Thanks to their affordability and durability, asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material in North America, making up about 80% of all residential roofs. Here are other interesting facts you might want to know about asphalt shingles:
Asphalt Shingles Can Last Up to 30 Years
The estimated lifespans of asphalt shingles vary depending on their type. For instance, 3-tab asphalt shingles usually last between 15 to 18 years while architectural asphalt shingles can last 24 to 30 years. Apart from their estimated lifespans, is there any difference between the two? One difference is weight: 3-tab shingles are lighter than architectural shingles. In terms of aesthetic appeal, architectural shingles, which have a multi-sided appearance, are considered more aesthetically pleasing.
Asphalt Shingles Contain Roughly 20% Asphalt
Here’s something you might want to keep in mind while looking for a roof replacement: lighter asphalt shingles contain less asphalt than the heavier ones. The quality of the asphalt used to manufacture asphalt shingles affect their estimated lifespan. If you’re not sure about the quality of certain asphalt shingles, it’s best to stick to reputable brands like GAF.
Here’s a tip: factory-certified contractors are specifically trained to install a certain kind of roofing material or brand, so if you prefer a particular brand, you might want to hire a roofing company with such a certification.
It’s Normal for Your Shingle Roof to Lose a Few Granules
Your asphalt roof will lose a few granules over the course of its lifespan. Under what circumstances should you be worried about granule loss? When bald patches start to appear on your roof. These granules shield your roof from ultraviolet (UV) damage. Without them, your roof will be left vulnerable to UV damage.
Interested in learning more about asphalt shingles? Tedrick’s Roofing, a GAF Master Elite® roofer, offers a range of professional services to address your roofing needs. To request a free estimate, call us at (206) 824-3440, or fill out this form. We serve homeowners in Tacoma, WA, as well as the surrounding communities.