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Why Shingles Are Weather-proof

The main reason people have to replace their roofs is that they start leaking when the shingles reach the end of their lifespan, but shingles aren’t actually waterproof to begin with. Shingles are rated for rain, wind, sun, hail, ice and fire resistance, and they achieve their weatherproof quality by being angled at a fairly steep pitch. A combination of roof pitch and shingle materials gives modern fiberglass asphalt shingles their weather resistance, durability, relatively low cost and excellent fire safety rating. The American Society of Testing Materials gives inorganic asphalt shingle a Class A fire safety rating, while organic wood- or cellulose-based asphalt shingles receive only a Class C rating. By consulting with Middlesex County roofers, homeowners can find out about the best types of shingles for their particular homes.

A consultation can also give homeowners a chance to discuss the best types of warranties available for shingles. Typically, warranties cover the cost of replacement materials if the shingles were made defective during some part of the manufacturing process, but sometimes, they also cover replacement labor.

The roofers at Fortified Roofing of Middlesex County NJ can answer your questions regarding skylights or new roofs.

There is a very small chance that high-quality shingles will be defective because the engineers who work at these plants have worked out mathematically the exact probability that a product will need replacement before the warranty expires. Usually, this probability is a fraction of 1 percent, but because there is no way to completely eliminate the possibility, manufacturers offer warranties so that every customer gets the same level of quality. Roofers who are awarded GAF Master Elite status can usually offer an enhanced system warranty on roof replacements, in addition to the standard warranty that comes with the shingles. While asphalt shingles are designed to last about 20 years, a batch of asphalt with a slightly different chemical makeup could produce shingles that deteriorate after 15 years, and a warranty would protect the homeowner from the unplanned expense of an early roof replacement.

Warranties help make sure that leaks don’t appear in the roof before the shingles’ expiration date, but they also protect buyers from unsightly cosmetic issues such as algae or moss growth. Algae is a microscopic plant that forms on moist surfaces and feeds on the nutrients in the water and air, and although it looks unappealing, it doesn’t erode shingles or cause leaks. Homeowners can combat algae growth by installing special algae-resistant shingles or an anti-algae copper or zinc wire roof add-on. It’s also a good idea to get shingles rated for impact resistance to avoid hail damage. The roofers at Fortified Roofing in Middlesex County NJ can answer your questions regarding skylights or new roofs.

Fortified Roofing of Middlesex County NJ defines a common roofers term:

Enhanced system warranty

GAF offers this extended warranty on shingles installed by GAF Master Elite contractors who provide ongoing education for their employees. GAF also provides a factory inspection on finished roofs installed by certified contractors. The Master Elite status is awarded to only the top 3 percent of roofers.

Middlesex County roofers FAQ:

How long do shingles last?

Asphalt shingles, whether they’re organic or inorganic, are designed to last 20 to 80 years, while wood or slate shingles can last hundreds of years. Most neighborhoods have banned wood shingles because they pose a high fire risk, but organic asphalt shingles made from wood, paper or cellulose are also combustible. Under normal circumstances, fiberglass asphalt shingles are the most economical option because they last most of the time a home is lived in and cost less than tiles.

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