By Sammy, Content Writer
 

What Are Asphalt Roofing Shingles?
Asphalt roofing shingles are a type of roof that is primarily used on low-slope roofs such as residential and commercial buildings. The shingle is made of light, thin sheets or strips of asphalt bonded to a paper or granule-board substrate. Shingle roofs are typically installed with an asphalt primer and may be either standing-seam or rolled. Standing seam roofs have a continuous strip of exposed adhesive at the bottom edge as well as multiple horizontal rows where the sloped pieces meet, while rolled roofs lie flat on top of the building's roof deck and typically use only one row where the sloping pieces meet at each level.

How to install asphalt roofing shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles are, for the most part, installed in the same way as other roof coverings. If your roof has been fully insulated and you only have a 1/2" gap between the roof and/or fascia board, then metal or slate are some of your best options. However, if you have more than a 1/2" gap to work with when installing asphalt shingles then one of these steps will likely apply to you:

1.Seal leaky areas
Roofers can use tarps or polyurethane caulk to seal leaking areas around vents (such as chimneys) before installing asphalt shingle facings over them.

2.Add a layer of plywood
The additional plywood layer increases the thickness of the shingles and closes spaces where wind can suck up under. Some asphalt shingle manufacturers even produce products with preinstalled nail holes in them to make this step easier.

3.Add felt paper
The best way to add felt paper to asphalt shingles is by saturating the backside of your shingle, creating a stiff backing that will not curl when it comes time to install them on the roof. Asphalt shingles are made with polymer-modified asphalt that sticks well to itself without having to adhere a separate layer of paper.

4.Install a layer of felt
Before installing asphalt shingles, not only should the area be clean and dry, but also the area is going to need to dry out. It is a good idea to use a heat source underneath your shingles when installing them; it'll help them become more flexible and will help prevent the odd waviness of your project.

5.Use underlayment
Some asphalt shingle manufacturers even create products that have long vinyl tape that comes pre-attached to the front face of an asphalt shingle (which helps keep rainwater from getting underneath). If you want to take this step, first make sure it is a good fit for your roof by checking the shingle's wind exposure ratings; using underlayment with a higher wind resistance index will help keep your roof safe.

Asphalt shingles can be installed with the nail gun or with a stapler, but asphalt shingles are heavy and may require more than one person to install them properly. It usually takes 4 bundles of shingles to cover 1,000 square feet of area. Asphalt shingles are then overlapped and staggered between courses for added protection from the weather.

Benefits of installing asphalt roofing shingles

They are 100% recyclable
The current trend in green living is leading people towards the option of using recycled materials such as asphalt shingles instead of traditional ones (such as cedar shingles or slate tiles). Some may argue that they do not hold up as well as natural materials but they are still much better than the majority of the other types of roofing you can find on the market today. These shingles are made out of asphalt products (such as bitumen and tar) which are derived from petroleum products or natural gas.

Durability
Asphalt roofing shingles are built to last, and they are an economically-friendly option for those who want a high-quality roof on a budget. Asphalt shingles are usually installed in rows or courses so that water can easily run off the surface of the roof and not puddle up. They are also installed with overlapping layers that improve their durability in high wind conditions. Paired with the fact that asphalt shingles are able to withstand hail, snow and storms, these shingles are an ideal solution for homeowners living in areas where there is frequent inclement weather or harsh winds.

Energy Efficiency
Asphalt shingles are made with recycled materials, which reduces their energy consumption by as much as 80%. This means that a single gallon of fuel saved with asphalt shingles can provide up to 35 hours of electricity in the United States. The increased performance from this type of roof comes from the fact that it is designed to be a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution for homes. In addition to being eco-friendly and energy efficient, asphalt shingles also last for decades, and homeowners can rest assured knowing that they are protected from any potential damage due to natural disasters.

Innovation
When it comes to innovation and style, nothing beats an asphalt shingle roof. These are the perfect combination of green materials that blend with a cozy, aesthetic design. The thicker layer of asphalt shingles provides a more finished appearance while also adding extra durability to the roof surface. They are also longer lasting than other roofing materials, so they will not need replacing as quickly. One aspect to consider when choosing an asphalt roof is whether you want a traditional or contemporary design. Traditional designs tend to be wider and are used for homes that serve primarily residential purposes, while the newer designs are narrower and more appealing to homeowners looking for a more modern look that blends seamlessly with their home's style.

Styles
Asphalt shingles come in many different color options, ranging from dark brown to slate gray with white accents. The addition of these shingles also provides homeowners with a different aesthetic look from traditional roof styles, which makes it easier for them to add an artistic touch to their home's facade.

They are simple and easy to install
To install asphalt shingles, you will need tools such as include a putty knife, a hammer, a level (to measure up the slope of your roof), nails that you may have around the house. To install these shingles, you will need to fasten them over your old ones using nails or screws that measure between 1-1.5 inches long in length. You can either use nails from your existing roof or attach them to a deck board (typically made out of wood). Another great aspect about this method of installation is that it is virtually maintenance free. You do not need to worry about your shingles coming loose, losing their color or warping. One other aspect you can do to help save money and avoid problems down the road is to use white shingles over your black ones. This is because these two are color-fast and will not fade in extreme sunlight.

When it comes to residential roofs, there are a few different options to choose from. One that stands out among the rest is asphalt roofing shingles. Asphalt shingles are aesthetically appealing and also stand up well against inclement weather; they are really easy to maintain too. Asphalt roof materials come in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles like slate or architectural metal tile. The type you select will depend on your preference as well as what you need it for.