THE BENEFITS OF ASPHALT SHINGLES
Asphalt shingles is the most popular roofing material in the United States. Approximately 80% of all American homes are roofed with asphalt shingles. This equates to an annual demand of around 1.7 billion square meters. They have been the preferred roof of choice for most suburban homes for over 120 years. Furthermore, demand has steadily increased since its invention in 1901. They remain popular for many reasons. We will discuss the benefits of Asphalt Shingles and why it superior in many ways.
ORIGINS OF ASPHALT SHINGLES
Before asphalt shingles were invented, wood, clay and slate were the most used roof materials. During the 1800’s, roofing evolved into the use of tar-coated fabric. However, the birth of the petroleum industry in the mid-1800’s caused an abundant supply of asphalt. Asphalt was a cheaper alternative to coal tar. More importantly, it was a very effective waterproofing material. This immediately became the perfect substitute for tar in roofing systems.
Henry Reynolds of Grand Rapids, Michigan is credited with the invention of Asphalt Shingles. They were first used in 1901. By 1911, it was used on a general scale. At the time, a big contributing factor to its popularity was the shift from wood shingles. Wood shingles were known to have a higher probability of fire occurrence. Hence, asphalt shingles soon became the standard of American roofing.
WHAT ARE ASPHALT SHINGLES
Over the years, asphalt shingles have evolved since its beginnings. Many variants of asphalt shingles have been developed through the years. The result is a very practical and high-value roof material. They now come in 3-Tab and Laminated profiles.
Asphalt shingles are produced with a base fiberglass mat. This layer of fiberglass reinforcement provides the strength of the roof shingle. The mat is then coated with asphalt to make it water proof. Furthermore, the asphalt provides weather resistance. A top layer of ceramic granules are added for further protection. The top surface granules block ultra-violet light and protect the shingles from deterioration.
Asphalt shingles is the undisputed choice for American roofing and the advantages are far reaching. This is why most homeowners prefer them over other roof coverings. Let us look at the benefits of asphalt shingles more closely.
SUPERIOR AESTHETIC DESIGN
Asphalt shingles can achieve a range of architectural styles. They produce stunning aesthetics that increase your home’s curb appeal. More importantly, they come in a range of colors that complement the other exterior features of your home. You are able to select the right tone or shade that works well with your windows and wall accents. Certainly, this is one of the beautiful benefits of asphalt shingles.
HIGH VALUE
Asphalt shingles has many advantages over other roofing materials such as clay, slate, and wood shakes. For instance, they offer beautiful aesthetics and superior quality at a lower cost. Purchase and installation lost is an advantage upon purchase. However, it also offers long-term value as it requires little to no maintenance. When installed properly, they can last for up to 50 years. Other roofing materials are simply not as cost-effective. They do not offer the same value asphalt shingles do.
VERSATILITY
Asphalt shingles can be installed in many different roof layouts. They can cover different angles, shapes and forms. For example, they can even be used for roof domes. Asphalt shingles can work for you no matter how complex your roof layout is. It will cover the entire roof seamlessly. This is one the main design benefits of asphalt shingles. Therefore, even architects prefer asphalt shingles. Almost all home roofs are suitable.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
When purchasing KAWARA asphalt shingles, we install an entire roof system. Apart from the shingles, we also include a water moisture barrier, plywood underlay, and reflective thermal insulation. This entire roofing system aims to reduce the temperature on the roof surface. Consequently, we are able to control the ambient temperature within your home. For instance, when compared to metal roofing, asphalt shingles is conducts less radiant heat. More importantly, home owners will require less energy to cool the inside of their homes.
WIND RESISTANCE
The Philippines experience some of the most violent typhoons in the world. Because of this, we need to ensure that our roof coverings can protect our homes. A lot of the roofs that fail during a storm is attributed to faulty installation. KAWARA asphalt shingle roofs does not only ensure quality installation. They also ensure the use of products of the highest quality. Innovations in asphalt shingle production have made a very superior product. BP Canada asphalt shingles are the only shingles that come with two sealant bands. This Weather-tite technology produces the highest wind warranties in the market.
LIGHTWEIGHT
Asphalt Shingles are very lightweight compared to clay, concrete and slate. Therefore, you do not have to worry about whether or not your structural columns can hold them. Heavier types of roofing materials involve higher costs. You will need to fortify your structural columns, beams and roof frame in order to bear the weight. Conversely, asphalt shingles do not pose that problem.
READY TO CHOOSE YOUR ASPHALT SHINGLES?
Asphalt Shingles are clearly a superior roofing material. The benefits of asphalt shingles are why it is the number one choice for roofing in the North America. They offer stunning aesthetics, high value, versatility, energy efficiency, high wind resistance and lightweight installation.
KAWARA offers asphalt shingles to the local Philippine market. Contact us or visit one of our showrooms to see, touch and experience the trusted and elegant beauty of our asphalt shingles. We will gladly discuss the benefits of KAWARA quality asphalt shingles and provide price guidance for your project.
