When looking for roofing materials for your building or home, consider asphalt shingles. They are a type of roofing cover that is highly waterproof, relatively inexpensive, and do not require a lot of work in terms of installation. Asphalt shingles come in different types, and for you to choose the right kind, you need to know what sets one apart from the other.
Asphalt Shingles: What’s the Difference?
When asphalt shingles first hit the market, they were made from wood. The ones that followed were made from granules of mica, slate, oyster shells, fly-ash, clay, and silica, which made them more durable. Other organic materials used in their making are jute or manila, wood pulp, and wool. Today’s asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, including dark grey, black, green, red, and brown. The two main types of asphalt shingles depend on the materials used to make them: organic or fiberglass.
Organic Shingles
Organic shingles are considered old school because they are made from waste paper saturated with asphalt, a component that makes them waterproof. Coatings of ceramic granules and adhesive salt are embedded into the top. While organic shingles are more durable than their counterpart, they are more prone to fire. They also contain high asphalt content, hence they are not environmentally-friendly.
Fiberglass Shingles
Fiberglass shingles are a replacement for asbestos. They have a mat of glass fiber made from wet, randomly-laid glass fibers bonded with a resin made from urea-formaldehyde. The layer of glass fiber is then coated with asphalt that contains mineral fillers, making it waterproof. Fiberglass shingles are more resistant to fire, giving them a class “A” rating.
Choosing Asphalt Shingles
If installed the right way, asphalt shingles will last between 12 and 17 years. Their cost ranges between $25 and $30 per bundle, and three bundles are enough to cover 100 square foot of roof surface. This translates to a price of $75 to $90 per square. However, just because they are a cheaper alternative does not mean that they lack style. Asphalt shingles are available in several shapes and textures and some of the commonly-available styles are 3-tab, jet, T-Lock, Art-Lock, Signature Cut, Architectural, Premium, and Tie Lock.
If you are looking for a reliable roofing company in Timonium, MD, then this is where your search ends. At Cox Roofing, we will advise you on how to choose the right colors for your house and install your new shingles at an affordable cost. Contact us today and let our experts take over your roofing needs.
