Asphalt
Shingles |
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Asphalt shingles are economical and versatile, which may be why they represent more than 80 percent of the roofing market. They're relatively inexpensive to buy and install, are suited to roof pitches from 4-in-12 to vertical, and are available across a wide range of quality, cost, and style. Easy to cut, fit, and fasten, asphalt shingles are compatible with many different kinds of flashing and edging products, and don't require specialized accessories for roof edges, wall terminations, chimney or vent flashings. Choosing Shingles |
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Buyer Beware |
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So
rather than compare warranties, it's wise to demand shingles that meet
industry manufacturing standards. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are covered
by a standard called ASTM D-3462, which requires products to pass tear-strength
and nail-withdrawal tests. Until recently, few shingles on the market
actually passed the tests. But codes have been upgraded to permit only
fiberglass shingles labeled as complying with this standard to be installed.
Today some manufacturers even have the independent Underwriters Laboratory
certify that they measure up. To check for compliance, look for the familiar
UL logo on the label next to the ASTM D-3462 certification. Shingles that pass the standards cost more than low-grade shingles. However, installation is a big factor in total roof cost and, since it costs just as much to nail on poor shingles as first-rate ones, cheap shingles are rarely worth it. |
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Shingle Appearance Architectural shingles have a random pattern
and, as a result, can be easier to lay out than the standard 3-tab kind.
With a traditional shingle, you have to line up the tabs properly, or
the roof will have a haphazard, wavy appearance. The surface pattern of
the architectural shingles, on the other hand, obscures the shape of the
shingles themselves, and provides the desired appearance while saving
effort on the layout. This savings in installation time may actually help
offset the sticker price associated with specialty shingles. |
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Copyright Sudprasert Engineering (C)2002
10 February, 2003