Residential

The current popularity of asphalt shingles in resident property roofing projects is actually owed to several reasons. Throughout many regions of the world, this roofing shingle is relatively inexpensive due to certain geographical factors, and that’s why it’s a top choice for Hawaii roofing.

The height of a building, the slope of its roof, and other property elements make asphalt shingles the primary choice for many roofers. It also doesn’t hurt that these shingles come in a variety of styles and colors and are easy to install, simple to repair, and quite durable (some of these shingles have achieved Class IV hail ratings).

There are two main types of asphalt shingles: glass fiber/fiberglass and organic. While most people know about glass fiber shingles, some may not be familiar with the organic type. This shingle is created by saturating paper with asphalt to make a waterproof felt material. After being coated with a top layer of adhesive asphalt and embedded with ceramic granules, the shingle is complete and is now a product that contains 40% more asphalt per square than glass fiber. These shingles always weigh substantially more than glass fiber and, as a result, are more durable and resistant to high winds.

Glass fiber shingles are not without their own benefits, however. As shingles made with glass fiber matting and coated with asphalt, they are excellent for roofing reinforcement. Using “filler” in the creation process also causes the shingle to become waterproof. In both organic and glass fiber shingles, the ceramic granules used help to protect the shingles from damage from constant exposure to sunlight. The sun’s UV rays are very damaging to asphalt and will cause it to deteriorate prematurely. This is also one of the same reasons gravel is used on built-up roofs.

So which type is better? Although each shingle has advantages and drawbacks, most building contractors and property owners favor glass fiber shingles. This can be attributed to their low cost, how easy they are to manufacture, and personal preference.

Asphalt shingles are durable, but their average lifespan varies depending on the environment. Warmer climates, such as those found in Hawaii, shorten the lifespan of asphalt roofing due to constant exposure to heat and UV light. Another factor that affects shingle roofs is improper attic ventilation. Well-done ventilation work can make asphalt shingles more durable and reduce the frequency of necessary roof repair, saving you money.

Shingle manufacturers provide product warranties against manufacturing defects ranging from twenty (20) to fifty (50) years and beyond. These warranties cover defects such as thermal splitting, some cases of granule loss, cupping, and curling. You must ask for and receive a copy of the manufacturer’s written material warranty before deciding on whose material you’d like to use. Warranties are generally for materials only. Labor is rarely included, so if your roof materials fail, you’ll have to pay a roofer to install the new shingles. Warranties rarely, if ever, cover what are known as “incidental and consequential” damages resulting from material failure. “Incidental and consequential” damage are those that occur to the interior of the building. If anything inside the building gets damaged, you or your insurance company must pay for it. Warranties are also commonly prorated and non-transferable. This means that if twenty-year shingles fail after ten years, you’ll be reimbursed for half the cost of the materials. Non-transferable means the warranty will be voided if or when you sell your house.

Some shingle manufacturers offer NDL (No Dollar Limit) warranties for added costs of around 4.5 to 6.5 cents per square foot. These warranties may or may not cover all damages and labor costs.

Shingle manufacturers will not warrant their products against “Acts of God or Nature” such as hurricanes, hail storms, severe winds usually in excess of 50 mph, tornadoes, earthquakes, etc. Nor will shingle manufacturers honor their material warranty if the products are improperly installed, there is improper roof ventilation, equipment installation or structural changes after roof completion, or heavy foot traffic on or over the roof. For specific warranty information, ask your contractor to provide a sample warranty of the materials they install. Contact us today for more information.