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Asphalt Shingles Composition

Asphalt shingles are composed of a base layer of fiberglass reinforcing mat or an organic cellulose fiber base made of recycled paper and wood fibers. The mat is then coated with asphalt to make the shingle waterproof. Ceramic granules are then embedded on top to block ultra-violet light, protect the surface of shingle from impact, and to give it color.
Asphalt 3 Tab Shingles
3-Tab shingles have cutouts or tabs made along their long lower edge this causes the shingle to look like three separate pieces when installed even though its only one. They are thinner and less expensive (30 to 40 percent less) than the architectural style, and are the most popular shingle today.
Higher Quality Shingles
There are many different qualities of shingles that rank their life expectancy from 20 years to life time warranties. The thicker 3 dimensional or Architectural are a multi-layer, laminated shingle that produces a 3-dimensional effect on a roof, and are heavier and more durable than the less costly 3-tab shingle designs. These shingles are also made to look like other more expensive roofing materials like cedar and slate, and because of their thickness hide imperfections on the roof’s surface better than the thinner 3-Tab ones.
Manufacturer’s Warranties
Manufacturer’s warranties usually run 25 years for 3-Tab and 40 to 50 years for architectural.
To learn more about different roofing choices, please contact Chesterfield VA Roofing at (804) 894-9139.