What are the benefits of asphalt shingles?

Shingles are composed of a mat made of glass fibers and a special binder. The mat is saturated with asphalt to make the shingle tough with a waterproof coating and with ceramic granules that shield the product from UV rays. The small opaque granules are adhered to the asphalt to protect the shingle from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. The granules are made from crushed and screen rock; these granules receive a ceramic color coating which gives the shingle its color. Due to the composition of the mat, less asphalt is required to give shingles their durability and strength.

Many people are not aware that the asphalt used to create shingles comes in all different grades and levels of quality. And one possible way a manufacturer could cut down costs is to opt for a cheaper grade of asphalt to use on their shingles.

It is important to know the properties of the asphalt since it is vital to a shingle’s ability to withstand all kinds of weather conditions. If the asphalt is poor quality, or the production process is not great, the granules will ultimately come off the shingles much quicker and in greater amounts than is normal.

Shingles are available in a variety of designer styles, colors and weights, (The heavier the weight, the thicker the shingle). Thicker and heavier shingles tend to be more ascetic pleasing than the thinner. The extra thickness creates deep shadows from the sun across the roof surface providing a more enhanced, textured look.

The roof slope is the primary factor to consider the roof design and the material to use. For example, on steep grade slope roofs, the shingle surface is visible from the ground, therefore the color shading and shadow lines incorporated into the shingles are more noticeable. Steeper sloped roofs with thinner and lighter shingles can be just as pleasing as the thickener heavier versions.

Learn more about wood shake shingles here.

Composition shingles are very easy to walk on, without the fear of damaging them and provide good traction, even when the surface is wet. They are also easy to work with should any repairs need to be performed.

Compositions shingles fall into the low to mid -price range. The thickener and heavier shingles the more expensive.

Warranty. PRO-RATED Lifetime Ltd or Lifetime Residential Non-Prorated Coverage.
The TRU lifespan of these shingles is 25-35 years. In general, the standard manufactures warranty is non-prorated for the first 10 years of your ownership. After 10 years, the shingle warranty enters the pro-rated portion of coverage.

Many of the shingle manufactures provide extended warranty coverage if the contractor installing the shingles is a certified factory trained contractor. Roof Repair Squad is a preferred Certified Contractor for the following shingle manufactures, Owens Corning and TAMKO PRO.

We’re proud to work on roof installations and replacements in Katy, TX; Sugar Land, TX; The Woodlands, TX; Friendswood, TX; and the entire Houston, TX area. To get started, call us today!