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Asphalt Shingles – A Guide To Buying The Right Roofing Material

Updated: Sep 20, 2022

Asphalt roof shingles are undoubtedly a contender when choosing a roofing material, no matter where you live in North America. Although they are undoubtedly the most well-liked, you should only decide whether to purchase roofing materials after learning more about them.


Thanks for visiting Asphalt Shingles 101. We'll walk you through the fundamentals of everything roof- and asphalt-shingle-related in the guide that follows. We will describe them, why they are used so frequently, how long they last, and other details. Therefore, if you want to build an asphalt shingle roof on your home, take a seat comfortably and study this advice.


ASPHALT SHINGLE: WHAT IS IT?


A type of roofing material called asphalt shingles is a blend of organic elements and asphalt (a black, sticky material used in roofing). The primary component of asphalt shingles is asphalt, which gives them their durability and resistance. The total content of these shingles, measured in percentages of asphalt, ranges from 70 to 80 percent.


Contrarily, the remaining portion of the component is made up of organic substances, such as cellulose fiber, which is generated from wood or other plants.


These are available in a range of qualities and hues. The various asphalt roof shingle kinds are described here.



WHAT TYPES OF ASPHALT SHINGLES ARE THERE?


Although almost everyone has heard of asphalt shingles, relatively few are aware that they may be divided into three major groups. Each of them varies in terms of both price and quality. Find the one that best satisfies your requirements.


THE TRADITIONAL 3 TAB SHINGLES


The most classic and ancient roofing material in North America is 3 tab shingles. Being the most economical of the shingles, these are renowned for their affordability. Because there are three tabs on each shingle, the shingles are also known as 3-tabs. These tabs make it simple to install and remove items from the roof. There is only one layer of shingle material on these, making them lightweight.


ARCHITECTURAL ROOF SHINGLES: THE DIMENSIONAL ONES

Compared to standard shingles, these are an improvement. Two layers of shingles are used in architectural or dimensional shingles to provide a dimensional appearance.


These have more design options than standard 3 tabs because they offer more color and grayscale options, and some of them have textured patterns that resemble natural materials like wood shakes (this is the most popular pattern), but they are less expensive than actual wood shake materials, making them great long-term investments when compared to other choices.


LUXURY: THE EXCLUSIVE ONE


These are the top-of-the-line shingles. These offer the most features while being significantly more expensive than other varieties of asphalt shingles. This roofing material delivers first-rate wind and fire protection and is very aesthetically beautiful. So you should definitely think about this roof if you want a nice appearance for your roof in the shape of slate and have some extra cash to spare.


PROS


It should have a lot of benefits given that it is one of the most widely used roofing materials in North America. Numerous benefits of using asphalt shingles are provided below.


A FAIR ROOFING MATERIAL IS ASPHALT SHINGLES.


Additionally, compared to alternative roofing materials, asphalt shingles are frequently less expensive. The least expensive asphalt shingles on the market are 3 Tab shingles. Therefore, buying these won't break the bank. This explains why homeowners with limited funds for home exterior improvements find them to be so appealing. The cost of asphalt shingles varies according to factors such as shingle quality, roof size, etc.



DURABLE NATURE


The durability that the material gives must be taken into consideration while choosing the best material. You'll get just that if you use high-quality asphalt shingles.


Asphalt shingles are strong materials for roofs. Because of their toughness, they can endure harsh weather conditions like heavy rain and winds and last longer.


GOOD LIFESPAN


The durability of asphalt shingles is a topic that many people are interested in. Well, that depends on the kind of asphalt shingles you buy. Depending on how well they are taken care of, they can last 20 to 30 years and are simple to install. The longest-lasting asphalt shingles are laminated or premium ones.


THEY BETTER CURB APPEAL


Adding asphalt shingles to your home is a terrific method to enhance its appearance. When trying to sell your home, they can always make it appear newer and more contemporary. Finding an asphalt shingle that fits the exterior of your home is simply because they come in a range of colors.


The most prevalent hues are black, slate, red, grey, etc.


THEY ARE SIMPLE TO INSTALL


Installing asphalt shingles is simple for contractors. On roofs with an angle of up to 45 degrees, they can be put. Additionally, they are lightweight, which makes it simpler for contractors to move them around and climb up onto a residential roof. Contractors may complete their work more quickly and with less labor because of this quality, which eventually lowers the cost.


CONS


Although they are a common option for roofing, asphalt shingles have significant drawbacks. Some of the points are stated below.


OTHER MATERIALS CAN BE LONGER-LASTING


Even while these shingles have a 25–30 year lifespan, this is still a shorter lifespan than some other choices. A different type of roofing material might have saved you money in the long run because asphalt roof shingles don't often last as long as alternative materials, such as slate or metal roofs.


TOUGH TO FACE HEAVY WINDS


Asphalt shingles' major drawback is their inability to withstand strong winds. Your shingles may find it difficult to withstand the elements if you reside in a region with frequent strong winds. There is ongoing maintenance required for asphalt shingles. If they are not properly maintained, they may damage and leak.


HIGHEST QUALITY ASPHALT SHINGLES MANUFACTURERS



Asphalt shingles are used in more than 70% of US homes. They enjoy even greater global acclaim: More than 20 companies sell asphalt globally, and their goods may be found on practically every continent. The major producers of asphalt shingles are as follows:


GAF


The best asphalt shingle manufacturer right now is this one. Since 1886, GAF shingles have been used in North America and other places. GAF provides shingles in every price range and color to ensure that every homeowner may find something they like.


ATLAS


For homeowners looking for high-quality asphalt shingles at a reasonable price, Atlas roofing shingles, which were established in 1982, are a fantastic option. Since Atlas is renowned for its strength and longevity, it will survive longer than the typical asphalt shingles. Additionally, they provide a number of eco-friendly programs. Some of their most well-known shingles include Storm Master and Pinnacle Pristine.


CERTAINTEED


Saint Gobain, another well-known producer, is the parent company of CertainTeed. The preferred option for homeowners who want to ensure they're purchasing a high-quality product is CertainTeed shingles. Products from Certainteed are not only high-performing but also environmentally friendly. The company's premium Landmark Shingles, which resemble cedar shakes, are among its most well-liked goods.


OWENS CORNING


Owens Corning is also progressing quickly because it is attracting a lot of customers throughout North America, not just in New Jersey. The well-known "Pink Panther," which the corporation employs to advertise its products, serves as the face of this brand. Since its founding as a distinct company in 1938, Owens Corning has expanded to more than 28 nations on five continents.


The company offers fiberglass shingles like the Oakridge series and the Duration series shingles.


WANT THE BEST ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOF INSTALLED?


If you want a roof for your home that is both reasonably priced and attractive, asphalt shingles are a terrific alternative. You can discover the ideal design and price range for your home because they exist in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Only get in touch with the crew at Epic Exteriors LLC if you're seeking roofing contractors who can install an asphalt shingle roof.


We are a roofing company with a GAF certification. This means that we have received the necessary training to install GAF's Timberline HDZ, Camelot, and Stateline shingles, which are among the best in their respective industries. GAF devotes its complete attention to producing shingles of every quality and cost. You can make a decision based on your budget and preferences.


Don't hesitate; to call (609) 342-9829 right away to place an order for the best asphalt shingles for your roof.

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