It’s time to research different roof shingle types as we face the prospect of replacing or repairing our roofs after a harsh winter. Snow, frost and sleet can be damaging to roofs particularly old and worn out ones. It will need fixing before the arrival of the rains or thunder storms during summer. Here we will be exploring very briefly some types of roof shingles and how to repair them in case of damage.
Roof shingles come in a variety of materials. They have been designed to suit different weather conditions. Also, as consumers become more demanding, manufacturers have come up with a variety of looks and features to enhance the appearance of a home. It is no longer just being functional; aesthetics also play a big role in buying decisions.
Roof Shingle Types – Taking A Brief Look At Each Type
Asphalt Shingles
Most commonly used shingle – Asphalt shingles are the single most commonly used type of shingles in the roofing industry today.
They are made with organic or inorganic base. For organic base manufacturers most commonly use paper. Fiberglass is the most commonly used inorganic base. The asphalt is impregnated among the base. The thicker the shingle the better quality and it also lasts longer. Asphalt shingles are a durable and strong roof that last from 20-30 years. The shingles are manufactured in three sections called tabs. Each shingle has 3 tabs. They are made with tar or roofing cement to hold down the shingles which will be placed overlapping the previous one.
Laminated Shingles
The popularity of laminated shingles has skyrocketed in recent times. They have color and depth which gives character to roofs. Unlike 3-tab shingles which lie flat on the roof, laminated shingles add depth perception which gives a 3-dimensional look to the roof. The depth is achieved by manufacturing the asphalt shingles in several layers and staggering them a bit to give off that 3-dimensional look. When seen from a distance these shingles look very much like slate or cedar shake shingles without being so heavy or expensive. The shingles have rounded tabs and shadow lines which add to the overall rich appearance of these shingles.
Slate Roof
Slate was a popular roofing type in olden days. It was readily available and mined from local sedimentary rock deposits and was long-lasting. But, gradually the fragile nature and difficulty of procuring these materials on large scales for wider sections of country made them less popular.
Today, it is very high-end roof that is not only expensive to buy but also to install as it needs special skills of few expert slate roofing contractors. Correct installation will help the roof last a life-time. They are known to last 100-150 years. Bad installation jobs can significantly reduce the life-span of these roofs. They are heavy and weigh about 3 times more than asphalt for every square foot. They break easily and so need careful handling during installation or repair. Aesthetically, they are a superior roof as nothing beats the classic appeal of slate.
Concrete Tiles
These are made from concrete poured into molds. They are versatile and can be designed in a variety of sizes and shapes. Colors can be painted over the tiles or impregnated into the material during the manufacturing process. It is tough and durable. It can withstand most harsh weather conditions but easily damaged during installation like slate.