Raleigh Roofing: Article About Benefits and Drawbacks Of Shingle Roofs
Dry rot is a fungus that causes wood and other materials to decay over time. Dry rot leads to the rapid deterioration of asphalt shingles and in time turns the shingles into powder, rendering them useless.
Question and answer courtesy of Otto's Exteriors the expert Raleigh NC roofers: What types of materials are used to produce asphalt shingles?Manufacturers form and produce asphalt shingles using two types of materials, organic based or fiberglass based. Organic materials include cellulose based fibers from recycled paper waste or wood fibers. In contrast, fiberglass shingles are manufactured using glass fibers formed into a mat, which is then coated with granules that add an extra layer of protection.
Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the United States today. These shingles provide quality home protection and cost far less than other types of roofing material, such as clay tile or wood shakes. Typically, homeowners who buy a preexisting home in an older neighborhood do so with an asphalt shingle roof in place. Therefore, it is important to learn some of the benefits and potential drawbacks of shingle roofs.
Although asphalt shingles cost far less than tile or metal, they do provide protection that usually lasts 12 to 15 years. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors and shapes, which adds to their visual appeal. Homeowners looking to reroof their home with shingles can choose traditional three tab shingles with only one shape or dimensional shingles, which offer a variety of shapes. Dimensional shingles are thicker than three tab shingles, which provide an additional 20 to 30 years of total lifetime protection.
One of the biggest benefits of asphalt shingles is the low installation and repair costs offered by Raleigh roofing companies. Typically, asphalt shingles cost two to three times less to install or repair than concrete or clay tiles.
The expert roofers at Otto's Exteriors of Raleigh NC can assist you with any questions regarding gutters or shingle roofing.
A full asphalt shingle installation could save homeowners thousands of dollars compared to clay tile. Those savings are one of the reasons why asphalt shingles are so popular. A hidden benefit resulting from the popularity of shingles is that popularity often drives down labor costs.
Asphalt shingles do have potential drawbacks, however. First, shingles are prone to dry rot in warm weather climates where rain is scarce. Dry rot leads to complete deterioration of the shingle and a high risk of developing water leaks. Heavy wind easily tears shingles off a roof requiring immediate repair. Any exposed section of a roof also leads to potential water leaks. Homeowners who purchase an older home with asphalt shingles must inspect the roof thoroughly for any evidence of dry rot or water leaks.
Asphalt shingles also suffer in climates where temperatures vary from one extreme to another. Cold temperatures cause shingles to stiffen, making them susceptible to cracking. When the temperature suddenly rises, the shingle starts to thaw and widens any existing cracks caused by the cold weather. A shingle that continuously expands or contracts due to drastic temperature changes can fail, leaving the area completely exposed to the elements. However, replacing existing shingles remains quite affordable compared to replacing faulty tile or metal roofing.
