For roofing contractors the most common roofing shingle type to install is asphalt shingling. The material is the durable, relatively low priced and easier than other common roofing materials to install. With any roofing material there will be options in design, composition and warranties. Asphalt shingling is no different.

The basic benefits of asphalt shingling straight from a Roofing Contractor:

1) Shingle roofs are easy to maintain and simple to repair.

2) Asphalt shingling is the least expensive material when in comparison to other roofing materials such as slate, wood, metal and tile. Not every roofing material is practical for all climates either.

3) Shingles are offered in a diverse number of styles and colors. It is easy to find a shingle that will go well with every type of exterior housing style.

4) Composite asphalt shingles are environmentally friendly and easy to recycle.

5) When it comes to fire rating most shingle roofing comes with a Class A fire-resistance rating.

Shingle compositions are basically a rectangular material, known as a mat. The rectangular mat is then coated with several layers of asphalt and ceramic granules are embedded. Shingle mats are mainly made out of fiberglass which resists breaking and tearing. The ceramic granules are also an important component. The granules are embedded within the shingle during the last coat of asphalt. This is what gives the shingle the grainy appearance associated with asphalt shingles. The granules come in a variety of colors and help protect the shingle from the harsh UV rays of the sun.

The most common type of shingle due to affordability is the three-tab shingle. This style is a strip shingle divided into three distinct sections. This is what is on most homes currently. Steadily the use of laminated shingles is growing as the price to install has come down significantly over the course of time.

Laminated shingles are found when on homes when you are able to see dimension in the roofing. The dimension or architecture are made the same way as three tab shingles however they add that 3-d effect, a sort of layered look in shingling. Laminated shingles are incredibly durable. Basically a laminated shingle is multiple shingles within one another. They are incredibly hardy when it comes to four seasons of weather and easily with stand the sun, cold and wind that comes with our ever changing seasons.

When it comes to the longevity of your shingle roofs your installer will detail how each shingle company sells shingles warranted for a defined amount of time. Brand by brand the shingle warranties are different anywhere from ten to thirty years. Most asphalt shingles last longer in locations where the weather is not drastically different from one day to the next. The potential for cracks and water leaks is more prevalent in areas of diverse weather patterns. This is something to consider when looking at purchasing shingles and the shingles warranty.

Roof replacement is an expensive endeavor for most homeowners to embark on. Make sure you do research not only when it comes to the material that you use on your home but also on the roofing contractor. Make sure you hire a contractor that is licensed and comes with references. Previous work done is the best way to judge the quality of one’s work.