What Are The Best-rated Asphalt Roofing Shingles?

What is asphalt roofing made from?

Asphalt shingle roofs are still the most common roofs in the country. Today, there are different types of asphalt shingles, including organic and fiberglass, but for each, the manufacturing process is similar. Here are the basic components of asphalt shingles:

• Mat base: Currently, asphalt shingle roofing material starts with either an organic base consisting of cellulose or an inorganic base of fiberglass. The wood in the organic mat base, when saturated with asphalt, becomes water resistant. This makes organic shingles a good option. The fiberglass base mat also becomes water-resistant when asphalt you add asphalt. It’s a little lighter than organic base.
• Asphalt: On top of the base mat, an asphalt blend is applied for the asphalt and a filler-type mineral is mixed together and applied to the base for waterproofing purposes. Another component is added to make the asphalt shingle roofing material fire-resistant and then the finished product is aerated so that the shingle material is flexible. Flexibility makes the shingles easier to install. 
• Granules: The part that’s seen from the ground are the granules. This is a layer of crushed rock that is applied in an uncolored state or in any of the many asphalt shingle colors that can match any architectural color of a home. Other substances added at this time include an algae-resistant material and a reflective material.  

How long does asphalt roofing last?

The lifespan of asphalt shingles will vary based on the type of shingle used. In general, however, asphalt shingle roofs will last anywhere between 15-40 years. Your roof will last longer and need fewer asphalt shingle repairs with regular maintenance.

• 3-tab shingles: These are basic flat shingles that last anywhere from 15-30 years.
• Architectural shingles: These are thicker asphalt shingle materials that are a little more expensive than the basic 3-tab asphalt shingle roof material, but the architectural shingle has a longer lifespan. These roofs last 20-30 years.
• Premium: Thick shingles designed with impact resistance in mind. These shingles tend to cost more than other types of shingles but tend to have greater longevity. They will last anywhere between 25-40 years.

Again, shingles may have longer or shorter lifespans depending on maintenance. Getting regular maintenance will help you catch any minor issues before they become major. Regular maintenance also gives you a timetable to prepare for replacement.

When should asphalt shingles be replaced?

With professional annual inspections of your asphalt shingle roof, small issues can be caught and fixed before they become larger problems. When it comes to asphalt shingle repair, you especially want to catch leaks as soon as possible. Leaks and other damage jeopardize the roof’s and home’s structural soundness. 

The type of roofing materials used, the climate and environment, as well as the maintenance of the roof will all affect the frequency of roof replacement. The following is a basic recommendation for different roofing materials: 

• Asphalt shingle roofing: 15 to 40 years
• Wood shingle roofing: 20 to 25 years
• Rubber roofing: 30 to 50 years
• Metal roofing: 50 to 75 years

High humidity, long-term exposure to UV rays, and severe weather can take a toll on any type of roofing, but asphalt shingle roofing especially. After any significant type of weather, it is recommended you have a roofing professional inspect your roof for possible damage.  From hailstones to high winds, asphalt shingle roofing can be damaged in ways that aren’t visible from the ground or by the untrained eye.

Can you replace just a section of shingles?

When roofs are damaged, it’s rare that the whole roof gets damaged. Sometimes just a small section of your roof will need asphalt shingle repair. If only a small section of the roof has been damaged, it might be possible only to repair or replace that section of shingles. Much of this will depend on the type of damage.

When you have a professional inspect your roof for damage, make sure their inspection is thorough. You want them to inspect areas such as the flashing, fascia, gutters, vents, and inside the attic. A thorough inspection will determine how much of the roof needs to be repaired or replaced.

If there is extensive damage, it’s usually best to replace the roof. Fortunately, if the roof has been damaged by a natural event like a storm or by some other unexpected event, the repairs will be covered by homeowner’s insurance.

Insurance will not cover damage due to neglect. Check with your insurer to see what the policy covers if you are unsure.

You also want to get help from a qualified roofer when it comes to help with roof insurance claims. Roofing professionals can inspect the damage, provide you with photos and other documentation to file with the claim, and will verify the damage with the adjuster if needed.