Asphalt shingles are a variety of roofing shingles. They have become popularly used nowadays because they are inexpensive, economical, lighter and easier to install compared to tiles, and has good insulation qualities compared to galvanized iron sheets. Moreover, in terms of aesthetics, they give the house a textured, classic and elegant look.

Asphalt became widely used as a roofing material in the 1890s when a chemist experimented and developed paper infused with asphalt for roofing purposes. Felt is soaked in asphalt. Pellet-like minerals are then embedded into the asphalt’s surface while still hot and soft.  Vero Beach roofing shingles are used and attached to a deck which may either be plywood, fiber cement board, hardiflex or even galvanized iron sheet.

There are two types of asphalt shingles – organic and glass fiber. Organic roofing shingles are generally made of waste paper soaked in asphalt, coated with adhesive asphalt and embedded with ceramic grains. Fiberglass shingles, on the other hand, have a base composed of glass fiber mat made from fiberglass mixed with resin. They are made waterproof by a layer of asphalt. A variety of fiberglass asphalt shingle has been introduced and is now known as the laminated shingle, which, as the name suggests, uses two layers laminated with sealant. It is much more costly yet also more durable.

These shingles are not only exceptional in terms of energy savings and aesthetics; they are also highly durable, lasting up to fifty years or more especially in geographic locations with cooler climates while wood shakes last for only about five to fifteen years. Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles require low long term and maintenance costs. Wood shakes and clay or slate tiles require high maintenance costs due to decay and water infiltration problems, respectively. Metal roofing, is, well, naturally prone to rusting and thus, also needs additional expenses on paint coats. In addition, they also tend to be noisier than other materials during rainy seasons. In case of installation errors, asphalt is also less expensive to replace, unlike metal roofing materials. (To ensure your roofing shingles are installed correctly, contact a professional Vero Beach roofing contractor.)

Vero Beach roofing shingles are undeniably one of the most popularly used roofing materials not only in theUS and Canada, but also around the world. They provide convenience through ease of use. They are also simpler to install and can be done even by homeowners themselves. They are the ideal roofing material and perfect replacements for the usual slate, wood roofing and terracotta simply because they are both reasonably priced and versatile.

If you are planning on building a new home soon or if your existing house is in need of a new roof, you should know that there are many “green” roofing options on the market today available from forward-thinking contractors. Traditional roofing is simply not meant to last nor is it recyclable: you will pay a little more for ecologically-conscious protection, but it’s definitely worth it. Here is a brief overview of “green” roofing options for today’s earth-smart consumer as well as different factors to consider as you choose.

First of all, contractors are well-aware that if their products aren’t desirable then their customers are not going to want eco-roofs, no matter how earth-friendly they may be. So don’t get sucked into the myth that it’s hard to get a green roof or that it’s not affordable. It is precisely because these roofs are in higher demand that they have become easier to find, more affordable, and more durable than ever before.

–Ceramic or slate tile: This type of roofing is created from raw materials that are abundant, making tiles an earth-friendly choice. In addition, such a roof will last 50 years or more and will probably never need to be replaced for as long as you own your home: so they are cost-efficient too. The main disadvantage with this type of material is that it is heavy, and you’ll need to add extra support to the underlying structure in order to support the roof.

–Recycled roof: This type of roof is rapidly gaining in popularity; it is usually marketed as recycled rubber tile or faux slate and is made from 100% recycled materials. They are made of synthetic materials that are naturally resistant to damage from the elements and insects, and are a much more lightweight option than ceramic and slate tile.

–Metal roof: Made from 25% recycled steel, a metal roof offer one of the most durable and maintenance-free options of all. Its main advantage other than its longevity is that this type of roof can be installed right over an existing one.

Always try to choose a light-colored roof that will not absorb as much of the sun’s heat and will instead reflect the rays away: you’ll save a bundle in utility bills and enjoy a comfier, cooler home year-round.

Just about everyone wants a stylish and up-to-date home, and, if the time has come to install an new roof on your home, you may be thinking about Vero Beach aluminum shingles, cedar shakes, or even stretching your budget for slate. But, don’t be so quick to dismiss asphalt roof shingles. They’ve come a long way since the 3 tab asphalt shingles your grandparents used.

3 Reasons You Might Change Your Mind About Asphalt Roof Shingles

Technology changes constantly. Every year, new computers and digital cameras hit the market with better features than last year’s models. Asphalt Vero Beach roof shingles are no different. Manufacturers listen to what homeowners and builders want in a shingle, and they strive to provide it. The newest shingle roofing lines offer more choices and better features than ever before, and they deserve serious consideration when you’re choosing your new roof.

Here’s why:

1. Energy Star Rated: Manufacturers understand homeowners want to cut down on energy use and costs. Some asphalt roof shingles are Energy Star rated and can qualify for a tax credit. These shingles reflect sunlight away from your home, and, depending on where you live, asphalt shingles can cut your energy usage 7-15 percent.
2. Impact Resistant: If you live in an area subject to violent storms, you may like some types of asphalt roof shingles. These shingles can give you extra protection and may qualify you for a discount on your homeowners insurance.
3. Increased Warranties: Asphalt roof shingles used to be available with 20 or 25 year warranties. Now, 30, 40, and even 50 year warranties are available. Imagine have a shingle that only needs replacing every 50 years.

In addition to these three reasons to consider asphalt shingles, here’s one more: the countless styles now available can make your home look like it should be featured in an architectural trends magazine. Talk to one of your local roofing contractors to learn about the options available to you in your area.

When it comes to home improvement, it doesn’t always pay to take the cheaper option. In fact sometimes it’s a losing venture when you find yourself making expensive repairs or replacements down the road because the cheaper option didn’t hold up. And sometimes you’ll find that you can save more in the long run by spending more up front.

This is certainly the case when it comes to choosing Vero Beach metal roofing versus asphalt shingles for your home. While metal roofing costs more money to purchase and install compared to asphalt shingles, you can save a significant amount over the long life of the roof.

Why Are Asphalt Shingles So Cheap?

There is a reason why asphalt shingle roofs are a cheaper roofing option compared to metal roofs – they are simply an inferior product. Here are some of the ways that asphalt shingles under-perform vs metal roofing:

• Material – asphalt shingles are susceptible to corrosion and algae growth and are capable of tearing and flying away during heavy winds and rain. Plus, they can weigh five times more than metal panels per square, putting more strain on the foundation and structure of your home.
• Energy Efficiency – asphalt shingles absorb heat from the sun, transferring that heat directly into your home during the hot summer months, forcing your cooling unit to work on overdrive, and sending your home energy bills sky high.
• Environmental Impact – asphalt shingles contribute a significant amount of landfill waste every year since they have a shorter life span and need to be replaced more often. And because of their tendency to absorb heat, they contribute to the urban heat island effect, pollution, smog, and overall energy consumption.

Why is Metal Roofing Worth the Investment?

Metal Roofing is a superior roofing product compared to asphalt shingles and is worth its value in terms of protection for your home, long life expectancy of the roof, a transferable Limited Lifetime Warranty, and pure aesthetic curb appeal.

Here are some of the ways that metal roofing out-performs asphalt shingles:

• Material – certain metal roofing systems, such as the MetalMan Roofing System from Advanced Metal Roofing, are constructed from galvalume sheet metal, a durable material that is corrosion resistant, long lasting and low maintenance, and has a high heat reflectivity to help save energy.
• Energy Efficiency – a metal roof reflects more of the sun’s heat energy, preventing excess heat from transferring into the attic and helping to lower home energy consumption.
• Environmental Impact – metal roofing is one of the most recycled materials on earth, saving waste from entering our landfills and recyclable after its long life span. And because of its tendency to reflect the sun’s rays, it helps to prevent smog and the urban heat island effect, and ultimately reduce the need for burning fossil fuels by saving on energy consumption.

A Strategic Investment for your Home

It would be smart to consider metal roofing a strategic investment for your Vero Beach home. This is a case where you pay more up front to save money (and the headache of dealing with a roof repair, replacement, or damage from a leaky roof) down the road. Plus you get the benefits of powerful protection for your home, a beautiful roof that complements your home, and added home value.

It would also be smart to consider paying the professionals to install your metal roof. Let experts with specific experience and know-how of metal roof installation take care of the job for you to ensure that it’s done right the first time.

James Kenton is owner of Advanced Metal Roofing, a residential metal roofing company offering the exclusive MetalMan Roofing System. Every metal roof comes with a transferable, limited Lifetime Warranty, a 42% Energy Savings Pledge, and has the government ENERGY STAR seal of approval.