Asphalt Roofing Shingles
More To Consider Than You Might Think

Asphalt roofing shingles make up the lion's share of roofing materials used in residential roofing, and for good reason. They have a number of benefits for the homeowner, including relatively easy installation and low cost compared to other roofing types.

They're versatile too. Whereas wood shake roofs generally look the same you can get asphalt shingles in a range of colors and styles.

Asphalt shingles can even be energy efficient, helping to keep your attic and the rest of your house cooler, provided you buy the right product that's rated as an ENERGY STAR roofing shingle.

There aren't too many drawbacks to asphalt shingles but if there's one that stands out, it's what to do with them once they're used up. It's one thing to consider if you're looking for "green" roofing choices.

And while you might think that all asphalt roofing shingles look the same you might be surprised at what's available. Manufacturers are always working to develop the latest feature or innovation that'll set them apart, and there are a few that you'll want to know about before you choose your next asphalt shingle roof.

What You Should Know About Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roofing shingles aren't complicated but it helps to know a few things about them so you can make informed decisions about whether it's the right roofing choice.

In it's simplest form an asphalt shingle consists of a mat or backing material made from either a cellulose material or fiberglass, the latter being the most prevalent. The backing material is what supports the next layer which is the asphalt mixture. Finally, this roofing sandwich is topped off with mineral granules which help protect the asphalt. Since asphalt degrades in sunlight there needs to be something there to protect it and the granules do that job.

Different Grades, Different Levels Of Performance

The lower tier of asphalt roofing shingles includes what's known as "3-tab" shingles. These are simple shingles with 3 tabs and have been the standard bearer of asphalt shingle styling for decades. They're usually very flat without much thickness and tend to have the shortest warranty duration.

Example Of Simple 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

The "better" and "best" category includes shingles often referred to as architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles. They're thicker than the 3-tab variety, with some of the premium/luxury products having a thickness of three 'standard' shingles. They're offered in more shapes and their thickness gives them and the roof more visual texture. They're also usually warranted for a longer period of time than economy 3-tab shingles.

Photo Courtesy Of CertainTeed Corporation...