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Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles have become quite so popular when it comes to roofing options for homes. Their versatility and economic value have proven to be so attractive that they now cover as much as 80 percent of the market. Asphalt shingles are quite inexpensive and easy to install. They come in a great array of quality and style and are compatible with a wide range of roof pitches. They can be installed with different roof features, from roof edges to chimneys and wall terminations to vent flashings. Most of all, they are highly attractive and can really give a house that homey effect.

There are basically two types of asphalt shingles available in the market: the organic-mat shingles and the fiberglass shingles. Both of these are of course made of asphalt, but the difference lies on the reinforcing mat - the fiberglass variety of uses fiberglass while the organic variety uses a wood-derived mat made of cellulose fiber.

The organic type of mat requires two coatings of asphalt - a soft asphalt for saturation and then harder asphalt for protection. Meanwhile, the fiberglass type only needs one hard asphalt coating. People choose fiberglass for its light weight, thinness, ease of transporting and high fire rating.

There are those who still prefer the organic type because they are more durable and they are more flexible especially during cold weather.

Poor installation usually occurs in the area of deck preparation, and not providing adequate flashing around items that are protruding through the roof such as vent pipes and chimneys. Other poor installation methods are not using the required amount of nails per shingle and nailing in the wrong area of the shingle.