Asphalt Vs Fiberglass Shingles: Which One Is Right
Are you contemplating whether to choose between asphalt vs. fiberglass shingles when roofing your house? Both roofing materials have unique pros and cons, and thats why it can be tricky to select whats best. After reading this guide, youll be able to decide.
A new roof increases the value, thus the resale worth of your home. With the accurate rooftop, you can anticipate recovering almost 63 percent of the reasonable cost once your home value upsurges.
Shingles are the prevalent types of roofing materials on most residential homes. They come in different colors and styles, are cost-effective, protect your house, and can last for 20 years. However, choosing between asphalt vs. fiberglass shingles can be tricky.
The Dynamic Benefits Of Asphalt
Due to modern engineering techniques and the dynamic properties of asphalt, manufacturers are capable of producing numerous specialty products that exist across all shingle types. These include shingles that fight algae growth, offer enhanced resistance to damaging hail, and offer cool roof color technologies that reflect the heat of the sun to keep homes cooler and can reduce the expenses of air conditioning. Depending on your location, choosing a specialty shingle can even reduce your insurance costs . In addition, asphalt shingles are naturally fire resistant, making them an ideal choice for areas where wildfires are prominent.
Interested in exploring the different options available to you? Try out CertainTeeds ColorView® home exterior visualizer tool – you can even upload a picture of your own home to try out different roofing, siding, paint and trim combinations to help bring your remodeling vision to reality.
You can also find a local contractor who can professionally install CertainTeed building products on your home by using our Find A Pro contractor locator tool.
Energy Efficient Fiberglass Roofing
Because fiberglass shingles contain less asphalt than organic mat-based shingles, and are easier to transport, they have a lower overall environmental impact. Fiberglass shingle manufacturers are also adopting energy-saving, cool-roof technology to help reduce the amount of heat absorbed by the roof. Look for shingles with Energy Star ratings and you can significantly reduce the cost of cooling your home in the hotter months.
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Whats Included In The Price
Its not uncommon for a roofer to use the cheapest shingles, as they can quote a lower price to the consumer. Using staples instead of nails is another cost-cutting technique, or omitting ice guard and required flashing. If you choose the cheapest bid, remember the saying you get what you pay for.
What Is An Asphalt Shingle Roof
An asphalt shingle roof is the most common type of roof you see on homes today. Its a roof system made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components.
There are three types of asphalt shingles to choose from: 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.
3-tab asphalt shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip.
Dimensional shingles give you a good looking random pattern or simulate the look of a wood shake roof.
Luxury or premium shingles are actually larger than the other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate.
While 3-tab used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury style shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price.
This is just a general overview of the types of asphalt shingles. For a deeper breakdown of the different asphalt shingles, read this article on the 3 types of asphalt shingles.
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Roof Maintenance Can Maximize An Asphalt Roof
Your car needs its oil changed to keep it maintained and running smoothly, the same goes for your roof. To keep an asphalt roof functioning perfectly, its important to have it periodically checked over.
Whether its once or twice a year, regular roof maintenance ensures you get the most life out of your asphalt shingle roof. It will catch any problems with your asphalt shingles and prevent future leaks before they can cause damage to your home.
Its also a chance to clear your roof and gutters of any debris. Wet debris sitting on your asphalt roof will shorten the lifespan of your asphalt shingles. Because of this, its absolutely crucial to keep your roof running smoothly throughout its life with roof maintenance.
To learn more about why roof maintenance is crucial to all roof types, read this article on why regular roof maintenance is important.
Are Fiberglass Shingles Right For Your Climate
High Heat Climates:
Manufacturer warranties currently guarantee fiberglass shingles for 15-30 years. The large variance in those warranties are typically based on climate, weather, and other environmental factors in your area. Homeowners in areas where their roofs will be enduring long summers with high heat like an asphalt roof in Austin, TX may need to replace roofing sooner than homeowners in cooler regions.
Colder Climates:
In areas known for severe winters, ice may aggravate tiny cracks and fissures. Algae and fungus growth can also be potentially damaging for roofing in perennially damp or subtropical areas. Algae-resistant shingles are available. The ceramic granules on the shingles are simply coated with leachable copper to prevent discoloration and long-term damage from algae and moss growth. Keep in mind though, this protective treatment can add 10 to 15% installation cost to your roofing materials budget.
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A Final Key Measurement: The Solar Reflectance Index
The Solar Reflectance Index, or SRI, is a calculation using the aged solar reflectance and thermal emittance measurements of the asphalt shingles materials. It ranges from 0 to 100.
This measurement can be used as an indicator of how hot shingles are likely to become when theyre exposed to the sun. The lower the SRI value, the hotter the asphalt shingles are likely to be in sunlight. Conversely, roofing shingles with a higher SRI will help reduce the cooling load on your home.
In many cases, asphalt shingle manufacturers use a shingles third-party certified aged SRI value to demonstrate compliance with cool roof energy codes.
Select A Grade: Better/best
BETTER/BEST: Laminated shingles
Instead of one layer, laminated, or architectural, shingles have two or more layers with three-dimensional tabs of varying sizes. The shingles are usually the same size as the basic three tab, but a laminated shingle can weigh up to 50 percent more, which may increase durability and come with a longer warranty.
PROS: The thicker tabs vary in size and shape for more dimension and crisper shadow lines, suggestive of wood or slate. Laminated shingles offer the greatest range of colored granules.
CONS: More expensive than three-tab shingles.
PRICE: $60 to over $280 per roofing square for special shapes.*
* Shingles are priced per roofing square, which is equal to 100 square feet.
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How Much Does An Asphalt Roof Cost
You now know what an asphalt roof is and 3 things you need to know about asphalt shingle roofs.
After reading this article, youre better equipped to decide if asphalt shingles are the right roofing material for your roof replacement. But there are still some things you need to know about getting a new asphalt roof.
One of those things is how much your new asphalt roof will cost. Always eager to educate you further, weve already answered that for you.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided the residents of Nashville with high-quality asphalt roofing services since 1990. Whether you need repairs or a full roof replacement, our workmanship ensures the job is done right. Thats why we offer a lifetime warranty.
How Long Do Fiberglass Shingle Roofs Last
Fiberglass shingles can last anywhere from 25 to 50 years, while traditional asphalt shingles usually last a maximum of 15 years. . If you install fiberglass roofing and go with a more expensive roofing brand you can expect a longer life expectancy, better durability, and longer warranties for your roof.
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Install A Metal Ridge Vent
- 11.1 – Snap a chalk line 7/8″ from the ridge on both sides of the roof. If roof trusses are evident, the gap should be 1 ¾” the length of the ridge. Leave 8-10″ along a wall or chimney.
- 11.2 – Measure the thickness of the sheathing and adjust the circular saw to that measurement.
- 11.3 – Cut the sheathing and be sure not to cut down to the rafters. Follow the two chalk lines along the ridge.
- 11.4 – Use a wood chisel to complete the cut at the ends
- 11.5 – Remove the sheathing panel with a pry bar. Remove all nails along the cut.
- 11.6 – Install the shingles up to the ridge so that they cover the sealed strip on both sides of the ridge.
- 11.7 – Cut the shingles covering the vent opening.
- 11.8 – Center the vent on the ridge.
- 11.9 – Nail at the top of the opening every 6″, alternating from side to side.
The Telltale Signs Of A Proper Asphalt Shingle Roof
October 6, 2021 by Caleb Oberg
There are many types of roofs made from different materials, but all are designed and built to keep out the weather and other natural elements. And just like other types of roofing systems, your asphalt shingle roof is built to protect your home and keep your family safe. But how do you determine if your roof is built correctly with the right materials? As a local expert on shingle and steel roofs, Oberg Roofing & Remodeling shares what you need to look for:
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Installation And Cost Of Asphalt Roof
Asphalt shingles are one of the least expensive roofing materials, and they are available in a wide variety of colors. Asphalt shingles are commonly used on sloped roofs, single homes, and smaller residential projects just to name a few. This material is very easy to install and provides flexibility during its installation process. Nowadays, shingles are also available with different textures and thickness, and they can be treated against mold and mildew.
Do You Need Roofing Help
If you are worried about storm damage or think you may have a roof leak
RestoreMasters is an experienced full-service restoration contractor offering turnkey solutions including roofing, siding, windows & doors, interior restoration, exterior repairs & more. With offices nationwide, we are here to serve you!
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Disadvantages Of Asphalt Shingles
The following are the cons of using asphalt shingles.
- Vulnerable to Wind Uplift: Inexpensive asphalt shingles can get defenseless to strong winds. This makes them detach easily, thus making your roof vulnerable to leakages.
- Can Easily Crack: Due to their lightweight nature, asphalt shingles can crack easily, especially when exposed to extreme temperature variations. In addition, extreme temperature fluctuations can cause your shingles to contract and expand, resulting in cracks.
- Warping: One major asphalt shingle drawback is that they absorb a lot of water. As a result, the shingles get prone to warping leading to a weak roof that doesnt protect your home.
What Are The Key Components Of An Asphalt Shingle Roof
July 2, 2020 by Bill Laut
Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in the U.S. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, styles and profiles, asphalt shingles can be designed to mimic the look of slate, cedar and wood roofing. Aside from being cost-effective, asphalt shingles are also durable and sustainable. After use, the shingles can be recycled or used in paving.
Planning an asphalt shingle roofing installation? Heres a quick guide to the key components of asphalt shingle roofs.
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Find A Roofing Contractor Near You
Once youve chosen the perfect shingle for your home, its time to find a trusted roofing contractor to do the job. Find independent roofing contractors in the Owens Corning Roofing Contractor Network in your area to request a quote.
Owens Corning® roofing shingles linked to in this post may only be available regionally. Please visit our Roofing Shingles page and ensure your zip code is correct to discover Owens Corning® roofing shingles available in your area.
Metal Roof Vs Shingles: Maintenance
Roof maintenance doesnt top anyones list of fun things to do, yet it must be done to ensure a roofs longevity.
With asphalt shingles, most maintenance involves penetrations through the roof where adhesives, metal flashing and sealants are used. Those sealants deteriorate over time and therefore need to be replaced. And rubber pipe boots the flashings for plumbing pipes that come through the roof are also prone to break down and need attention or replacement.
On a properly installed metal roof, penetrations are flashed with matching metal. If a sealant is used, its as the first line of defense, but the true water tightness comes from the flashing design and the way it channels water off of the roof, Miller says.
On a metal roof, rubber pipe boots are often covered with metal to match the roof, not only for aesthetics, but to protect the soft rubber from the suns damaging rays. That lengthens its life considerably.
Winner: Metal roofing. While maintenance costs for an asphalt shingle roof arent outrageous, a metal roof simply requires less.
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What Types Of Shingles Are Available
Shingles are manufactured as either three-tab shingles or architectural shingles. The three-tab variety is designed to look like three shingles though it is actually all one piece. It is easy to install, economical, and very popular. Architectural shingles are manufactured with an additional layer of asphalt to give them more dimension and enable them to mimic the look of bulkier roofing products like wood or slate. Both types of shingles come in a large variety of colors to suit just about any home design.
What Are Asphalt Roof Shingles
Asphalt roof shingles remain the most commonly installed type of roofing material in use today. Asphalt shingles begin with a continuous fiberglass mat that forms tensile and tear strength to the shingle.
Specially formulated hot asphalt is bonded to the top and bottom of the mat layer to form a waterproof barrier.
Finally, stone granules are embedded into the top layer of asphalt protecting the shingle from degradation, while adding the shingle color & shading that you see.
Roof shingles form a water-tight barrier above your building structure, so water flows down the roof and off the edges of the building into gutters.
Shingles are manufactured in strips and packaged in bundles.
Heres a close-up view of an asphalt roof shingle.
Courtesy of Owens Corning
- Hip & ridge shingles
- Gutter / drainage system
Shingles are installed in overlapping rows of shingles with installation starting at the eaves and working the way up the roof.
Each course of shingles further up the roof overlaps seams between shingles of the course below.
A well-designed shingle roofing system can improve your buildings curb appeal, lower utility costs, and protect the structural integrity of your building.
Before we look at some common shingle options, check out the shingle roof installation video below.
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Talk To The Asphalt Roofing Experts
If youre interested in exploring different types of asphalt shingles, reach out to Long Roofing for expert advice on your roofing project. Whether youre looking for a roofing estimate or have questions about the best asphalt shingle for you, were here to help. Contact us online or give our knowledgeable team a call at 417-5664.
Why Are Asphalt Shingles The Most Popular Roofing Type In America
by Lindsay Luterman | Oct 18, 2021 | Uncategorized
Did you know that asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing choice in America?
Why is this, and why is it also our top choice?
Read on to find out.
Asphalt shingles are popular for a reason. They have many advantages over other roofing material types. Lets take a look at some of these advantages and why asphalt is such a great choice.
Seven Reasons Why Asphalt Shingles are the Most Popular Roofing Choice:
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The Pros And Cons Of Asphalt Shingle Roofing
There are a lot of different options when it comes to roofing, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. Its important to look carefully at the roofing material before you make a decision the roof, after all, plays a vital role in protecting your home and family. Additionally, the last thing youll want is to pick a roofing material that not only does a poor job protecting the home, but that will end up requiring constant repair, something that can get quite expensive as it adds up.
As far as your roofing options go, one that you should be sure to look at is asphalt shingle roofing. The following are the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing that you should take into consideration when comparing roofing materials:
