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Residential Structural Certifications
& Environmental Testing |
Asphalt Roofing Inspections
back to Roofing in Depth
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Nearly four-fifths of American homes have asphalt shingle roofs, and for
good reason. Asphalt shingles are economical and fairly easy to install and repair. The two basic types are composition and fiberglass-base shingles. Composition shingles are made of organic felt manufactured from wood and paper fibers. Fiberglass-base shingles are made of manmade fiberglass mat. Both kinds are soaked in asphalt, but the fiberglass base shingles are more fire-resistant than the organic ones. Asphalt shingles have mineral granules embedded in them; when you find these granules washing away, it's a sign that you need to repair or replace your shingles. |
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Although asphalt shingles may look
like individual tabs, they are generally manufactured in 3-foot-long
strips that are notched to look like smaller units. They come in a variety
of weights. Generally speaking, the heavier the shingles, the longer they
last. Make roof repairs on a warm day, when shingles are more flexible (and therefore less likely to crack) and roofing cement spreads more easily. |
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