When it comes to replacing a roof, probably the most important thing you’ll have to determine is the type of shingles you want for your roof. There is a wide range of shingle materials available nowadays – having their own set of pros and cons. Let’s look at some of the best tips from our experts to help you select the best shingles for your roof.
What Are the Common Types Of Shingles?
Asphalt shingles: These are the most common roofing materials in the US. Some of the reasons behind the tremendous popularity of traditional asphalt shingles are their affordability, ease of installation, and proven durability. These shingles have a fiberglass mat under the asphalt layer. The outer coating of these shingles is generally made of mineral granules for enhanced visual appeal and weather resistance.
30th-year Shingle: These shingles come with a 30-year impact resistance warranty. They come in varying degrees of strength ranging from class 1 to 4. The class type determines the resistance and material of the shingle. If you're looking for maximum protection, go for class 4. These shingles can withstand hailstorms or most other types of weather damage with aplomb.
Class 1 shingle: These shingles are resistant to ice balls with sizes between 31.8 mm and 1.25 inches.
Class 2: These shingles are designed to resist ice balls of size between 38.1 mm to 1.5 inches in diameter. Class 2 shingles are tested for their ability to not crack or rupture when ice balls of 1.25 inches are dropped on them from a height of twenty feet.
Class 3: These singles are designed to resist ice balls of diameter between 44 mm and 1.75. This means that to earn a Class 3 rating, the shingles must be strong enough to withstand a ball of diameter 1 3/4-inch dropped from a height of 20 feet.
Class 4: This is the highest rating of durability. Class 4 rated shingles are built to withstand ice balls of size 2-inch dropped from the same height. These shingles offer maximum impact resistance against hail and high winds (up to 110 miles per hour). To achieve the highest rating, shingles must go through some stringent tests. Due to their high durability and longer lifespan, these singles are more expensive than traditional shingles. However, if you consider the long-term savings that these shingles deliver due to their maintenance and repair costs, these singles are a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Wood Shingles and Shakes: These shingles are usually manufactured from cedar, southern pine, or redwood. While shakes are typically handmade, wood shingles are made using a machine.
Composition of an Asphalt Shingle
While there are high-end asphalt shingles with a special composition, below are some of the most common materials that can be found in almost all types of asphalt shingles.
- Fiberglass mat: The fiberglass mat is the most important layer of asphalt shingles. It is made of high-strength reinforcement material that offers exceptional durability and handling.
- Asphalt: The main purpose of the asphalt layer is to provide the water-shedding ability to the shingles. Asphalt forms a major part of the composition of a shingle. The asphalt layer is coated with mineral granules. It holds them together for superior weather resistance.
- Mineral stabilizers or Fillers: These are finely-ground particles that are mixed with the asphalt to make it more fire-resistant, weather-resistant, and durable.
- Granules: These are made of crushed rock particles and are ceramic-coated for improved UV resistance. Apart from providing color and texture to asphalt shingles, this outermost granule layer also protects them from UV exposure.
- Back-surfacing: The back layer of asphalt shingles is made of fine mineral particles. This type of back surfacing makes the manufacturing and storage of shingles easy and hassle-free by preventing them from sticking to each other or the machinery.
Get In Touch
Give Alpha Roofing a call at 318-373-5875. Our expert team is ready to serve you with the best professional attitude and expertise. We service areas in Bossier City and Shreveport, LA.
