You want a safe home. You want a warm home. And of course, you want an energy-efficient home. Do you know what can help you achieve all of these goals? Your roof. That's right, if you call up a roofer and tell them about your desires, they can recommend some roofing repairs or materials to help you achieve those desires. They may recommend a metal roof, or they might recommend adding zinc strips to the roof peak. It all depends. One thing we can promise, though, is that learning more about roofing is a good idea. This blog is a good resource, but we recommend looking for other ones, too.
Should You Replace Your Roof With Asphalt Or Composition Shingles
The oldest timber frame house in America was built in 1637. While the house is still standing, chances are it has had quite a few roofing replacements over its almost 400-year history. In fact, roofing replacement is a common occurrence for all houses. Roofs just do not last as long as the house they are protecting.
How long does a roof last?
Depending on the material, a roof can last anywhere from 20 to 100 years. Roofs made from natural materials, like copper and slate, tend to last the longest. It should be pointed out that the weather in your area plays a big part in how long your roof will last, regardless of the material used. Extreme weather, from heavy, mountain snow loads to the intense heat of the desert sun, can quickly wreak havoc on a roof. Coastal homes have to fight salt spray in addition to wind and precipitation. You can't stop the weather, so you just have to deal with a roof replacement over time.
How do you know when a roof needs to be replaced?
After taking a beating from Mother Nature, your roof will let you know when it needs a roof replacement. Some telltale signs that the average homeowner can look out for include shingles that curl up and eventually break at the edges, as well as shingles that look shiny from the street, which typically indicates that the protective gravel coating has worn off, leaving the shingles vulnerable to the elements. If you notice any of these signs or, worse, notice water penetrating your attic, call your local professional roofing company about a roof replacement immediately.
What is the difference between composition and asphalt shingles?
Composition shingles are made by combining various materials together to create a more durable and longer-lasting shingle. The opposite of a composite shingle is a shingle made from a single-source material, like wood, metal, clay, and asphalt.
Are composition shingles the same as fiberglass shingles?
Technically, yes. The terms 'fiberglass shingles' and 'composition shingles' are often used interchangeably. Fiberglass shingles are composite shingles that are made from a combination of fiberglass and other materials. All fiberglass shingles are composition shingles, but composition shingles are not strictly fiberglass. Composition shingles are manufactured by combining materials to make a stronger shingle and can be made from any combination of materials including slate, wood, asphalt, and laminate, not just fiberglass.
Are composition shingles the same as architectural shingles?
Both asphalt and composition shingles can be 'architectural' shingles. The term does not refer to what the shingles are made of but rather their design style. Shingles are typically either 3-tab or architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are flat, 2-dimensional shingles, while architectural shingles are designed to have depth and create a textured look on your roof. Due to this depth, architectural shingles are sometimes referred to as dimensional shingles.
Is composition roofing good?
Choosing composition roofing as your roof replacement material is a great choice. Modern shingle manufacturers have researched the best combination of materials for certain areas in terms of longevity, durability, and good looks.
Are composition shingles fire resistant?
All shingles have varying degrees of fire resistance. In other words, they are rated on how long they will withstand fire before burning. The rating is either Class A, Class B, Class C, or unrated, with Class A offering the most resistance. If you live in a fire-prone area, consult both your local building department and a roof replacement professional to determine what is recommended for your home.
Whether or not your home will last a few hundred years remains to be seen, but it is a sure bet that you will have to eventually deal with a roof replacement. Understanding your options in terms of composition roofing and working with a roof replacement professional to your roof's longevity. Contact a roofing replacement service near you to learn more.