Be aware that there is a classification for asphalt shingles. The classification of the shingle has a direct link between its thickness and the price. There are 4 major classes which lie between A and D. The first 2 classes (A and B) are different from the 2 lower classes. We find shingles of class higher than double the price than those of class C and D
Organic shingle
The organic shingle is the oldest model. Its composition contains recycled paper which is coated with pressure heated asphalt. Considered a flexible covering, the shingle is easy to install
Fiberglass shingle
This most recent model replaced paper with a fiberglass membrane. The shingle has become lighter because it has less asphalt in its composition. Fiberglass shingles are also more heat resistant and less expensive. However, it requires the installation of an underlay
The composition of the asphalt shingle
The layer of granules
It is made up of a surface layer of the shingle and granules. Granules are essential since they protect the roof against ultraviolet rays. Also, this layer retains freshness. Note that some granules contain additions of product which are used to prevent the appearance of mold
The asphalt layer
This layer of different thickness determines the weight of the shingles. The asphalt protects the roof by making it waterproof and seals it
The reinforcing layer
The reinforcement layer determines the quality and style of the shingle. This layer is essential to keep all the layers together. It must remain stable even with temperature variations and must be very resistant
The nailing tape and the adhesive tape
It is recommended not to pin the asphalt shingles, but to nail them. The head of the nails must not be drowned. Activated by heat, the shingle also has an adhesive strip which is used to glue the shingles together. It is important not to nail them in this part to avoid damaging the asphalt shingle roof
The benefits of an asphalt shingle roof
Easy to install, the new shingles have dominant features of energy efficiency by being more efficient in keeping the roof cool by reflecting the sun's rays. Low cost, the asphalt shingle roof is resistant to temperature variations which gives it a considerable advantage. The adhesive strip and the nails make it resistant to strong winds. We find this advantage especially with high performance shingles.
The disadvantages of an asphalt shingle roof
As a pollutant, asphalt shingles require a lot of energy during manufacturing. Produced from petroleum, black shingle contributes to rising temperatures in rural areas. If the shingle is not properly installed, its life may be shortened and water infiltration is possible
Organic shingle
The organic shingle is the oldest model. Its composition contains recycled paper which is coated with pressure heated asphalt. Considered a flexible covering, the shingle is easy to install
Fiberglass shingle
This most recent model replaced paper with a fiberglass membrane. The shingle has become lighter because it has less asphalt in its composition. Fiberglass shingles are also more heat resistant and less expensive. However, it requires the installation of an underlay
The composition of the asphalt shingle
The layer of granules
It is made up of a surface layer of the shingle and granules. Granules are essential since they protect the roof against ultraviolet rays. Also, this layer retains freshness. Note that some granules contain additions of product which are used to prevent the appearance of mold
The asphalt layer
This layer of different thickness determines the weight of the shingles. The asphalt protects the roof by making it waterproof and seals it
The reinforcing layer
The reinforcement layer determines the quality and style of the shingle. This layer is essential to keep all the layers together. It must remain stable even with temperature variations and must be very resistant
The nailing tape and the adhesive tape
It is recommended not to pin the asphalt shingles, but to nail them. The head of the nails must not be drowned. Activated by heat, the shingle also has an adhesive strip which is used to glue the shingles together. It is important not to nail them in this part to avoid damaging the asphalt shingle roof.
The benefits of an asphalt shingle roof
Easy to install, the new shingles have dominant features of energy efficiency by being more efficient in keeping the roof cool by reflecting the sun's rays. Low cost, the asphalt shingle roof is resistant to temperature variations which gives it a considerable advantage. The adhesive strip and the nails make it resistant to strong winds. We find this advantage especially with high performance shingles
The disadvantages of an asphalt shingle roof
As a pollutant, asphalt shingles require a lot of energy during manufacturing. Produced from petroleum, black shingle contributes to rising temperatures in rural areas. If the shingle is not properly installed, its life may be shortened and water infiltration is possible.
Maintenance of an asphalt shingle roof
There are several schools of thought regarding the maintenance of an asphalt shingle roof. Some claim that it is necessary to make at least one visual inspection per year
Others would rather say to inspect the roof every 2 or 3 years. Obviously the time between inspections depends on the quality of the shingle used. Better to use your common sense. If an episode of strong wind has hit your house, it will be essential to take a look at your roof. Maintenance is relatively simple, it may be that a targeted intervention is sufficient to extend the life of a few years of the coating of your roof. However, if you have infiltration following a snow overload that has caused roof degradation or the aging of several shingles, a major roof repair may require an expert roofer. In some cases carpenters may be required to repair the structure of your roof
Installing an asphalt shingle roof
The installation of the shingle remains quite simple and can be done by a manual and knowledgeable owner. It is however certain, that you must know all the particularities which surround this construction. Obviously
this work involves risks. For a simple roof, complications are more rare, but, for a roof with several slopes, with edges and edges or even with valleys, it is strongly suggested to entrust the installation of the roof to a professional
The main points to remember are having the knowledge to recognize a roof of asphalt shingles that is still healthy. Make sure that the roof support, the underlayment and the eaves membrane are still usable and healthy. Preferably, it will be new
Some parts must be replaced like flashing and drips in addition to the plastic which will be coated with glue. Several suppliers offer step-by-step installation guides to consult before tackling this project. Note that installing an asphalt shingle roof requires a lot of care so as not to endanger the insulation of your home
Asphalt shingle roofing at a glance
Recovery programs for old asphalt shingles are now available. Old shingles are taken care of and are recovered and then used for road repairs. Get informed in your municipality and think about the environment
There are several schools of thought regarding the maintenance of an asphalt shingle roof. Some claim that it is necessary to make at least one visual inspection per year. Others would rather say to inspect the roof every 2 or 3 years. Obviously the time between inspections depends on the quality of the shingle used. Better to use your common sense. If an episode of strong wind has hit your house, it will be essential to take a look at your roof. Maintenance is relatively simple, it may be that a targeted intervention is sufficient to extend the life of a few years of the coating of your roof. However, if you have infiltration following a snow overload that has caused roof degradation or the aging of several shingles, a major roof repair may require an expert roofer. In some cases carpenters may be required to repair the structure of your roof
Installing an asphalt shingle roof
The installation of the shingle remains quite simple and can be done by a manual and knowledgeable owner. It is however certain, that you must know all the particularities which surround this construction. Obviously, this work involves risks. For a simple roof, complications are more rare, but, for a roof with several slopes, with edges and edges or even with valleys, it is strongly suggested to entrust the installation of the roof to a professional. The main points to remember are having the knowledge to recognize a roof of asphalt shingles that is still healthy. Make sure that the roof support, the underlayment and the eaves membrane are still usable and healthy. Preferably, it will be new. Some parts must be replaced like flashing and drips in addition to the plastic which will be coated with glue. Several suppliers offer step-by-step installation guides to consult before tackling this project. Note that installing an asphalt shingle roof requires a lot of care so as not to endanger the insulation of your home
Asphalt shingle roofing at a glance
Recovery programs for old asphalt shingles are now available. Old shingles are taken care of and are recovered and then used for road repairs. Get informed in your municipality and think about the environment