staying home savvy with shingle roofs

STAYING HOME-SAVVY WITH SHINGLE ROOFS

REDISCOVERING SHINGLES: ANSWERING THE WHAT AND THE HOW



PART 1PART 1Rediscovering Shingles:

Answering the What and the HowYour choice of roofing material says a lot about you as a homeowner. Not only does the roof provide the home with its primary protection against nature’s harsh elements, it also provides a distinctive look and feel to a home. Shingles are one of the most popular roofing options in the country, with as much as 80% of the residential roofing market favoring this

particular type of roofing material.

There are different reasons behind the popularity of shingle roofs but the one reason that likely carries the most of the weight is the fact that shingles, particularly asphalt shingles, are constructed

specifically for the residential market.



Two Types of Asphalt Shingles

Organic Paper Fiber Mat – Made of cellulose material, this type of shingle is ideal for homes situated in areas with colder temperatures.

Fiberglass – Shingles made of fiberglass are designed to better withstand fire and moisture.

Both types are made up of a mat or some form of backing material that is saturated with asphalt and surface-coated with mineral granules; this coating is what shields the shingle’s inner mat from natural elements.

Design and AppearanceAsphalt shingles usually are offered in either as the traditional 3-tab shingles or as dimensional shingles. Traditional shingles already look great as is; these shingles are created such that a single piece looks as though it’s made of three separate pieces. Dimensional shingles, on the other hand, have an additional layer of laminated shingle that provides more durability. The laminated finish adds more depth and personality to the shingles.



Asphalt shingles are most compatible with steep- sloped roofs. Because they generally cost less than other roof materials, asphalt shingles are an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners who do not want to sacrifice quality for price. Moreover, shingle is great at mimicking the look of wood and other popular roof materials. The appeal of wood shakes can be had for a song through the installation of “fake shakes” made of asphalt. This is actually an option superior to the original material in that building codes require roofing materials to be fire-proof, something that original wood shakes and shingles are not. Not only that, asphalt shingles are also designed to be long-lasting and easy to maintain.

To keep learning about shingle roofs, head on to the next chapter of this three-part blog. Discover the roofing issues that a shingle roof can help solve. Find out why so many people continue to rely on shingles to protect their homes against nature’s

extreme elements.



Shingles as a Solution to Roofing Concerns

Shingles, particularly asphalt shingles, are some of the most versatile roofing materials on the market today. They offer solutions to various roofing concerns, making them a superb choice for roofing.

PART 2PART 2



Concern #1: Price. The cost of materials is always foremost in the mind of anyone who’s taking on a home improvement project, and is often the ultimate deciding factor for many. This puts shingle at an advantage, as it is one of the materials that offers the best value for money. Shingle is priced lower than most other roofing material options out there.

Concern #2: Installation. Asphalt shingles are quite easy to install, and practically any roofer can accept a shingle installation job. There is no need for an advanced skillset or for specific equipment to install shingles, which cannot be said for other roof types, such as flat roofs.

Concern #3: Energy Efficiency. Thanks to modern technology, there are now quite a number of shingle products that bear an ENERGY STAR label. These include shingles with reflective surfaces that block or reflect away the heat that would otherwise enter the home through the roof.



Concern #4: Choices. If you’re looking for a variety of choices, then the wide range of asphalt shingle designs, colors, and finishes is sure to make your head spin. Among your choices is the simple yet classic 3-tab shingle, which is actually just one tab cut to look like three separate pieces. For those willing to spend a tad more, there are architectural shingles to consider. Thicker in comparison to the 3-tab variety, they come in various shapes or designs, and provide more visually appealing textures. If you so desire, you can also opt for shingle that mimics the look of wood and slate.

Concern #5: Performance. Shingle roofs are tough and can withstand extreme temperatures, as well as strong winds and other natural elements such as water, ice, snow, and fire. Impact-resistant shingles that bear up well against hail are also available.

Concern #6: Repair. We said earlier that shingle roofs are not difficult to install. Nor are they complicated to repair. It is relatively easy to remove a damaged area and replace it with new shingles without requiring special training on the roofer’s part.



PART 3PART 3Surefire Ways to Keep Your Shingle

Roofs in ShapeA prematurely damaged shingle roof speaks volumes about the kind of attention you’ve given to your roofing system. Despite having a manufacturer’s warranty, shingle roofs can, and often do, encounter problems earlier than expected without proper care and maintenance on

the part of the homeowner.

Fortunately for homeowners, there are surefire ways to ensure that shingle roofs remain in peak condition years after the

installation.



Schedule a regular maintenance check with a trusted roofing company.

This is the best and most practical advice on roof maintenance that any roofing expert is likely to give homeowners.

Roofs are responsible for keeping a home and its inhabitants safe from harm. It has to endure a significant amount of wear and tear throughout its lifetime. By scheduling routine inspections at least twice each year, you are helping ensure that your roof lives a long life and that the frequency of necessary repairs is minimized.

Be alert and on the lookout for any signs of damage.The roof’s shingles are a visible part of the roof, so it would not be that difficult to keep an eye out for any damage. It is important that you check for signs of wear or damage whenever you can, even from a distance. Some of the things you need to watch out for are:

• Missing shingles – Leaving them as is can compromise the quality of other surrounding shingles.

• Damaged surface granules – Surface damage can accelerate the deterioration of the roof and its underlayment , so if you’re seeing excess granules, have the shingles replaced immediately.

• Rips, tears, or dents in the shingles – These symptoms indicate moderate to severe damage on the roof. As a precaution, trim tree branches that are too near your roof and remove dried leaves and debris accumulating on your roof.

Maintaining the integrity of your asphalt shingles translates to savings as you’ll have to spend less on repairs and premature roof replacement. Keep your home in top form and preserve its value even years after the initial installment.

It may be easier for you to not bother yourself and forget about your roof altogether (or neglect it out of sheer laziness), but once you start observing these tips and precautions, you’ll have fewer roof problems to worry about, if any at all.



ALL AMERICAN HOME SERVICES3075 PS Business Center Dr Woodbridge, VA 22192

(703) 496-4033www.allamericanroofs.com

http://www.allamericanroofs.com

staying home savvy with shingle roofs

Services