Selecting Asphalt Shingles For Your Home
If the roof on your home is starting to show signs of wear and tear and it's time to replace it, then you should know that when it comes to choosing roofing materials for your home, one of the most common choices are asphalt roof shingles. These shingles come in many different styles as well as ranges in prices, and often come with warranty packages up to 40 years. Before you start placing calls to local roofing contractors, it's best to know the two basic types of shingle construction that you can choose from, depending on your home's needs and your budget.
 The first type of shingle available on the market is the fiberglass mat based, and, as their name implies, their backing is made out of fiberglass mat. These shingles are lighter, and therefore easier to lift which makes a roofer's job easier. They are also more fire retardant and often come with longer warranties. The second type of residential shingle to consider is the organic mat based. These shingles are considered far more rugged than the fiberglass counterparts since their backing is made from felt paper and asphalt. While these shingles are heavier than fiberglass, they are considered far more flexible.
It's always best to compare the differences between the two shingle types before you start buying since the area you live may also have an impact on the kind of roof you have. Fiberglass shingles are far more prevelant in the southern and central parts of the United States while organic shingles are more often used in the northern states. It's always best to check with your home inspector to find out what standards and codes your roof needs to meet as both fiberglass and organic are compliant with different standards.
The roof of your home is one of the most important investments you will ever make, it needs to be able to not only protect you and your family from the elements, but it also needs to be able to last and look good too. A shingle job that's not properly done, or even the install of the wrong type of shingles, can lead to water damage and a high repair cost, so always read the packaging labels and know and understand what codes your new roof will need to meet.
There are lots of colors available, too. Be sure to check out all the available colors and try to see them on an existing home before you decide to put them on yours. That way, you'll prevent a potentially expensive mistake.
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