Widely available, easy to install, and less costly than metal, tile, wood shakes, wood and even slate, asphalt shingles have become one of the most popular roofing materials in the U.S.
Each shingle typically includes a base material, either organic felt or fiberglass mat, asphalt and fillers, and surfacing material. The organic felt or fiberglass mat provides support for weather-resistant components as well as strengthens the shingle. The surfacing material, which is mostly is the form of mineral granules, shields the shingles from the damaging effects of UV radiation from the sun and improves fire resistance.
Organic or Fiberglass-Based Shingles
Asphalt Roofing in Clifton, NJ
Traditional, organic-based asphalt shingles were the first asphalt shingles to hit the market and are made from a recycled layer of felt paper. They contain a lot of asphalt, at least 40 percent more than their fiberglass counterparts, with most of the asphalt being used for waterproofing. Organic-based asphalt shingles are rugged and highly flexible.
Fiberglass-based asphalt shingles, on the other hand, are made from woven fiberglass base mats, covered in an asphalt coating for waterproofing, and topped with the surfacing material. Since fiberglass is a strong but very light material, the resulting shingles are durable and extremely light. Fiberglass shingles also have a higher fire rating compared to organic varieties and come with longer warranties.
Strip, Architectural or Luxury?
You also can choose from strip, architectural, and luxury options.
Strip shingles are the original and most basic asphalt roofing shingles. They are single-layered and generally designed to mimic slate. The most common strip shingles are three-tab types distinguished by cutouts – tabs – made along their lower edges for visual effect.
Architectural asphalt shingles don’t have any cutouts. Instead, the lower portion of each shingle is laminated with an additional asphalt layer, creating a dimensional, contoured layer. They are very durable.
Luxury asphalt shingles are laminated shingles differentiated by their appearance or functionality. Some are designed to mimic natural slate or natural shake roofing shingles, others provide functional improvements, and some are designed to deliver enhanced aesthetic appeal.
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SECI Construction is an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum contractor with required local and state insurance, and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
157 Robin Hood Road in Clifton, NJ, or contact us at 855-506-1600855-506-1600 to speak to one of our experts.