Asphalt Shingles

What are asphalt shingles?

A type of roofing shingle, asphalt shingles use asphalt for waterproofing to help protect your home. Relatively inexpensive to produce and install, asphalt shingles are still the most popular roofing material in the US. While the quality of shingle varies, Titan Construction recommends using architectural shingles, the highest quality asphalt shingle on the market. When properly installed, this type of shingle can withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour and last for up to 40 years.

How are asphalt shingles installed on a roof?

The first step to replacing a roof is to remove the old roofing materials. This must be done by hand to protect the wood structure of your roof. A messy and time consuming process, a roof tearoff is often the most labor intensive part of replacing a roof.

Second, the wood is inspected for damage or wear. If necessary, warped or otherwise damaged wood is replaced by new pressure treated wood for a sound structure.

Third, a protective water-resistant barrier is laid on the wood. While the asphalt shingles themselves are waterproof, this barrier adds another layer of protection to your home and saves on energy costs.

Finally, asphalt shingles are installed using nails to hold them in place. Trim pieces are added to finish off the roof and any chimneys are given new flashing to keep water from seeping in around the chimney.

Roof Repair With Asphalt Shingles

One of the biggest advantages of using asphalt shingles on a roof is that they are easy to replace. Should your roof sustain minor damage in a storm, it is easy to color match the existing shingles and make repairs. If your asphalt shingles are under warranty, it may be possible to save even more on your roof repairs using the manufacturer’s warranty. Contact Titan Construction for more information on roof repair.