What are asphalt shingles?

Written by No Doubt Marketing

Asphalt shingles are roof shingles that are on approximately 75-80% of all roofs in the United States and are composed of composite materials that are considered more fire-safe than traditional wood shake shingles.

What are Asphalt Shingles Made of?

There are two types of asphalt shingles — organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles are heavier than fiberglass asphalt shingles. Organic shingles are made of a wood and cellulose-fiber mat that is saturated with asphalt and then coated with a harder second layer of asphalt. This second layer means that they tend to last longer than fiberglass asphalt shingles

Fiberglass shingles were introduced several years ago and have a fiberglass mat instead of the wood and cellulose-fiber mat found in organic asphalt shingles. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are thought to be more tear resistant and somewhat more fire resistant than organic asphalt shingles because they only have one coat of asphalt and are lighter than organic asphalt shingles.

Benefits of Asphalt Shingles

The asphalt shingle is one of the most economical roofing materials available in the United States. They are highly fire resistant and are available in many different shapes and colors, including contemporary styles that compliment modern homes.

Asphalt shingles are easy to install and do not have the need for continued maintenance of other roofing materials. Additionally, asphalt composite roof shingles are designed to withstand most weather conditions, including extreme cold temperatures and high winds.

Another benefit that is becoming more important to homeowners is that asphalt shingles are recyclable. For eco-conscious homeowners, the idea that their torn-off and discarded old asphalt shingles could be recycled and turned into new pavement or other uses is a significant advantage.

Disadvantages of Asphalt Shingles

While asphalt shingle roofs are the most popular type of roof in the United States, certain weather conditions do not do well with this type of roofing material, primarily extremely hot conditions. Under extreme heat, the asphalt material in the shingles has a tendency to begin to sag and the shingles curl.

Another disadvantage is that asphalt shingles do not retain a home’s heat and provide very little thermal protection in cold winter weather. They do, however, retain solar heat on warm winter days.

Choosing the Right Roofing for Your Home

There are several considerations when choosing the correct type of roofing for your home:

Style — Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of styles and contemporary colors to complement almost any architectural style. Additionally, if your taste runs to slate or traditional shake shingles, there are asphalt-roofing styles available that mimic these styles without the cost or risks associated with these kinds of roofing materials.

Cost — Asphalt shingles are one of the most cost effective roofing materials available on the market today. There are many, many roofing contractors who recommend and install asphalt shingle roofs for their customers who are very happy and satisfied with their completed roofs.

Warranty — Asphalt shingle roofs commonly offer warrantees of over 20 years and even lifetime warrantees. Also, there are specific conditions that homeowners can purchase a warranty against, including algae growth, wind, and impact.

Ready to find an asphalt shingle contractor for your home? Use BuyerZone's free request for asphalt shingles price quotes, and we'll match you to multiple contractors in your area.