All About Asphalt Shingles: A Guide About Their Types and Tips for Installation

Posted by roofcoadmin June 28, 2017

Asphalt shingles are some of the most affordable roofing materials and they are the most commonly preferred. Asphalt shingles come in a wide range of colors, textures and thickness, and are ideal for steeply sloped roof styles, single home and smaller residences.

They are also amongst the easiest roofing materials to install and are more flexible during the installation procedure.

Asphalt shingles also boasts of its capabilities to be treated against growth and reproduction of mold and mildew.

types of asphalt shingles

The Types of Asphalt Shingles

There are two types of asphalt shingles, namely, organic asphalt shingles and fiberglass asphalt shingles.

Organic asphalt shingles are manufactured with paper, coated in asphalt, which makes them highly resistant to water and moisture.

On the other hand, fiberglass asphalt shingles are practically inflammable, which is its best feature. They are made out of a protective resin coating which also turns them into water-resistant roofing materials.

Some Installation Tips for Asphalt Shingles

The Placement of Starter Shingles and Asphalt Shingles Underlayment

It is very important to note starter shingles should be correctly and firmly installed first. Without the underlying support of the starter shingles and the direct and immediate placement of the asphalt shingles themselves may result in hazardous issues in the long run. For instance, in time, strong wind may affect the entire roofing system. This natural occurrence may cause or generate an upward pressure under the roofing system and slowly tear apart the asphalt shingles, and eventually damage it entirely.

The absence of starter shingles can also be dangerous in times of natural calamities, particularly storms. Therefore, the placement of starter shingles is very crucial to the correct, proper and guaranteed installation of the asphalt shingles.

The Use of the Appropriately Sized Nails and Screws

organic asphalt shinglesAsphalt shingles, are for the most part affixed to the roof with the use of nails and screws, and it is of utmost importance that these tools are correctly located at the right angle with the proper spacing in between. Otherwise, strong wind may also cause the asphalt shingles to be worn out over time, if not entirely blown off the roof.

The Proper Installation of Valley, Ridges and Grooves

The placement of the valley, ridges and grooves should be carefully planned so that they can be installed correctly in accurate locations. This will reduce the chances leaks.

Knowing and Following the Local Building Code Regulations on Ventilation

Prior to the installation of an asphalt shingles roofing system on your home, make sure the blueprint matches with the local building code requirements on proper ventilation. Not only should your roofing system installers stick to these rules for the purpose of compliance, but also for the purpose of proper indoor atmospheric quality in your home.

In the event you are building a new home, and therefore in need of an entirely new roofing system or perhaps only replacing your old roof with asphalt shingles, you should bear in mind the types of asphalt shingles which you will have to choose from. Your selection will need to fit the structure of your house and the general climatic conditions in your region. As well, you have to ascertain the previously discussed pointers will be noted and applied during the actual roofing installation.