Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing materials, comprising 80% of residential roofs across North America. They’ve been used for roofing applications since the early 1900s and even with the advanced manufacturing techniques and innovations, they’re still lightweight, easy to install and available at relatively low costs.
Knowing your asphalt shingle roof inside and out can help you make informed decisions on a variety of roofing issues and concerns. Today, local roofing contractor Wood’s Roofing shares three facts about asphalt shingles you may need to know.
Asphalt shingles are composed of two parts: an asphalt-saturated base material topped with granules made from crushed rock. The base material can either be “organic” shingles made of recycled paper or fiberglass. The former, which tends to be more saturated with asphalt, offers better rigidity and waterproofing. The latter, meanwhile, is more flexible, giving it added resistance against strong winds.
In addition to providing color to the asphalt shingles, the granule layer on top of the base material also offers protection from the elements. However, it can be combined with other features depending on your roof replacement needs. Copper granules, for instance, can be added to prevent the whole roof covering from algae and other organic growth. Certain granules give asphalt shingles their reflective properties to help limit the heat absorbed through the roof.
Asphalt shingles are 100&% recyclable since the primary material takes a long time to completely disintegrate. Roofing contractors and environmental companies can collect shingles from tear-offs, reusing them in other products including the manufacturing of asphalt shingles. With this, roof waste is greatly reduced in landfills.
Count on Wood’s Roofing for your roofing needs. As the leading roofing company in the area, we strive to exceed your expectations by communicating clearly throughout the process. When you work with us, rest assured that your project will be completed on time and within your budget. Call us today at (863) 513-7775 or fill out our contact form to request a free estimate. We serve residents of Winter Haven and Lakeland, FL.