KEY COMPONENTS OF AN ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOF

Planning an asphalt shingle roofing installation?

Asphalt shingles are the most popular residential roofing material in the U.S. Available in a wide range of colors, textures, styles, and profiles, asphalt shingles can be designed to mimic the look of slate, cedar, and wood roofing. Aside from being cost-effective, asphalt shingles are also durable and sustainable. After use, the shingles can be recycled or used in paving.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles aren’t solely made of asphalt. The components of the shingles vary by Asphalt shingles manufacturer; however, most contain mineral fiber and cementitious fillers. Most shingles only have five to 35 percent asphalt content. You can choose organic, algae-resistant, or fiberglass asphalt shingles.

Organic shingles are made from waste paper saturated in asphalt, which makes them waterproof. A thin layer of asphalt can be applied as an adhesive along with ceramic granules for ultraviolet-ray protection. However, organic shingles are no longer manufactured today as they aren’t eco-friendly and only have a class C fire rating. Algae-resistant shingles have granules that contain a leachable coating, are ceramically coated, and are designed to protect your roof from algae-related discoloration. Fiberglass shingles have lower asphalt content and are significantly more fire-resistant than organic shingles.

Underlayment

Directly installed onto the roof deck, underlayment is a water-resistant material that gives the roofing system added protection against severe weather. The main purpose of this component is to seal your roof and prevent wind and water infiltration. While it’s not visible, it’s one of the most important layers of your roof. The three main types of underlayment are asphalt-saturated felt rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetic.

Made from organic fiberglass materials, asphalt-saturated felt is water-resistant but not completely waterproof. It’s one of the most popular types of underlayment due to its excellent fire and water damage resistance. Roofing contractors usually use 15 or 30-pound felt on residential roofs. Heavier felts are more resistant to damage while installing the shingles and last longer.

Utilized for all kinds of applications, rubberized asphalt is a resilient and hard rubber-like material that works well as underlayment. Roofers install it directly to the decking without using nails, creating a tight seal to prevent water from infiltrating the decking. This self-adhering underlayment features a peel-off membrane that helps tightly secure roof fasteners. It’s also highly heat-resistant, making it an ideal option for warm climates.

Known for being lightweight and durable, non-bitumen synthetic can tightly secure the decking and shingles. It’s great for roofs with steeper slopes since it reduces sliding. Made from polypropylene or polyethylene fibers, this type of underlayment is widely used due to its strength and resistance against elements and pests. It’s highly moisture resistant, boosting its defense against mold and algae growth as well as damage from ultraviolet rays. However, it requires extremely precise installation methods. Any mistakes during installation can cause it to fail prematurely.

To avoid costly repairs and premature roof failure, make sure to maintain your roof ventilation system regularly. Hire a reputable roofing company to inspect your ventilation system for damage after extreme weather events. There shouldn’t be anything blocking the vents, such as seeds, branches, leaves, or other debris. You should also regularly inspect your attic and roof deck for signs of moisture or water damage. Make sure that your attic insulation is in good shape and properly installed so your home stays comfortable throughout the changing seasons.