Why Are Asphalt Shingles the Go-To Roofing Material?

Asphalt shingles are popular because they are affordable, reliable, relatively long lasting and flexible to install. Although not the highest ranked roofing material in terms of longevity, the 20-year average asphalt roof lifespan makes it a cost-effective option for many homeowners.1 Because asphalt roofs are inexpensive and easy to install, they’re also relatively easy to repair if shingles are blown off or damaged in storms.

Asphalt shingles are also considered very low maintenance compared to other roofing materials. Although occasional maintenance inspections, flashing touch-ups and shingle replacements may be necessary, overall, asphalt shingle roofing is a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

The popularity of asphalt shingle roofing has led many manufacturers to create truly diverse arrays of color choices, making it a customizable option for homeowners. Regardless of what your home’s exterior looks like, there’s likely an asphalt shingle style that will complement it well.

Although asphalt shingles are manufactured using petroleum-based byproducts, they can be recycled relatively easily, which helps nullify some of the ecological impact.

As an added bonus, most asphalt shingles also boast a Class A fire-resistance rating.2

Asphalt shingles get their name because they start life as a rectangular “mat” that is treated with several layers of asphalt before being covered with ceramic granules. Asphalt is extraordinarily water-resistant, and the treatment helps ensure water will run off the roof rather than soak through the shingles.

Most modern mat is reinforced with fiberglass for added durability and longevity. In the past, asbestos was used to reinforce some mats, but the extent of its use in shingle manufacturing was not as prevalent or widespread as it was sometimes publicized to be. Between 1963 and 1970, some companies were using asbestos to reinforce fiberglass mats, but the actual amount of asbestos typically accounted for less than one percent of the material. By now, even if your home did at one point have shingles containing asbestos, chances are it has had a new roof installed since.3

A larger concern was asbestos in roofing materials like asphalt roofing felt, sealants and flashing, although the roofing industry quickly moved away from asbestos-based materials when the danger of asbestos for roofing professionals and families became apparent. Today’s asphalt shingles are virtually asbestos-free.4

The telltale grainy appearance of asphalt shingled roofs is attributable to the ceramic granules that are embedded into each asphalt shingle’s surface. In addition to being colorable, allowing for a variety of asphalt shingle appearances, these ceramic granules also help reflect and protect the underlying shingles from excessive UV exposure from the sun’s rays.

These ceramic granules can also be treated with zinc or copper to make them resistant to algae growth, which is responsible for the streaking sometimes visible on roofs in certain parts of the country. Spokane is, unfortunately, one of the regions where moss and algae growth can affect roofs, so this may be an upgrade to consider if you’re looking at roof replacement material options.

Although still popular thanks to their affordability, three-tab shingles are slowly being replaced by increasingly cost-efficient architectural and dimensional shingles.

Three-tab shingles essentially have three shingles on each sheet, with slits in the lower half of the sheet to create the three tabs. Architectural/dimensional shingles are single shingles rather than three shingles on a single tab. The lower, visible portion of architectural/dimensional shingles are also laminated with an additional layer of asphalt. In addition to improving waterproofing, this additional layer also gives them added dimension, hence the name “dimensional.”

The added protection also increases the roof’s longevity, which is why manufacturers and roofers generally offer longer warranties on dimensional/architectural shingles than they do for three-tab shingle roofs.

Which option you choose should be based on your situation. If you don’t plan on staying in the home for long, it may make sense to choose three-tab shingles. If you are going to stay in the home for a while, you live in a more expensive home or you’re interested in investing more in peace of mind and equity, you may want to choose architectural shingles.5

If you are looking for roofing estimates from local Spokane roofing companies, call Alpine Construction & Roofing at 509-448-8099. We would be happy to inspect your existing roof and tell you about our various three-tab and dimensional/architectural shingle options.

1https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/articles/2015/01/06/how-long-can-you-expect-your-roof-or-fridge-to-last

2https://www.bestpickreports.com/blog/post/types-of-asphalt-shingles

3http://www.shinglerecycling.org/content/asbestos-asphalt-shingles

4http://www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/asbestos/homeowner/roofside.html

5http://roofroof.com/blog/2014/08/architectural-vs-3-tab-shingles-is-cheaper-better/