Asphalt shingle roofing is a common roofing material and is used on a wide variety of structures. The shingles are individual pieces of overlapping elements that are laid in courses from the lower edge of the roof to the upper edge. They are often flat rectangular shapes. Each course overlaps the previous course.
Dimensional Asphalt Shingles
Dimensional asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of asphalt shingle available today. They are made with two or more layers of asphalt, sometimes with added layers of granules, to provide a richer look and extra durability.
These shingles come in a variety of colors and styles. Some are designed to look like slate tiles and others are designed to mimic wood shake shingles.
Dimensional shingles were developed in the 1970s as a way to create a more visually appealing roof than traditional asphalt shingles. Their appearance mimics that of cedar shakes or wood tiles, making them popular among luxury homeowners.
Unlike traditional shingles, dimensional shingles have a higher wind rating and offer improved warranty protection. Moreover, dimensional shingles also have a more robust construction that can better resist erosion and warping.
Dimensional shingles are often sold with a long-term, prorated warranty that will protect you for a longer period of time. Most manufacturers will guarantee dimensional shingles for at least 25 years.
Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles
Fiberglass asphalt shingles are among the most modern and advanced roofing materials. They offer a variety of benefits, including durability, lightweight, and fire resistance. With a lifespan of about 20 years, fiberglass shingle roofs will keep your home protected for decades. However, it’s important to note that not all types of shingles have the same longevity. The quality of your shingles will affect their lifespan, as will the weather in your area.
The two main types of shingles are organic asphalt shingles and fiberglass shingles. Organic shingles are more durable and come in a wider variety of colors and styles. These are also more affordable than fiberglass shingles. However, they are heavier and thicker. Because of their cellulose base, they can rot with moisture.
Fiberglass shingles, however, have a thinner, less dense material, which means they are lighter. They are also more water resistant and offer a Class A fire rating. This makes them ideal for homes in warmer climates.
Architectural Shingles
If you’re thinking about adding shingles to your roof, there are many options out there. You can choose traditional asphalt shingles, which are less expensive, or you can consider architectural shingles. These are higher quality and have a longer lifespan. They also come in a variety of shapes and colors, and will add a touch of style to your home.
Architectural shingles are made from two or more basic shingles laminated together. The shingles are then embedded in water-resistant asphalt. This creates a durable base mat, which will increase the strength of the architectural shingles. In addition, there are several layers of materials used to create these dimensional shingles.
Architectural shingles are designed to replicate the look of wood shake and slate roofing. Their unique contoured shape and thicker material make them more durable and resilient to extreme weather conditions. However, they are not immune to damage from debris and the wind.
Architectural shingles are the best choice for most homeowners. Not only do they have a long lifespan, but they are also low maintenance. While they may cost more upfront, they will have a positive return on investment.
Energy-Efficient Shingles
Energy efficient asphalt shingle roofing is a roof that is made with special granules to help reduce heat absorption. They are designed to be affordable and easy to install. The energy savings you achieve with them can be substantial.
Roof coatings can also improve the efficiency of your asphalt shingle roof. Some roof coatings use reflective pigments that can also be used on asphalt shingles.
A good way to know if the shingles you are thinking of purchasing have the energy efficiency features you want is to look for the ENERGY STAR label. If they do, you will be able to receive federal tax credits for them.
It’s also important to check the SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) value of your shingles. A higher SRI value will mean a smaller cooling load on your home.
Another way to know if your shingles are energy efficient is to look at the thermal emittance value. You can find this on the specification sheet.
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