Asphalt is the most popular material for roofing shingles in the U.S. It’s estimated that around 70% of all the households in America opt for this type of shingle. However, as newer materials are introduced, fibreglass asphalt roof shingles have been growing in popularity. In this article, we’ll go into detail about fibreglass asphalt shingles and why they’re in such high demand. With that said, let’s get to it.
Knowing the Difference
There are two types of asphalt shingles: organic and inorganic. Although both are covered in asphalt, the material inside is what makes the difference. Organic asphalt shingles are made of materials such as paper, wood, cardboard, and natural fibres covered with asphalt. Inorganic asphalt shingles are made of metal, plastic, and of course, fibreglass.
Nowadays, the majority of asphalt shingles are made with fibreglass due to their durability, light weight, and high insulative properties. Fibreglass shingles are also highly fire resistant, so if you live in an area that’s at risk of wildfire, this is the best type of shingle to get.
Listed below are the top benefits of fibreglass asphalt shingles:
Versatility
Asphalt is a highly flexible and versatile material, which means that they can be adapted to just about any look and style you’re looking for. Asphalt also absorbs force very well, which means that the risk of roofing damage will be significantly reduced. What’s more, is that asphalt can be used for any type of shingle you can think of. Whether you’re looking to get three-tab shingles or dimensional shingles, you can definitely find one made with asphalt.
One thing that you have to be aware of when using dimensional shingles is that they are significantly heavier than regular three-tab shingles. You will need to consult a professional roofing service to ensure that the structure of your home can handle the extra weight.
Durability
High-quality fibreglass asphalt shingles are visibly thicker than cheaper options, which means that they are much more durable and long-lasting. They can withstand a lot more force before they break.
Now that you know why you should use roof fibreglass asphalt shingles, let’s see where they can be installed on your home:
Roof Deck:
The roof deck is the base of your roof. You can use this type of shingle for your roof decks to provide a strong foundation for the structure.
Ice Dam Membrane:
The ice dam membrane is the part of your roof that provides insulation and prevents the cold from coming into your home. Moreover, it can help to prevent ice from clumping up on the side of the roof during the winter. It will also help to keep the gutters from freezing over, which can prevent some significant damage from occurring.
Flashing:
The flashing helps to provide a layer of air seal around the skylight, which will help to prevent leaks and damage. Asphalt shingles help to provide a layer of insulation around the flashing, which will increase the longevity of your roof.
Specialty Shingles:
Lastly, fibreglass asphalt is perfect for making specialty shingles, as they can be made to fit any shape of the roof. For example, if you’re looking to use shingles to fit with the ridges of the roof, fibreglass asphalt is the perfect material for you to choose.