More roofing materials exist than ever before. Homeowners from La Canada Flintridge and Sierra Madre to Monrovia and Azusa can choose from a variety of tile roofs, solar roofs, metal, flat roof membranes and—asphalt shingles.
Which choice sounds the least appealing?
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and thickness.
Is it asphalt shingles?
Nothing sexy or classy about asphalt, is there? Isn’t it the cheap, tarry stuff that gets spread over roads?
Don’t pass too harsh a judgment. Read on to see why Garvey Roofing, as a trusted roofing contractor, says asphalt shingles remain a top choice for new roof projects and installations.
How asphalt shingles are made
Leading roofing manufacturers GAF and CertainTeed have researched the best ways to make shingles that last and protect homes and businesses. Shingles aren’t just slapped together but are made in layers.
Crushed limestone mixed with asphalt, sand, fiberglass and uv-coated granules create a lasting, good-looking product. GAF multi-dimensional asphalt shingles are made with an adhesive layer, four asphalt layers spaced between layers of fiberglass and uv-coated granules.
Here’s a brief video from CertainTeed on shingle manufacturing.
Asphalt shingles are durable
Expect asphalt shingles to last the length of time that’s advertised. Thirty years to fifty years and more, depending on the style and if the shingles are properly installed.
Shingles are tested to see how well they endure extreme heat into the hundreds of degrees and high winds of over 130 miles per hour and more. Shingles will last decades if they’re properly installed as part of an overall roofing system.
In other words, a well-ventilated attic is key to air flow and reducing the temperature of the roof. You might think that rain and wind are most likely to harm a roof, but sunshine degrades materials just as much. Today’s asphalt shingles have plenty of reflective coating so reduce heat absorption.
Asphalt shingles are stylish
Economical three-tab shingles still exist, but multi-dimensional, high-definition asphalt shingles add an attractive look and feel to any home. Dozens of color combinations and architectural effects are possible.
Asphalt shingles are environmentally sound
In the wintertime, up to 25% of heat loss in a building goes through the roof and buildings account for up to 40% of all energy use. A roof that reflects the sun’s rays instead of absorbs plays an important role in reducing the use and cost of cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.
As noted on a write-up of building science by CertanTeed, “it is impossible to completely stop the three modes of heat transfer – conduction, convection and radiation – it is possible to slow the rate of energy exchange by increasing the thermal performance of building envelopes – foundations, walls and roof-ceiling assemblies.”
GAF and CertainTeed asphalt shingles are made to comply with California’s Title 24 requirements and the company is committed to proper recycling. GAF recycles over a million tons of shingle materials per year.
Consider your roofing options
What roofing options are best for you?
Let’s find out.
Garvey Roofing offers free estimates and if you choose us for a job, then all labor and materials is fully guaranteed. That’s a unique claim in the roofing industry.
Whether you’re a homeowner or commercial building owner, call us and we’ll be glad to see if we can help.
Get informed about roofing with these previous posts:
Energy Efficient Roofing for Homes in the San Gabriel Valley
