Asphalt shingles are some of the most common roofing
materials in the country. However, not all asphalt shingles are equal. Below
are some of the major factors that set apart different types of asphalt
shingles.
Energy Efficiency
Asphalt shingles vary in energy efficiency. Energy-efficient
roofs:
- Can
lower your energy bills
- Helps
to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures
- Contribute
to roof durability
- Is
good for the environment
An energy-efficient roof should reflect most of the heat
incident on them. Shingles with lighter hues, such as tan, white, and light
gray, reflect a lot of heat from the sun. Such shingles are more energy-efficient
than shingles with darker colors such as black or blue. If you want such
shingles, look for products labeled COOL or those that have the ENERGY STAR
rating.
Fire Resistance
Make your roof as fire-resistant as possible if you are
worried about fire damage to your house. An example is if your neighborhood
experiences frequent wildfires.
Rating bodies put asphalt shingles, alongside other roofing
materials, into three classes of fire resistance. Class A is the most
fire-resistant class, followed by Class B, and lastly, class C. Fire-resistant
materials don't ignite easily, limit the spread of flames, and don't expose
internal roof structures to the fire. Note that the fire-resistance only
applies to fires from outside the house.
Algae Resistance
Algae can be a big problem for you if your area experiences
high humidity, or your roof doesn't get much sunlight. For one, algae retain
moisture, so it can prevent your roof from drying. A perpetually wet roof
deteriorates faster than a dry roof. Secondly, algae stains present aesthetic
problems.
Get algae-resistance shingles if you have such concerns. The
shingles have copper granules that they release bit by bit to prevent algae
growth on the roof.
Impact Resistance
Falling objects, especially hail, can damage your shingles.
The impact of such objects can:
- Dislodge
shingles
- Crack
shingles
- Erode
shingle granules
Such damage can:
- Allow
water penetration into the roof
- Reduce
the roof's overall durability
- Affect
the roof's aesthetics
Impact-resistant shingles withstand such damage better than
other shingles. Get class 4 asphalt shingles for maximum protection against
hail and wind impact. These shingles are necessary if your area experiences
frequent or severe hailstorms or windstorms.
Durability
Roof durability depends on various factors. Examples
include:
- Local
climate
- Roof
maintenance
- Roof
design
However, the roofing material is the biggest determinant of
roof durability. Different types of asphalt shingles have different lifespans.
Specifically, fiberglass and architectural shingles are more durable than 3-tab
shingles.
Aesthetics
The type of asphalt shingles on your roof also affects your
curb appeal. The good news is that the shingles come in various colors, and the
color is a major factor in curb appeal. You can choose a color that complements
your house's siding or matches well with your house's architectural design.
However, color alone is not the only thing that determines
the beauty of asphalt shingles. For example, some people find architectural
shingles more beautiful than other types of shingles. You can also choose
designer or premium shingles that mimic other materials, such as wood or metal.
Cost
Lastly, you can't talk about material choice without
mentioning cost. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for in
asphalt shingles. For example, the beautiful and durable architectural shingles
cost $1.50 to $5.50 per square foot while the 3-tab shingles range from $.85 to
$1.50 per sq. foot.
Whichever shingles you settle on, you should get an
experienced contractor to install your roof. Cal Roofing Systems Inc. has been
active in the roofing industry for over fifty years. We can help you with any
roofing project, from repairs to replacements. Contact us
today about
your roofing needs, and we will be glad to offer you the best solution at a
reasonable cost.
