Composition Shingle
Most Houston roofers refer to composition shingles as asphalt shingles. They are by far the most widely used type of roofing material in the United States. They are also the least expensive. The majority of asphalt shingles are made using a fiberglass mat that is placed between two layers of asphalt although some asphalt shingles have a paper layer in the middle instead. To protect the asphalt shingle from the sun’s UV rays, the manufacturer embeds tiny stones in the top of the shingle.
Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of colors, styles, designs, sizes and weights. Their lifespan is from 15 to 20 years depending on their level of durability. Fiberglass shingles are more fire resistant than those with a paper interior. Fiberglass shingles are more popular among homeowners and Houston residential roofing companies because they last longer. To reduce cooling costs, you should order lighter-colored asphalt shingles that will reflect sunlight better than black or darker colors. Sometimes you can recycle asphalt shingles, but they are not usually regarded as an environmentally friendly roofing material.
There are two kinds of composition shingles, fiberglass and organic. Organic shingles are waste or recycled paper that is saturated with asphalt to make them waterproof and then a top coating of adhesive asphalt is applied with ceramic granules embedded on top. The basic three-tab asphalt shingle has slits in the front. The shingle looks like it has three smaller shingles.
Architectural shingles are an upgrade to standard composition shingles. They are also referred to as laminated or dimensional shingles. They are composed of two layers that are bonded together with an asphalt sealant. Architectural shingles can last 30 to 50 years thanks to their lamination and because they are thicker than basic shingles. They are more expensive, but they have a gorgeous, multi-dimensional effect on a roof. They are more resistant to fire and high winds as well. They do not have slits in them, so debris cannot accumulate so easily on a Houston roof. Their textured look is preferred by most people. The longer lifespan makes architectural shingles the greenest type of composition shingles.
Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are among the least expensive roofing materials made. Every professional Houston roof company knows how to install them. Certain composition shingles can withstand hail. They provide good fire resistance and may come with wind warranties up to 130 mph. Some of them incorporate zinc or copper to reduce the growth of algae. They do need to be cleaned periodically to get rid of any accumulated debris. Some types of asphalt shingles have a reflective coating, which helps to lower your home’s cooling costs. Even though they can be recycled, most used asphalt shingles wind up in landfills.
Paramount Roofing Company is the leading Houston composition shingle roof installer. We handle new installations, replacements, and repairs. Give us a call to find out the best roofing option for your home and to schedule a visit from our owner who will give you a free, no-obligation estimate.