When it comes time to replace your roof, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is what type of shingle material to use. There are a variety of materials available on the market, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are a few tips for selecting the best roof shingle material for your home:
All roofs are designed to shed water, but they are categorized as either low-slope or steep-slope. If you want to sound knowledgeable, don’t use the term “flat roof”; every roof has some slope to it, even if it’s less than a half-inch. There’s no consensus on what qualifies as low-slope vs. steep-slope, but roofers use inches of slope per foot as a benchmark. For the most part, a roof that slopes less than four inches over every 12 inches of length (“4 on 12” in roofing lingo) is considered low-slope. The majority of residential roofs are steep-slope.
Roof slope determines which materials are used to cover it. There is no “best” material; consumers should instead focus on the quality of the construction and installation. If you are looking for a roofing company in Dallas TX, that can provide the highest quality of roof replacement in Dallas, contact Bearded Brothers Roofing & Restoration today to get a free quote.
Shingle Options for your Roof
Asphalt shingles. These are the most popular, are relatively simple to install and, generally speaking, are the least expensive. Shingles are made of a fiberglass mat topped with asphalt and mineral granules.
30th Shingle. 30 year impact resistant shingles vary in strength from class 1 to class 4. The type of class determines the material and the resistance of the shingle. Generally class 4 is the highest level of protection making the shingle less susceptible to hail damage or damage from other storms or weather debris.
- Class 1 shingle. The classification is as follows: Class 1 shingles can withstand ice balls that are 31.8 mm or 1.25 inches in diameter. Class 2 shingles can withstand ice balls that are 38.1 mm or 1.5 inches in diameter. Class 3 shingles can withstand ice balls that are 44 mm or 1.75 inches in diameter.
- Class 2 shingle. A shingle is assigned a Class 2 rating if it does not rupture or crack when hit by 1.25-inch balls dropped from 20 feet above. The highest rating is Class 4. These shingles withstood 2-inch balls under the same testing conditions
- Class 3 shingle. To achieve Class 3 rating, the shingle must withstand a 1 ¾-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet. Naturally, these tests are primarily intended to replicate hail stones.
- Class 4 shingle. Class 4 shingles are rated to resist hail impact and are designed to withstand winds of up to 110 mph. This is the highest class of IR or impact resistant shingles you can get. To obtain this special classification, roofing shingles must undergo very rigorous testing. SBS Class 4 impact-resistant shingles cost from 10-25 percent more than regular asphalt shingles. However, because impact-resistant shingles reduce long-term maintenance costs and prevent premature roof replacement, homeowners can quickly make up the higher initial costs.
Wood shakes and shingles. These are typically made from cedar, redwood or southern pine. Shingles are made by machine; shakes are handmade.
Looking for roof repair in Dallas? Give us a call today and our friendly team will give you more details on what’s the best material you can use for your home.
Understanding your Asphalt Shingle Roofing System
When the need for a new roof arises, homeowners have many options and styles from which to choose. Those unfamiliar with residential roof systems can be quickly overwhelmed with the numerous materials that are available. Bearded Brothers Roofing & Restoration is one of the best roofer in Dallas TX, our team can guide you through on how you pick the right asphalt roofing system for my home.
The first recommendation is to follow the advice of an experienced contractor. Most professional contractors are accredited by shingle manufacturers and can guide you through the roofing process. For asphalt shingle roof in Dallas, our team of experienced roofers can assist you for the repair or installation.
Composition of an Asphalt Shingle
While there are specialty shingles that possess unique composition, the following core materials are found in all asphalt shingle types:
- Fiberglass mat: The backbone of the shingle, this high-strength reinforcing material offers the ideal qualities needed for handling and durability.
- Asphalt: The primary purpose of asphalt is to serve as a water-shedding agent, and to hold the granules in place. It makes up a significant part of the shingle’s composition.
Fillers (or mineral stabilizers): These finely-ground materials are added to the asphalt during the manufacturing process to help increase the asphalt’s resistance to fire, and can improve weathering, flexibility and durability. - Granules: These ceramic-coated, crushed rock particles coat the ‘face’ of the shingle. Granules are what provide the coloring to shingles, and they also protect the shingle’s asphalt from degradation that would occur from prolonged exposure to UV light.
- Back surfacing: This is a fine mineral material that is applied to the back of the shingle. Back surfacing allows shingles to be manufactured and stored with fewer sticking to the machinery or to each other.
This article is intended to be an informational resource when you are considering replacing your roof. If you are looking for a roofing company in Dallas TX, that can provide the highest quality of roof repair or roof replacement in Dallas, contact Bearded Brothers Roofing & Restoration.