Asphalt roofing is the most popular roofing materials used today for residential roofing systems. This is mainly due to its affordability, which makes it an accessible choice for a broad range of homeowners. Despite the broad range of residential roofing materials available today, from metal to wood to slate, asphalt remains the top choice among homeowners.
Despite its popularity, there are still many homeowners who don’t have a lot of information about asphalt shingle roofing. Here, we’ve compiled interesting facts about asphalt shingle roofing to help homeowners choose the best material for their Denver roofs.
Since asphalt shingles are the most budget-friendly roofing material available, most people assume that they’re also the least durable. While asphalt roofing doesn’t, in truth, last as long as many of its competitors, it can hold its own when it’s properly maintained.
With proper asphalt shingle installation and regular maintenance, including inspection and repairs as needed, asphalt shingles can last for upwards of 20 years. This isn’t far off from the life expectancy the metal roofing and wood roofing, which are significantly more expensive than asphalt. So, when it comes to cost-efficiency, asphalt roofing is a top choice.
Asphalt shingles are available in two main types: fiberglass and organic. While both are popular, each of these shingle types offers unique benefits and drawbacks.
Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a fiberglass base that’s coated in asphalt and finished with mineral granules. The main benefit of fiberglass asphalt shingles that organic shingles don’t have is fire resistance. The fiberglass base provides excellent fire resistance that can minimize roof damage if a fire was to impact your home. Fiberglass shingles are also heat resistant, which makes them a good choice for hot climates.
Organic asphalt shingles have a non-synthetic base, generally made of either paper or felt. This base is coated in asphalt and mineral granules, which creates a fairly weather-resistant shingle. Organic asphalt shingles aren’t nearly as fire-resistant as fiberglass shingles, but they do offer superior performance in cold weather. Plus, one of the key draws of organic shingles over fiberglass shingles is environmental impact. Organic shingles are much gentler on the environment than fiberglass shingles, making them a good option for homeowners who are conscious of their environmental impact.
Most people assume that metal and slate roofing is waterproof. But, asphalt shingles can get overlooked for their waterproof composition. Asphalt shingles are impervious to water and won’t absorb it, making them a practical option here in Colorado, where snow, hail, and thunderstorms are common occurrences. As a waterproof roofing option, asphalt shingles are less likely to warp or develop mold and algae when compared to non-waterproof roofing materials, like wood.
Asphalt shingles are available in three-tab, dimensional, and premium varieties. These distinctions refer to the thickness and complexity of the shingles’ design, as well as the cost. But, no matter which variety you select, you can find asphalt shingles in many different colors to match your home’s aesthetic. With asphalt shingles, it’s possible to create a beautiful Denver roof that matches your vision without breaking the bank.
Asphalt shingles, including those that are made with fiberglass, can be recycled so that they’re not sent straight to a landfill. Generally, the asphalt shingles are recycled into cold patch, which is used to fill potholes and cracks in roads, or an additive for HMA (hot-mix asphalt). So, when you select asphalt shingles as the material for your Denver roof, you can feel good knowing that it can be recycled when it reaches the end of its lifespan.
All Seasons Exteriors is a leading Denver roofing company providing top-notch installation services for asphalt roofing systems. To learn more about asphalt roofing for your Denver home, give us a call at 720-709-5274.
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