Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Springer Brothers Roofing has been installing high quality roofing on homes for more than 25 years. One of the most popular roofing material options among our customers is asphalt shingle roofing. We can perform repairs, replacement, installation and provide you with an estimate so that you can determine the costs and price out your project accordingly.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most widely used roofing materials because they are long lasting, readily available and most economical of all roofing types.
WHAT ARE THEY?
Asphalt shingles come in two basic types: glass fiber (a.k.a. fiber glass) and organic.
Glass fiber shingles have a glass fiber reinforcing mat manufactured to the shape of the shingle. This mat is then coated with asphalt which contains mineral fillers. The glass fiber mat is not waterproof by itself. It's purpose is for reinforcement. What makes the glass fiber shingle waterproof is the asphalt. However, the asphalt itself will not stick to the mat. For this reason, "fillers" are used. The fillers in the asphalt cling to the glass fibers in the mat. The asphalt then encapsulates the glass fibers, fills all of the little holes and voids in the mat rendering it waterproof. After this cools a bit, an adhesive asphalt is used to cover the mat and the ceramic granules are then embedded.
Organic shingles consist of an organic felt material which is generally paper saturated with asphalt to make it waterproof. A top coating of adhesive asphalt is then applied and the ceramic granules are then embedded. Organic shingles contain around 40% more asphalt per square (100 sq. ft.) than their glass fiber counterpart which makes them weigh more and gives them excellent durability and blow-off resistance.
The ceramic granules are there for two reasons. The primary reason is to protect the shingles from the sun. The sun's UV rays are very damaging to asphalt and cause it to deteriorate prematurely. This is one of the same reasons that gravel is used on built-up roofs. The second and more obvious reason for the granules is aesthetics. Asphalt shingles are available in a wide variety of colors to match almost any facade or landscape.
So which type is better? By far, the more popular shingles are the glass fiber ones. This may be attributed to the fact that they are cheaper and easier to manufacturer than organic shingles making them more cost effective to the homeowner.
What About Shingle Warranties?
Shingle manufacturers provide product warranties against manufacturing defects ranging from twenty (20) to forty (50) years and beyond. The warranties will cover defects such as thermal splitting, some cases of granule loss, cupping, and curling. It is very important that you ask for and receive a copy of the manufacturer's written material warranty before making a decision on whose material you'd like to use. Warranties are generally for materials only. Labor is rarely included so if your roof materials fail, you'll have to pay a roofer to install the new shingles. Warranties rarely, if ever, cover what are known as "incidental and consequential" damages resulting from material failure. "Incidental and consequential" damages are those that occur to the interior of the building (architectural). If anything on the inside of the building gets damaged, you or your insurance company will have to pay for it. Warranties are also commonly prorated and non-transferable. This means that if you have twenty year shingles and they fail after ten years, you'll be reimbursed for half the cost of the materials. Non-transferable means that if you sell your house, the warranty will be voided.
Some shingle manufacturers are offering NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranties for added costs of around 4.5 cents to 6.5 cents per square foot. These warranties may or may not cover all damages and labor costs.
Shingle manufacturers will not warrant their products against "Acts of God or Nature" such as hurricanes, hail storms, severe winds usually in excess of 50 mph, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. Nor will shingle manufacturers honor their material warranty if the products are improperly installed, if there is improper roof ventilation, if there is equipment installation or structural changes after roof completion, or if there is heavy foot traffic on or over the roof.
Need More Information About Asphalt Shingle Roofing?
Need More Information About Asphalt Shingle Roofing?
Contact Springer Brothers Roofing, today to learn how we can help you with your asphalt shingle roofing project.
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