Now available in a wide range of colors, and even in organic materials, asphalt roofing shingles are usually warranted for decades and can be well-maintained with two-year inspections in which any loose or damaged shingles are replaced. The wide availability of asphalt roofing shingles means that the homeowner will have no difficulty in replacing them when necessary.

Asphalt Roofing Shingles: The Most Popular Roofing

When you think “roof”, you probably think of a roof made of asphalt roofing shingles. If you don’t have asphalt shingle roofing, chances are the guys next door does. It is just about the most popular roofing material in America.

Formula For Success

Asphalt roofing shingles are so popular because they are easy to get a hold of, cheap, lightweight and do not require a degree in rocket science to install. Any competent roofer will know how to install and maintain a roof made of asphalt roofing shingles. Contrast this to slate roofing, which requires different skills in laying down, handling and cutting altogether.

Just like any other kind of roofing materials, there are different grades of asphalt roofing shingles. The higher the grade, the more expensive they will be. But it might be cheaper to shell out now rather than later. How tough are asphalt roofing shingles? Class IV is considered tough enough to withstand hail. And you are not stuck with just gray anymore. Asphalt roofing shingles now come in a variety of colors.

Asphalt roofing shingles are made of fiberglass and an organic composite material of felt, paper and asphalt. The organic ones are heavier, less likely to blow off but are more expensive. If you are seeking to live in your home and not sell it in a few years, consider the organic alternative.

Warranties

Many asphalt roofing shingles come with warranties lasting decades. You can have your contractor or roofer order any special brand name shingles, such as Elk or Eagle. Although asphalt roofing shingles are tough, they do need your help and at least a biannual checkup in order to do their job.

You need an annual or at least a biannual roof inspection to be sure there isn’t any small problems that can turn into big headaches. Tiles can be damaged or get loose. Because of their wide availability, getting replacements is easy for your roofer.

You also need to be sure your attic or upper crawlspace has adequate ventilation. The temperature outside of your home will often be a lot different than inside of your home. The roof is then hot on one side and cold on the other. This can stress asphalt roofing shingles, causing them to give up the ghost. But with a proper buffer zone between the roof and your home, the stress of the differing temperatures is lessened. If your attic or crawlspace has pools of water, mold, smells damp – you need to get it fixed.

Asphalt roofing materials, both organic and inorganic, comprises about eighty percent of the roofing materials sold in the United States. Asphalt roofing materials are inexpensive, fairly lightweight, and easy to install, and will last between twenty and thirty years.

There are five metals commonly used in roofing materials, with steel being the most popular. Other metal roofing materials lightweight and inexpensive aluminum; rust- resistant stainless steel; very expensive but stunningly beautiful copper: and metal alloys of different strengths and prices.

What Types of Roofing Materials are Available?

There many different types of roofing materials available for consumers that may wish to roof their home. These materials can be categorized as metal, asphalt shingle, wood, and tile or slate. Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages, and each actually offers various types of materials within each category. The most common roofing materials used are metal and asphalt.

Metal Roofing Materials

Although many types of metal roofs may resemble each other closely, there are actually five different materials that metal roofing may be made from. The most commonly used metal for metal roofing is steel. This is due to the fact that it is heavier and sturdier than other metals. Generally steel roofing will be coated with tin so that it avoids corrosion. There are also other coatings placed on to this type of metal roofing to keep it more durable and give it a nicer appearance.

Other types of metal roofing include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys. Stainless steel is very rarely used as it is a very expensive way to roof a home. They can give a very striking appearance to your roof and won’t rust or corrode, but it is one of the most expensive ways to roof a home.

Aluminum is a very commonly used metal roofing material for residential buildings. It does not rust, but it has to be painted so that it has a nice appearance. Aluminum roofs are also coated with most of the same materials used for steel roofs. Copper, while not very commonly used, is a good metal roofing material as it does not have to be refinished and so is not easily scratched. It is also very easy to use on a roof and it is aesthetically pleasing; the largest drawback to copper is its cost.

Another expensive type of metal material used for roofing is grouped into alloys. Alloys are combinations of different types of metals and materials that are combined to create great strength, appearance, and durability. While these may vary in cost, they are generally fairly expensive.

Asphalt Roofing Materials

Asphalt roofing materials can be created using either composition shingles or fiberglass shingles. Whichever materials used, it is then dipped into asphalt and the shingles are created from it. While this type of roofing material appears to be separate shingles, it is generally one large section of shingles that is designed to look like individual pieces. This type of roofing is found on most residential homes across the United States. This is because it has a nice appearance at a low cost.