When you need a new roof installed on your home, it’s essential to understand the different components you must select for the job to have the results you desire. One of the most important decisions you must make is the type of roofing shingles you want on your new roof. Roofing shingles are the most common choice of roofing material in the United States due to their relatively long lifespan of 20 to 25 years as well as their affordability.

If you want to make the most informed decision concerning your roofing shingles, it’s crucial to understand their construction and what makes a high-quality roofing shingle. Use the following information to help you narrow down your choices for roofing materials to the option that works best for your property.

Understand the types of roofing shingles 

While there are many types of shingles, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular choice for residential roofing throughout the United States due to their economic viability, overall reliability, and ease of installation. However, there are countless varieties of asphalt shingles that you could select for your roof replacement. It can be difficult to navigate the different options, but your roofing team can help you select a roof shingle material that best suits your property. 

Remember, paying more for higher quality roofing shingles may not always yield the return on investment you expect. Some homeowners make the mistake of purchasing expensive roofing shingles that wind up clashing with their neighbors’ homes. This may make the home more unique, but if the homeowner decides to sell, it sticks out among the surrounding houses and may turn off potential buyers. 

Know the layers of an asphalt shingle

Asphalt shingles are multilayered materials meant to ensure protection against the elements. Asphalt shingles’ construction has evolved dramatically to provide property owners with better, longer-lasting protection over the years. 

Today, the standard asphalt shingle has five layers: 

The outermost layer, visible once the shingle is installed, is made of quarried and crushed stone granules. This layer protects the asphalt underneath from the ultraviolet light of the sun. Otherwise, the asphalt would melt and break down. These granules also provide fire resistance.
Under the top layer is a layer of asphalt. The asphalt layers of a roofing shingle provide cushioning from impact forces and help the shingles resist the force of hail and other debris landing on the roof.
The center layer is a mat core that provides flexibility and more durability. Most asphalt shingles contain fiberglass mat cores. This fiberglass layer is the first component used in the manufacturing of asphalt shingles. The fiberglass core becomes coated with asphalt that adheres to the fibers, creating a more stable surface for the granules on top and the sealant layer below. Beneath the central mat core layer is another layer of asphalt. When the fiberglass mat passes through molten asphalt, the asphalt essentially sandwiches the fiberglass inside it to keep the entire shingle together.
The lowest layer that rests against the roof bed’s surface is the sealant that keeps the asphalt shingle firmly in place once arranged with the rest of the shingles. While roofing shingles require nails to stay attached to the roof bed, the sealant layer allows the asphalt shingles to overlap seamlessly and prevent water from intruding beneath the shingle layer. 

It’s possible to find asphalt shingles with many other types of construction, but this five-layer model is the standard for most asphalt shingles. Most residential roofs use three-tab asphalt shingles that ensure quick and easy installation while making it easy to maintain visual appeal. Staggering these tabbed shingles means a significantly faster roof replacement job in most cases. 

cknowledge the value of asphalt shingles 

There are many different roofing materials available on the market today. While many homeowners invest in composite tile roofs and metal roofs, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular choice for roofing materials in the United States, thanks to their fantastic overall quality and value. 

If you are planning a roof replacement in the near future and want to take advantage of the practical benefits of asphalt shingles, pay close attention to the types of shingles your roofer offers, and don’t be afraid to ask questions to determine which type of shingles would offer the most value for your home. Mr. Roof has years of experience providing professional asphalt shingle roof installations, replacements, and repairs. Contact us today for more information about the asphalt roofing shingle products we offer, and we will be happy to help you clarify your options. 

The post The Anatomy of a Roofing Shingle appeared first on Mr Roof.

Steven Bland

www.ameristainroofing.com

Whether you are building a new home, renovating, or replacing your home’s roof, it’s important to know your options regarding the roofing system you select because it provides the performance and reliability you expect to help protect your home.

Mr. Roof wants to be sure our customers have the information they need to make an informed decision. And a critical part of our roofing systems are shingles from Owens Corning® Roofing.  Owens Corning® is a leading brand among roofing manufacturers in the United States and offers a wide variety of shingle styles and colors to fit any home.

Owens Corning® Roofing Shingles

While a complete roofing system has many components working together to help protect your home, shingles are your roof’s first line of defense against the elements. In addition to the long-lasting protection they provide, they also offer curb appeal.

Versatile Design Options: exterior design considerations are important when making any major repairs or upgrades to your home. Owens Corning® architectural shingles have multiple granule colors blended together to add texture, in addition to shadow lines that give them depth and dimension on the roof. These ceramic-coated colored granules also help protect your shingle from UV degradation – damage caused by ultraviolet light from the sun.Superior Moisture Protection: One of your roof’s most important functions is protecting the inside of your home from water damage. A professionally installed roof should provide you the confidence that your home is protected. Owens Corning® shingles feature fiberglass mat at the core saturated with weathering-grade asphalt and are covered with colorful mineral granules to provide a water-shedding barrier to your home.  And Owens Corning® roofing shingles have a proprietary heat-activated sealant on each shingle that bonds the shingles together into a watertight unit.Patented Technology for Advanced Performance: Duration® Series shingles from Owens Corning® feature their patented technology called SureNail®^ , which is a fabric reinforcement in the nailing area to help protect against shingle blow offs.

Roofing System Options From Able Roof 

Every aspect of an Mr. Roof roofing system revolves around protecting your home from water damage and other elements. Mr. Roof offers three roofing system packages, which all include asphalt roofing shingles from Owens Corning®.

RoofGuard Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Oakridge® Shingles>Up to 2x better nail pull-resistance++Limited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡110 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*Available in popular colors

RoofGuard+ Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles>Up to 2.5x better nail-pull resistance++Patented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

ThunderGuard® Roofing System:

Owens Corning® Duration FLEX® Shingles>SBS modified asphalt that makes the shingles pliable and gives them greater flexibility and toughness42% better nail-pull resistance against the wind versus standard shinglesPatented SureNail® Technology^ for reinforcement in the nailing zoneLimited Lifetime warranty coverage*‡‡130 mph wind warranty coverage*Algae resistance coverage*TruDefinition® color platform in a wide variety of colors

Duration FLEX® shingles are the most durable and reliable shingles if you are concerned about having the best possible moisture protection in your roof.

Choose The Best Roofing System For Your Home 

A roof repair or replacement is a big investment for a homeowner. It’s essential to choose a reliable roofing system that offers the value and performance you expect for many years to come. Mr. Roof proudly offers Owens Corning® shingles as part of Mr. Roof roofing systems.  Together we offer you high-quality roofing products and installation of your new roofing system. Contact us today for more information.

*see actual Owens Corning warranty for details, requirements and limitations.

++Owens Corning testing against competing shingles with a wide single-layer nailing zone when following the manufacturer’s installation instructions and nailed through the middle of the allowable nail zone.

^For patent information, please visit www.owenscorning.com/patents. SureNail® Technology is available only on Owens Corning® Duration® Series Shingles. SureNail® Technology is not a guarantee of performance in all weather conditions.

‡‡ For single family residences. 40-Year Limited Warranty on all other projects

The post Benefits of Owens Corning Roofing Systems appeared first on Mr Roof.

Steven Bland

www.ameristainroofing.com

Most of us understand basic science concepts whether we explicitly learned them in school or simply encounter them in day-to-day life. You don’t have to be an expert to understand most of these topics, and many times they are so integrated into our daily lives we barely notice how much we know about them. One of these topics is the concept of freezing water. Many of us have ice in our drinking water, use a freezer regularly, or live in an area where winter gets below freezing temperatures. In all of these situations, we have a basic understanding of the science behind water temperatures. As water freezes, it expands. This is why you can’t put cans of sparkling water or soda in the freezer — the expansion of the drink as it freezes will cause the can to explode. If you thaw an ice cube, it contracts and enters its liquid form — water. What many people don’t realize is that this very concept occurs outside naturally, and the effects of it can wreak havoc on your roof.

How freeze-thaw cycles can cause damage

Water and moisture are always in the air. That moisture finds its way into anything it can as a gas or a liquid in the atmosphere. Then, when temperatures drop, the water molecules start to expand. As the water expands, it puts pressure on the object it is inside of. In some cases, like basketballs or plastic buckets, the material that contains the moisture can stretch to accommodate the expansion. However, in things such as concrete or roofing tiles, there is no give in the material to allow it to expand. This means that the freezing water can cause cracks and breakages in the rigid object as it expands. This pressure is created multiple times per week as temperatures rise and fall above and below freezing levels. This cycle puts significant stress on your roof’s shingles and can cause lasting damage.

Signs of roofing freeze-thaw damage

Freeze-thaw cycles can create several problems for your roof, but they don’t all look the same. Here are some signs that your roof is taking a beating from freeze-thaw cycles:

Uneven or small space between shingles. Shingles should be evenly spaced. If they have moved or seem uneven, the expansion and contraction process has moved them loose.Ice Dams. Ice dams happen when the heating on your roof is not uniform or when the freeze-thaw cycle happens with greater frequency. In these instances, snow melts and runs down the roof as water. The water then gets stuck behind shingles and causes pressure beneath the shingles when it freezes again.Flashing is out of place. Roofs have metal flashing sheets that seal the cracks on the sides and seams of a roof. If the flashing on your eaves, peak, chimney, etc., has separated from an area, ice dams have likely created damage. These gaps can easily allow further moisture to enter your home and can even cause flooding if not addressed swiftly.

Though these situations can seem frightening, it’s possible to mitigate the damage they cause by addressing the issue early.

Long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle

There are other ways in which the freeze-thaw cycle can create long-term damage to your home, investment, and even your family’s health. Here are some long-term effects of the freeze-thaw cycle:

The freeze-thaw cycle brings moisture under your shingles and into your home. This moisture generally collects in the attic but can spread from there. The water that condenses inside is not clean and brings mold and bacteria with it. As these germs reach the warmth of your home, they are free to grow and spread, causing breathing problems, heightened allergies, and other serious health issues.The freeze-thaw cycle speeds up the damage process to your roof. Though all roofs go through wear and tear, if left untreated, the effects of the freeze-thaw cycle could leave you with repairs for which you were not prepared.Ice dams easily damage gutters or even remove them from the sides of the roof. When this happens, runoff cannot be directed to the gutters and often pools in your yard or basement.

How to protect your roof

The effects of the freeze-thaw cycle are extreme, and many people stress after discovering what it can do to their home. Fear not. There are steps you can take to protect your roof from significant damage. Follow these steps to protect your home this winter:

Remove the snow from your roof as soon as you can. Many people call a professional to handle this job safely. This process prevents ice dams.If an ice dam has already occurred, call a professional right away to have it removed. The longer you leave it, the more damage you can cause.The best thing you can do for your roof in the long term is to make sure that your attic is well ventilated. This airflow keeps the temperature of your roof even and keeps ice from forming.Schedule regular roofing inspections. It never hurts to have a professional inspect the state of your roof once or twice a year. If you catch roofing problems early, they are often far easier and less stressful to fix.

Hire a professional

Though technically you can remove ice dams and repair your roof on your own, we really don’t recommend doing so. It is easy to fall and injure yourself or even die when trying to work on a roof without proper equipment and experience. Even ground-based methods such as roof rakes don’t work well and often just create further damage to your shingles. It’s best to call a local, trusted roofer to help you maintain your roof and create a plan for dealing with any issues.

Contact Mr. Roof

For roofers who know all of the ins and outs of the freeze-thaw cycle,contact Mr. Roof. We have been battling ice dams and roofing problems for over 50 years, and there truly isn’t a situation we haven’t seen before. Our number one mission is to give you peace of mind with our craftsmanship and standout customer service. When you hire Mr. Roof, you know that the job will be done correctly and honestly and that the issue was fully resolved. Don’t wait on freeze-thaw cycle issues — call us today.

The post How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Your Roof appeared first on Mr Roof.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.ameristainroofing.com/?p=107

Steven Bland

www.ameristainroofing.com