The most popular roofing material to date for residential applications is the asphalt shingle. Asphalt shingles are inexpensive, lightweight, easy to install and maintain, and are suitable for a wide range of applications. On this page, we answer two important questions:
- What types of asphalt shingles are available to you?
- What are the benefits of using asphalt shingles?
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingle variants differ in size, shape, thickness, and the way they interlock with adjacent shingles during installation. Some of the most common types are:
- Strip Shingles – These measure three times as long as they are wide and are usually the least expensive. The most widely used type of strip shingles are 3-tab shingles but the number of tabs can range from 2 to 5.
- Interlocking Shingles – These individual shingles mechanically fasten to each other to provide greater resistance against wind.
- Laminated Shingles – These extra-thick shingles contain more than a single layer of tabs and add depth of color and texture to a roof. Builders commonly refer to these as architectural shingles. Some laminated shingles mimic the look of slate and wood shakes.
- Large Format Shingles – These shingles do not feature tabs or cutouts for installation. They are usually hexagonal or rectangular and are larger than all other variants.
Asphalt shingles fall under two main categories based on composition: organic and fiberglass-based. Organic-based asphalt shingles use a mat of recycled paper or wood fibers while fiberglass-based asphalt shingles use glass fibers of varying lengths and orientations.
The substrate is saturated and coated with a specially formulated asphalt coating to make it waterproof. Weather-resistant ceramic granules are then embedded onto the surface, creating an aesthetically pleasing yet durable finish.
The Benefits of Using Asphalt Shingles
One of the reasons why the asphalt shingle is preferred as a roofing material by most builders and homeowners is economy. Because they are produced bulk, the price of asphalt shingles is tough to beat. Add to this the fact that they last long, are easy to install, and require little upkeep – and you have a winner. Other benefits include
- Wind, weather, and fire resistance
- Durability and product performance
- Aesthetic appeal
- Suitability for most architectural styles
Redhammer Roof Group is a certified installer of asphalt shingle systems from top roofing manufacturers in the country. To learn more about asphalt shingles and the brands we offer, call us at (816) 965-6220 today.