European shingles.
Energy Efficiency Asphalt shingles are energy efficient and can help lower your home’s cooling costs. They reflect sunlight instead of absorbing it, keeping your house cooler and reducing the burden on your HVAC system. They can also be installed on existing roofs, saving on the cost of a complete tear-off and new roof installation.
Strip shingles, also known as 3-tab shingles, are the most fundamental type of asphalt shingle. They consist of a single layer and provide a flat, slate-like appearance upon installation. Lightweight and affordable, this shingle type is an excellent choice for new homes or as replacement shingles.
Also referred to as architectural or laminate shingles, these shingles are made with two or more layers to give your roof a rich, multi-dimensional look. Available in various colors and styles, they can replicate the aesthetics of wood shake or natural slate. Many of these shingles possess energy-saving features, such as solar-reflecting granules, earning them an Energy Star qualification.
Roofing companies Murfreesboro TN
Understanding Roofing: Can Asphalt Shingles Be Your Choice? Asphalt shingles have earned their place as the preferred roofing material for residential properties. Their affordability, durability, and the plethora of color choices available make them an ideal match for any home exteriors. While other roofing materials like slate may provide a unique aesthetic, they are heavier…