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About Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular type of roofing, according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. About 80 percent of American homes are roofed with this material and manufacturers produce in excess of 12 billion square feet of asphalt roofing every year. Homeowners considering having a new roof installed owe it to themselves to find out why this particular material is so often the first choice of other consumers. Ask local experts at Voorhees roofing firms for their opinions before making a final decision.

The two essential types of asphalt roofing material are fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass scrim, cut to the shape of the shingle, upon which the manufacturer applies asphalt mixed with adhesive. Then, the maker embeds ceramic granules into the top layer of asphalt to complete the roofing. Organic asphalt shingles are built upon a base layer of paper. The maker soaks the base with asphalt to make it waterproof and them embeds mineral or ceramic bits into the surface of the shingle. The granules add color to the shingle while protecting it from deterioration. This roofing spans the color spectrum from black to white, with all of the most sought-after roofing shades in between.

Different styles of asphalt shingles offer homeowners the chance to customize their roofs. The three-tab, or strip shingle, profile remains a popular mainstay with all the major manufacturers. Multilayer, laminated shingles give roofs a distinctively thicker appearance favored by many consumers. Interlocking shingles resist uplift in high winds. Asphalt shingles with scalloped edges mimic the appearance of scalloped slate roofing for a time-honored, traditional look.

A random, saw-toothed profile makes shingles look custom hewn, like cedar shakes. Homeowners have the luxury of many options, all of which are durable and dependably made.

Asphalt products are also available in rolls for use as roofing underlayment and flashing. Smooth surfaced rolls seal valleys and other roof intersections as well as providing extra protection along the eaves. Asphalt-saturated felt constitutes a buffer between the decking and the shingles. Homeowners use mineral-surfaced roofing for sheds and other unoccupied buildings.

The price range of asphalt roofing appeals to consumers across several economic sectors. It varies in price from around $40 per square 100 square feet to around $400 per square. This breadth puts asphalt roofing products within the range of many homeowners.

Compared to other popular roofing materials, including metal, wood, terra cotta, concrete and slate, asphalt shingles perform well. They are one of the easiest products to install and thus have the lowest installation cost. They have the best cost-to-life-cycle ratio, and rate high for consistency. Unlike heavier materials like clay and slate, asphalt roofing does not require any reinforcement of the underlying structure. In contrast to cedar shake roofs, asphalt roofs require very little maintenance. They are fire and wind-resistant.

In the final analysis, asphalt roofing is a solid and versatile choice, as evidenced by its vast popularity with homeowners. With all of the choices in color, profile and price, any homeowner can get a customized roof at a budget-friendly price. Fortified Roofing of Voorhees NJ would be happy to answer any question you have about roofing, roof repairs or new roofs.

Term of the day, courtesy of Fortified Roofing, Voorhees NJ:

Decking

The deck of a roof is the wood or steel surface that sits directly above the structure’s rafters or trusses. It forms the base for the roofing underlayment and shingles. When roofers tear off the old roofing, they expose the deck in preparation for laying new material.

Question and answer courtesy of a Voorhees roofing contractor:

How do I tell when my asphalt shingles are wearing out?

One obvious sign that the roofing is worn is the presence of surface granules in the gutters of the house. After several years, the glue that holds the embedded ceramic and mineral bits in place begins to fail and the granules wash away. Once asphalt shingles begin to look bare, they need to be replaced.

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