New Englanders are no strangers to cold weather. With temperatures that regularly dip below freezing in the winter and blustery snows that drop without warning, the New England homeowner must take special care to use the proper materials when building or repairing their home. Here is what you need to know about asphalt shingles and whether they’re a good option in New England.
What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are the most common option for roofing materials. They are made up of a felt paper or fiberglass sheet that is then covered with asphalt and tiny granules of crushed ceramic. The asphalt makes the base waterproof and strong, turning the shingle into a durable roofing material. Between fiberglass and felt paper, the fiberglass option is generally more popular, thanks to its low cost and fire resistance.
Why are Asphalt Shingles a Great Option?
There are a lot of reasons to love asphalt shingles, especially in the cold climate of New England.
Different Styles
There are a variety of styles and types of applications to choose from when installing asphalt shingles. The most common type is a three-tab shingle that contains three shingles as a single piece. The installation is much easier for this type than for others. Dimensional shingles, also called architectural shingles, are a more textured shingle style with two separate layers bonded together to create grooves and gaps for visual interest. Finally, luxury asphalt shingles offer an even more intricate multi-dimensional look. They can be designed to mimic other roof materials, like cedar shingles or slate, but cost much less. These shingles can weigh double what a standard asphalt shingle does, so make sure your house can take the weight.
Durability
When properly installed, a new asphalt shingle roof should last between fifteen and thirty years. Of course, this will depend on the climate, the pitch of the roof, and the quality of the material itself. Because asphalt is so durable, these shingles are a perfect option for New England. The waterproof shingles will resist snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
They’re Eco-friendly
The fiberglass-based asphalt shingle is growing in popularity, thanks to its versatility and eco-friendliness. Several companies are developing fiberglass shingles that utilize highly reflective asphalt that will reflect the sunlight away from the house, keeping the interior temperature cool. This, in turn, helps the environment by requiring you to run your AC less. In combination with good roof insulation, fiberglass asphalt shingles are ideal for the cold months, too.
With proper maintenance and regular inspections, asphalt shingles are the ideal roofing material for New England homes. Their performance in cold weather is unbeatable. If you’re ready to prepare your roof for winter and have asphalt shingles installed, get in touch with the experts at Nor’Easter Roofing for professional assistance. Contact us today.