What to know about asphalt roof shingles

Why choose asphalt roof shingles for your roof

Asphalt roof shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials.  This is because they are relatively inexpensive to produce, easy to install and available almost everywhere.  Advanced Roofing and Exteriors, one of the best roofing contractors in Charlotte and Concord NC can provide you information on all of the different types of asphalt roof shingles. 

Asphalt roof shingles basics

There are two types of asphalt roof shingles, fiberglass and organic.  Fiberglass roof shingles are made from a base mat of woven fiberglass and then covered with a coating of asphalt to make them waterproof.  They are then coated with a topping of ceraic granules that help shield them from harmful UV rays.   Organic asphalt roof shingles are made from recycled felt and then saturated with asphalt to make them waterproof.  They are also coated with adhesive asphalt mixed with ceramic granules. 

Types of shingles

There are two types of roof shingles, architectural and three-tab.  Architectural asphalt roof shingles have no cutouts, however the lower portion of the roof shingle has an additional asphalt layer.  This provides architectural asphalt roof shingles a dimensional, contoured look which is what gives them their name.  Three-tabshingles have cutouts or tabs along their lower edge.  This causes each shingle to look like it is composed of three separate pieces once it is installed. These types of shingles have been used in roofing for a long time and are still one of the top choices for roofing material.

No matter which type of asphalt roof shingles you choose, ensure they come with a long-life warranty.  Choose the best roof contractor in Charlotte NC, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors to install or replace your roof.  

Choosing between roof shingles, metal and tile roofing materials

The right choice of roofing materials

Before deciding upon a new roof, it is good to know the difference between the most popular types of roofing materials, shingles, metal and tile.  When you are making your decision, there are several important considerations.

The differences between roof shingles, tile and metal

The most expensive roofing material is usually tile.  It is very durable, lasting up to 50 years if well-installed and routinely maintained.  Metal is more expensive than roof shingles and can last up to 30 years as long as you provide regular care and maintenance.  Roof shingles are the least expensive of the roofing material options and with good care and maintenance, can last up to twenty years. 

If you live in an area which gets a lot of high winds or bad storms, such as Charlotte or Concord NC, tile or metal may be a better choice since they can withstand this type of weather more readily than shingles.  Wind can loosen or completely tear off shingles causing extensive damage.  Tiles are heavier than shingles which makes it harder for wind to break them loose. 

Depending upon the grade of material you choose, the better, more durable roof you will have.  Advanced Roofing and Exterior, one of Charlotte’s best roofing contractors can help you select the roofing material which meets your needs and your budget.

The weight of the roofing material is another consideration.  If a roof becomes too heavy, a home may not be able to take the weight. Tile roofs can be very heavy, especially if the roof is large or has structural weaknesses.  Metal is not as heavy as tile, but weight should still be a consideration when choosing a metal roof.  Roof shingles weigh the least and can be used on just about any home.

Advanced Roofing and Exterior and their expert staff can help you choose the best material for you roof.  Give them a call today to schedule an appointment to discuss your new roof. 

Fixing curling roof shingles

Reasons roof shingles curl

If your roof is older than fifteen years, chances are the roof shingles are starting to curl and your entire roof should be replaced.It is a good idea to discuss this with one of the roofing companies located in the Charlotte and Concord NC area to ensure the roof is installed properly.Another reason for roof shingles to curl is that they were not installed properly.Often, the roofer uses three nails instead of four or the nails go all the way through the roof shingles,damaging the roof shingles and causing them to eventually curl. Poor attic ventilation is one of the main reasons for roof shingles to curl.  If an attic is improperly vented, heat can build up loosening the shingle adhesive.Also, attics can get damp, which promotes mold growth, another thing which can loosen roof shingles adhesive. Another reason for roof shingle to curl is when their tar lines are not lined up properly.Tar lines are the strips of adhesive which hold the roof shingles to the deck.When they are not lined up properly, they fail to seal the roof shingles, which allows them to curl.

How to make repairs to roof shingles

Even though it may be possible to repair a single loose shingle yourself, you really should not attempt to replace or repair an entire roof.  Roof repair and replacement are specialized skills.The roofing technicians employed by Advanced Roofing and Repair, one of Charlotte’s best roofing companies are trained in all types of roof repair and replacement.Call Advanced Roofing and Exteriors to repair curling roof shingles or any other roof damage. 

Save money by replacing damaged roof shingles

Replacing roof shingles

With holidays upon us, no one is giving much thought about the state of their roof shingles. We often make the comparison between roof repair and dental care because both are particularly important, yet most of us would rather think about something else. There is a cost associated with roof repair, but something as simple as repairing a few shingles will actually save you thousands of dollars. Contemporary roofing materials are designed to last anywhere from 20 to 50 years.

Your roof never takes a day off

We would all like to put some shingles on the roof and forget about it for the next 50 years, but that is not practical. Your roof never takes a day off. Every day of the year it is open to the elements such as:

• the heat of the sun
• ultra violet rays
• snow
• ice
• rain, and wind

It also endures a bombardment of hail storms during the spring and summer. It is only reasonable to assume that some component of your roof will need repair, and it is most often the roof shingles. Your roof is not just shingles on top of wood; it is made up of several different components. It is vital that you make a habit of visually inspecting your roof after every episode of unexpected weather. The ideal approach is getting a free inspection from a reliable and trustworthy roofing company.

A dependable roofing contractor for roof repairs

Advanced Roofing and Exteriors has been helping homeowners and businesses overcome hail storm damage in the Charlotte and Concord areas for over twenty years. They are a fully licensed, insured and bonded roofing contractor. They are accredited with an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau. Research them on Angie’s list and you will not only read glowing reviews from satisfied customers, but you will see that they have also received multiple years of Super Service Award.

Not only do they work well with insurance adjusters, they also are highly rated by the top material manufacturers in the country. In fact, Advanced Roofing and Exteriors is a certified installer for many of the largest material manufacturers in the industry. They have long established relationships with companies such as Owens Corning, CertainTeed, GAF, and Tamko roofing products. They are a premier Charlotte roofing company. Give them first consideration when you call roofing companies to repair your roof shingles.