Known for their affordability and durability, asphalt shingles continue to be the most popular roofing material among homeowners in the United States. Despite this, there is a lot of false information regarding them that still persists to this day. To help you separate fact from fiction, we debunk popular myths about asphalt shingles.
Myth #1: Asphalt Shingles Lose Their Granules After Installation
Asphalt shingles are coated with a layer of colored granules, which help protect the asphalt layer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These granules provide beauty and solar reflectivity to the asphalt shingles. During the manufacturing process, the asphalt roofing sheet is flooded with granules to ensure as many as possible will adhere and cover the sheet. However, not all of the granules stick – most of those are actually reclaimed and reused in the process. For this reason, it’s normal to see a few loose granules once the shingles are installed.
Myth #2: Asphalt Shingles Are Not the Same as Fiberglass Shingles
Asphalt shingles have many names, including fiberglass shingles. Some people call them fiberglass shingles since fiberglass is the reinforcement fabric that holds the shingle together. Meanwhile, others refer to them as asphalt shingles since they contain asphalt as a weatherproofing and water-resistant material. As such, both terms can be used interchangeably. It’s also worth noting that in some regions, asphalt shingles are called composition shingles as they are composed of a combination of a few raw materials.
Myth #3: Asphalt Shingles Are Made With Asbestos
It’s true that asphalt shingles once contained asbestos. In the 1960s, some shingle manufacturers designed fire-resistant roofing materials that were made using asbestos fibers. However, due to the health risks associated with this substance, the addition of asbestos during the manufacturing process was eventually phased out. These days, shingles are made with safer, inert mineral stabilizers. Nevertheless, it’s best to let your roof repair contractor know if your home was built between the 1950s and 1980s. Some of the old materials in your home may have to be tested for asbestos content.
Myth #4: Asphalt Shingles Are All Created Equal
While asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials in the market, many homeowners assume they are all plain and unattractive. Thus, many hesitate to install them in their homes. In reality, however, asphalt shingles come in multiple colors, shapes and protection levels. In fact, asphalt shingles are the most customizable roofing material. With an asphalt shingle roof, you have the opportunity to customize your roof to your unique aesthetic and needs. You don’t have to worry about being limited to the plain black roof associated with its name.
Gresham Roofing and Construction is your trusted provider of residential roofing services in Portland Metro and Southwest Washington. Whether you require emergency roof service or need a complete roof replacement, count on our team to get the job done efficiently. We’ll work with your budget, style preferences and maintenance needs to customize a solution that works for you. Call us today at (503) 492-7663, or fill out our online contact form to get a free estimate.
