“Asphalt shingles,” “composite shingles,” and “fiberglass shingles” are three terms for the most popular type of roofing material in use today. Although in the past, asphalt shingles were made with a layer of paper, almost all shingles made today use fiberglass instead. The fiberglass layer is saturated with asphalt, a crude oil product often mixed with other minerals like limestone, and the outer layer that faces the sky is coated with granules of rock, salt, or sand that serve to block out light. There are three main types of asphalt shingle that Roofing Contractors in Gig Harbor use.
The least expensive and, until recently, most common type is the three-tab shingle, so called because the bottom half of the shingle is cut into three tabs with vertical slots. These shingles are just one layer in thickness, and they give the roof a flat, even appearance. They typically last 20 to 30 years before needing replacement.
Laminate shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, are becoming a more popular choice of roofing material these days. They are double the thickness of three-tab shingles and give the roof a textured look. While three-tab shingles appear flat, dimensional shingles can mimic the look of wooden shingles or shakes. Laminate shingles are a more durable product; they can last up to 50 years.
A third type of asphalt shingle is the architectural shingle, which is the thickest type. Some of these have up to five layers, so they are much larger and heavier than other shingles. They create a very strong roof, and they are often made to resist the growth of moss and algae. They are the most expensive type of asphalt shingle and also the longest lasting, at 50 years or longer.
Aside from their relatively low cost and high durability, many homeowners prefer asphalt shingles because they come in so many different varieties. You can choose among many colors and textures to get a custom look for your house. Another advantage of asphalt shingles is that they are easier for Roofing Contractors in Gig Harbor to install than most other roofing materials.
