What you should know about asphalt shingle roofing. 

There are many kinds of roofing material out there, but one reigns above them all, holding the number one position in popularity among homeowners for many years for its durability and cost-effectiveness. Asphalt shingle roofing, invented in 1901, is one of the most common types of roofing material used in the United States, and there are many different types of asphalt shingles that can be applied to your roof to cater to the specific aesthetic of your home and provide you with a wonderful and durable roofing material. 

Paving The Way

Asphalt is a very useful compound that is used for many purposes including paving roads, waterproofing buildings, ink production, and most importantly for the purpose of this blog post, roofing. Asphalt shingles have paved the way for durable and affordable roofing in the United States and beyond. It is likely that you are sitting under an asphalt roof right now even, so it’s crucial that you know key facts about America’s most popular roofing material.

Important Facts

The first thing you should know about asphalt shingles is that there is more than one type of shingle available on the market. For a long time, the most popular variety was the three-tab shingle which offered a very regular design, but now dimensional shingles are just as common. Dimensional shingles have the same benefits of their three-tab counterparts, they just appear to have a less regular pattern which can give the illusion of a wooden roof. Finally, luxury shingles, which are often more expensive than the other two varieties, are larger and give the appearance of stone roofing at a much more affordable price point.

Another thing you should understand is that there is more than just asphalt shingles that goes into constructing an asphalt shingle roof. There are many materials involved in the installation including, components of the underside of the roof (decking and underlayment), weather precautions (drip edge and water shield), roof vents, ridge capping (at the peaks of your roof), and flashing (which directs water away from your chimneys and other components that protrude from your roof). Often with a shingle replacement, just the shingles, ridge caps, and flashing will be impacted, but more extensive replacements may require repair or replacement of these other components.

A Money Saving Fact

The final fact regarding asphalt shingle roofing is related to repair and replacement. Asphalt shingle roofing usually requires replacement approximately every 25 years (though luxury shingles can last up to 50 years, and dimensional shingles may stay good for up to 30 years). However, to get the most life out of your asphalt shingles regardless of the variety, it is important to maintain your roof through repairs, cleanings, and checkups to ensure your roof is well-equipped to handle the elements. A further resource for improving the longevity of your roof is Greener Shingles which is a cleaning solution offered by Tesson Roofing and exteriors that brings back flexibility and durability to your shingles, preserving them even longer!

Final Thoughts

Asphalt roofing is popular for a reason, it is tough, long lasting, and easy on the wallet as far as roofing materials go. However, to get the most out of your roof, maintaining it responsibly is crucial. If you need a roofing repair, replacement, or have any other roofing or home exterior needs, contact Tesson Roofing & Exteriors, LLC today for a free consultation and estimate on your next project!