Getting Asphalt Shingles? Be Sure to Know These 3 Things About Them

Have you decided to replace your home's existing roofing materials with asphalt shingles? If so, you'll want to know the following things about them.

What Exactly Are Asphalt Shingles? 

Asphalt shingles are made out of a fiberglass mat that is coated with granules and asphalt. Those granules are what make the different colors that you see on roofs that use asphalt shingles, with there being many different colors available. It's popular among homeowners because it is affordable and lasts a long time, which is likely why you picked them for your home.

What Kinds Of Asphalt Shingles Are There?

Three-tab asphalt shingles are the first kind of asphalt shingles that were created, and they are still commonly used today. However, manufacturers are starting to make this kind of asphalt shingle material less these days, which can cause difficulty getting the kind of color you want in a three-tab shingle.

Architectural shingles are a bit different than three-tab shingles, and are becoming more popular as well due to a variety of reasons. Architectural shingles have some depth to them where they look, which makes them look more premium than their three-tab counterpart. They are also easy to install and affordable, which makes them a sensible upgrade for most homeowners. 

Premium shingles have a much greater curb appeal because they are able to emulate wood shake and slate material. While they cost more than the previous two types of shingles, they are still going to be affordable for many homeowners. It gives them the look they want at a fraction of the price of using the real material.

How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last? 

There are a lot of factors that can go into how long a roof will last, such as the region where you live and the weather that the roof sees over its lifetime. However, most asphalt shingles will last between 15 and 40 years, which depends on the type of shingle material you use. Regular three-tab asphalt shingles will last as long as 20 years, architectural shingles can last up to 30 years, and premium material will beat all the other types at up to 40 years. 

Think you're ready to have an asphalt roof installed on your home? Reach out to a local residential roofing contractor for their assistance. They'll help you select the right kind of shingles for your home, and handle all of the installation for you. 


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