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Shingle Roofs: What should I choose?

Admin June 5, 2022

Shingle Roofs are still one of the most popular roofing materials among homeowners. It has been in the roofing industry for roughly 100 years and still preserves the pleasing look and can last for a long.

Initially, shingle roofs were made for organic materials like felt but because of its expensiveness, alternates were then used in order for the production to continue. And as the world revolves and develops, so do the shingle roofing materials.

Different Shingle Materials:

Shingle materials are now improving year after year, but most commonly and still preferred are asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles, and wood shingles.

1. Asphalt (Organic) Shingles

The most common shingle material and very much popular is asphalt. Asphalt shingles contain three different layers that serve differently to protect your roofing system from moisture and other elements. All asphalt contains, but is not limited to, matting, asphalt sealant, and lastly, granules.

The process of making asphalt shingles starts by making limestone rocks into powder wherein this limestone powder is mixed with asphalt to produce a filled coating. These filled coatings are then run into a machine to be applied to the top and bottom of the mat that serves as the base sheets. The granules are then put in the process of ceramic coating where the coating will be in the desired color of the shingles to preserve the color appearance of the shingle throughout its service life. After these, it will be cut into different sizes and stacked up ready to be installed.

2. Fiberglass Shingles

Before, asphalt was made from organic materials and fiberglass. But due to the problems organic shingles are taking through the years, especially from rot and water damage, fiberglass shingles are then preferred to be used to combat these organic shingle problems.

Fiberglass shingles have the same content as asphalt shingles but it greatly differs from the materials of the matting. The matting uses fiberglass, wherein strands are woven together to create better durability and strength compared to using organic materials. And because it is made from fiber, the color lasts longer, has fewer chances of rot growth, and is water-resistant compared to asphalt organic shingles.

3. Wood Shingles

Dated a long time ago, wood shingles are made by sawing a block of wood but due to the advancement in technology, wood shingles are now manufactured by machines. And because of this advancement, wood shingles are now more uniform in appearance and have a smoother and flat finish. Shingles are made from cedar which gives a natural look that most homeowners are looking for.

The process of wood shingles are from cutting it into thinner pieces, firing it in a kiln to remove the moisture, and undergoing a process of pressure treatment, wherein some elements like copper, arsenic, and aluminum are applied to increase the durability of the material and resistant to rot, fungus, insects, and molds. Wood shingles give a natural and unique look to your home.

These different shingles materials have different strong points in terms of material, durability, appearance, color and style, resistance to weather and other elements, and especially price. If you have considered using shingles in your home, contact your roofing contractor to have an in-depth talk about what suits your home and also consider your area.