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Asphalt Shingles

asphalt shingles

As the choice of 4 out of 5 homeowners, asphalt shingles top the list of popular roofing materials in the United States. Besides being affordable, they are favored for a relatively long life that can range from 20 to 30 years depending on type of shingle, slope of roof, location and local weather conditions. Typically, asphalt shingles come in a single piece that has the appearance of three separate tiles. Architectural shingles typically cost more, but have a more interesting appearance, and are generally guaranteed for longer life.

How are Asphalt Shingles made?

Asphalt shingles have been around since the 1800s and came about as a by product of the tar industry. They used to be made of asphalt embedded in cotton or wool felt, and today they are made with fiberglass or organic felt material such as recycled paper. The former is made with fiberglass reinforcement which is then given a coat of asphalt to make it waterproof. The latter are known as composition shingles and have embedded ceramic granules in their asphalt coating that offer protection against the elements.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles can be categorized in terms of design types and constitutive elements. They can also be categorized depending on their weight, mat thickness, and type of filler material.

In terms of design, asphalt shingles come in four types including the single piece shingle, strip shingles, laminated shingles, and interlocking shingles. The single and strip types differ based on size. Laminated asphalt shingles, which are made to resemble the three dimensional visual effect of conventional wood and slate shingles, are a comparatively new entrant into the market. Interlocking asphalt shingles are ideal for storm prone regions that experience gale force winds.

Asphalt shingles may be made of fiberglass or organic elements. The fiberglass variety is preferred for its fire resistant property and for its comparative light weight but not for overall performance. They are preferred in regions with moderate to warm climates. Organic composition asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are popular for their durability and value for the money. One rule of thumb when it comes to composite asphalt shingles is that the heavier the shingle, the more durable it is. They are considered more flexible and favored in colder regions.

Warranties on Asphalt Shingles

Warranty periods for asphalt shingles vary according to their type and quality and can fall anywhere between 20 to 40 years and more. Longer warranty periods are normally associated with the high end laminated architectural variety of asphalt shingles that blend durability with decorative features. Warranties normally cover issues such as cupping, curling, thermal splitting, and other problems related specifically to the shingles themselves and not brought on by other defective roof materials. In hurricane prone areas, manufacturer's warranties may be limited to wind speeds below 50-80 miles per hour. Warranties are generally pro-rated and non-transferable.

Shingle warranties do not typically cover the labor costs associated with replacing the shingles, they are typically pro-rated, and they generally exclude so-called "acts of god", such as severe storms.

Asphalt Shingle Ratings

Asphalt shingle ratings have been formulated by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). ASTM has set standards for both fiberglass and organic varieties of shingles. Fiberglass shingles with an ASTM D 3462 certification and organic shingles with ASTM D 225 certification comply with ASTM standards. To be certified to these standards, the shingle products must have successfully withstood procedures such as nail-withdrawing and tear strength tests.

Asphalt shingle ratings cover criteria such as fire and wind impact resistance. Fiberglass shingles are normally Class A rated (the highest fire resistance), and organic shingles are usually Class C (the lowest fire resistance). Impact resistance relates to wind damage and those shingles with a Class 4 rating have extra adhesive strips under the tabs which make them the most wind resistant. They also take six nails as opposed to the usual four to fasten them in order to increase their wind resistance.

The Underwriters Laboratory (UL) test specifically tests against wind and hail impact. Only on withstanding 60 miles per hour winds for two hours will shingles win the UL certification. As for hail ratings, the shingles have to remain unscathed under a barrage of steel balls simulating hail stones. Consumers can to check for the ASTM and UL labels on shingle packaging and in product brochures.

Lastly, in addition to fire and weather inflicted damage, shingles also undergo age-related deterioration such as loss of the protective ceramic granule coating and growth of algae. Newer varieties of asphalt shingles come with zinc or copper coating which considerably reduces the problem of algae and staining and helps maintain a shingle's good looks.

Common problems with Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles fare better in cooler climates than in hotter ones. Ultraviolet rays damage the ceramic granules embedded in the asphalt coating and eventually cause cracks and loss of color. There is also the problem of thermal shock which can happen when asphalt shingles experience dramatic changes in temperature within a short period of time (in the course of a day, for example). Quick expansion in heat of day and contraction in the night time temperatures cause cracks which then get worse when water seeps into them. Moisture can be damaging in the form of leaks as well as in growth of algae. Sudden freeze-thaw cycles also inflict damage on asphalt shingles.

Asphalt shingle problems can be compounded if the roof is low pitched and does not have adequate sloping to encourage water drainage. Insistent leaks may form which in turn can cause damage to other roofing materials (such as wood) and the ceiling.

Improper ventilation can cause a problem with asphalt shingles known as cupping, which occurs when shingle tabs curl under.

Environmental Impact of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a petroleum by-product which makes them not the most environment-friendly. In addition, they are not entirely recyclable and are known to lie around in landfills, decomposing very slowly, and emitting methane gas. Sometimes, asphalt shingles find rebirth as pavement patching material, but many people and companies find the presence of nails, wood, and even asbestos in used shingles to be prohibitive in recycling.

"Green" Asphalt Shingle Resources

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