What is an Asphalt Shingle Roof?
We’re here to help you understand it since 2012, Southers Construction has been providing high-quality asphalt roof repairs and replacements to residents of New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. With our customer service and workmanship, we provide a rare experience in the roofing industry. You’ll never have to worry about your roof again when you work with us.
This article explains what an asphalt roof is, the types of asphalt shingles, and 3 things you should know about asphalt shingle roofs.
Asphalt shingle roofs are the most common type of roof on homes today. Asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components are used to make this roof system.
There are 3 Types of Asphalt Shingles to Choose From
Those are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.
- 3 Tab Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles with 3 tabs lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each strip.
- Dimensional Asphalt Shingles
With dimensional shingles, you can create a random pattern or simulate a wood shake roof look.
- Luxury Asphalt Shingles
These shingles look like slate and are actually larger than other asphalt shingles.
In contrast to 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles are commonly installed on roofs today. The price of luxury style shingles is almost double that of dimensional shingles.
3 Things to Know About an Asphalt Shingle Roof
There are three types of asphalt shingles, and you just learned what they are. There are still a few things you need to know about asphalt shingle roofs.
The other roofing materials that make up a complete roof system, the length of time it should last, and other factors need to be considered. Here are three things you need to know about asphalt roofs.
The Roofing Materials that Make Up an Asphalt Roof
Asphalt roofs are more than just shingles. For your home to stay leak-free, you need a combination of key roofing components and materials.
Asphalt shingles are the major component of an asphalt roof, but all the other roofing materials are equally important.
Asphalt roofs are made up of:
- Roof decking
- Roof flashing
- Underlayment
- Drip edge
- Ice and water shield
- Shingles
- Ridge capping
- Roof vents
- Pipe boots
- Flashing
Your roof needs all of these materials to do what it does best, protect you and your family. Read this article on the 9 materials included in your roof replacement to learn more about their functions.
How Long Will an Asphalt Roof Last?
A roof’s lifespan is how long it lasts. The manufacturer specifies a lifespan for each type of asphalt shingle.
Among the three types, 3-tab shingles have the shortest lifespan at 25 years. Despite the fact that dimensional and luxury shingles each have a 30-year lifespan, the luxury style can last up to 50 years under the right conditions.
In spite of these numbers being specified by shingle manufacturers, will an asphalt roof actually last that long?
If your asphalt roof is properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, it should last as long as the manufacturer specifies. As a result, asphalt roofs should last around 80-85% of their lifetime.
A 3-tab shingle roof should last about 20-22 years, while dimensional shingles should last 25-28 years.
Asphalt roof lifespan is influenced by multiple factors. Learn more about what affects the life of your asphalt shingle roof in this article.
Roof Maintenance can Maximize an Asphalt Roof
Your car’s oil needs to be changed regularly to keep it in good working order, and the same applies to your roof. It’s important to periodically inspect an asphalt roof to ensure that it’s operating properly.
Regular roof maintenance ensures your asphalt shingle roof lasts as long as possible. You will be able to catch any problems with your asphalt shingles and prevent future leaks before they cause damage to your home.
You can also clean your roof and gutters during this time. Having wet debris on your asphalt roof will shorten the lifespan of your asphalt shingles. Therefore, roof maintenance is essential throughout a roof’s life to keep it running smoothly.
