Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing option today due to their appeal and cost-effectiveness. They come in a wide range of colors and styles to complement your home. Despite their great reputation, many homeowners don’t know much about this material. 

Here are quick facts about asphalt shingles from a local residential roof installation company. 

How Much Asphalt Is There in Asphalt Shingles?

Industry standards set a minimum weight of asphalt, which is essential for granule adhesion. Shingles with well-adhered granules offer better weather-resistance and long-term performance. Usually, around 20 percent of the shingle weight is asphalt. Lightweight shingles may have less asphalt than heavier shingles. 

Today’s Asphalt Shingles Are Not Made With Asbestos

Back in the day, some asphalt shingle manufacturers used asbestos fibers to improve their products’ fire resistance. However, those kinds of shingles were phased-out in the 1960’s. Residential roof installation companies now use products that are fire-resistant but do not contain asbestos.

Should You Be Concerned About Fallen Shingle Granules After Installation?

During manufacturing, asphalt roofing gets flooded with a lot of granules to ensure a significant amount adheres to the surface. However, not all granules stick, and some of them fall off during shipping and installation. If there is a significant granule loss shortly after the installation, have your new roof checked by your contractor. 

Will Dark-Colored Shingles Result in Higher Energy Costs?

Dark-colored shingles do get warmer than lighter-colored ones on sunny days but this does not immediately mean that they will increase your energy costs. If you have a well-ventilated attic, you don’t need to worry about dark-colored shingles affecting your home’s temperature. 

Whether you need a new asphalt shingle or metal roofing system, you can count on State Roofing. Call us at (360) 794-7164 or fill out our contact form to get a free estimate. We serve communities around Seattle, WA.