Spotting Roof Trouble Early

Spotting Roof Trouble Early

4 Things About Asphalt Shingles You Might Like To Know

by William Gerard

Asphalt shingles are a popular type of roofing for homes because the roofing is attractive, durable, and more affordable than other types of roofing. You may want to choose an asphalt shingle roof when you need a roof replacement.

If you're worried about the condition of the roof you have now, call a residential roofing company to see if your old shingles are near the end of their lifespan. Here are four things you might want to know about asphalt shingles and their installation.

1. There Are Different Kinds Of Shingles

There are asphalt shingles for all budgets. Three-tab shingles are the least expensive because they're thinner than higher-grade shingles and they don't last as long. The highest quality shingles are the most expensive, thickest, and most durable.

You can make your choice based on your budget or the quality of the shingles. The residential roofing company you work with may be able to show you samples of the different types of asphalt shingles so you can compare them.

2. Shingles Are Installed With Adhesive And Nails

Asphalt shingles look smaller than they are because they are cut into three tabs along the bottom. Instead of being three small shingles, they're actually one large shingle that gets hidden under the row of shingles above them. The nails are driven into the shingles along the top so they are hidden from view.

There is also a line of adhesive already applied to the shingles. The adhesive helps the shingles stick to the row of shingles above, and the adhesive bonds as it heats up in the sun. This is one reason your roofer may not want to install a new asphalt shingle roof in the winter. The adhesive may not bond in cold weather.

3. Waterproof Underlayment Keeps The Deck Dry

If you've ever had a bad shingle or even a missing shingle and wondered why the roof didn't start leaking, it's due to the waterproof underlayment that's installed on the deck before shingles are put on. You don't want to purposely expose the underlayment to the sun, so repairs should always be done promptly, but it's nice to know you have a secondary layer of moisture protection for your roof.

4. Flashing Comes In Copper Too

A roof needs flashing to protect against leaks. Residential roofing companies often use aluminum or galvanized steel for flashing, but you can also get copper. You might want copper flashing to match copper gutters or to give your home a little glamour.

Copper lasts a long time and it isn't damaged by salt in the air or rust. Copper can even be used as a natural treatment for algae and moss on your roof. As rain flows across the copper flashing, it spreads the copper molecules around that stop growths on your shingles.


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About Me

Spotting Roof Trouble Early

Do you know how to tell if you have problems with your flashing, loose shingles, or damaged tar pitch? Well, I didn't either until I experienced some of those issues on my own. One day, I realized that my roof was leaking and that I needed to find a solution fast. After contacting a professional roofing company, they were able to solve my troubles and teach me the signs of trouble. I want you to avoid the same types of hassles, which is why my blog is filled to the brim with information about roofing and home ownership. You never know, these tips could really come in handy!

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