subject: Exactly What Are Asphalt Shingles? [print this page] The attraction of asphalt roofing can never ever be overstated. For one, such type of roofing is pretty affordable, costing about $ 0.80 a square foot. Second, an asphalt roof is simple to install and installation can be done in a day or 2. Third, an asphalt roof is pretty long lasting and routine maintenance and repair are easy. Next, asphalt shingles are extremely versatile and can be made use of in many architectural types -- owing to numerous designs and colors of asphalt shingles.
There are 2 kinds of asphalt shingles: organic and glass fiber (a/k/a fiber glass). In glass fiber types, a glass fiber reinforcing mat is formed into the shingle's shape. Asphalt with mineral fillers is then applied to the shingle. Asphalt shingles are water-proof and, in the instance of the glass fiber type, exactly what makes the asphalt roof water resistant is that is the asphalt integrated with mineral fillers.
The organic kind of asphalt roofing is made from an organic felt product that is normally paper saturated with asphalt so that the shingles become waterproof. Adhesive asphalt is then applied on top and ceramic granules are embedded. The organic tiles are bigger, thus making them more tough than their glass fiber counterparts.
Because of their lightness, any roofing contractor or property owner would favor glass fiber shingles to organic asphalt shingles. Aside from their more budget friendly price, glass fiber shingles are even easier to manufacture. The roofing contractor might also like glass fiber asphalt shingles due to the fact that such shingles are easier to work with than organic ones.
Asphalt shingles -- whether glass fiber or organic-- are additionally preferred because of the fairly long roof life span. Nonetheless, the roof life span for asphalt depends on the state or environment where such shingles are being used. Asphalt shingles often tend to last longer in cooler environments, compared with shingles in warmer temperatures. The typical life span of a shingle is about 20 years; however, this differs in certain states. In Arizona, the shingle's life span is about 14 years while in Minnesota the shingle's life span is about 19.5 years. In Pennsylvania, the shingle's life span is 20.8 years.
To lengthen the roof life span, a typical roofing contractor would favor sloped roofs over flat roofs. If water is permitted to "flood" flat roofs, algae and fungi could form. The freeze-thaw cycle can also add to the wear and tear of asphalt shingles. Throughout winter, water on flat asphalt roofs can be similarly destructive as water will certainly permeate the gaps and freeze at night. Asphalt shingles are attractive to look at. Hence, such shingles might be used better in sloped roofs.
