Asphalt shingles have been used for many years to roof houses and it’s easy to see why. This type of roof covering for your home is waterproof, weather resistant, durable and inexpensive. If you’re considering hiring an asphalt shingle roof repair in Bowie MD area expert to roof your home, read the information below about roofing your home with this type of shingle.
Q. What are asphalt shingles made out of?
Asphalt shingles are made out of a strong organic felt or glass-fiber material, asphalt and fillers. The surface is coated with mineral granules that protect the shingle from forceful objects that come into contact with them and deterioration from the sun’s rays. The surface material also helps to protect against fires.
Q. What is the size of asphalt shingles?
A. The most frequently used shingle for roofing a home is a rectangular sized strip shingle. They measure about 12 inches wide and 36 inches long. Many people prefer the way an asphalt shingled roof looks when it’s finished as opposed to other roof coverings. These three tab strip shingles are made with three exposed tabs down the longest side.
Q. How are the shingles put down on a roof?
Roofers who work for roofing companies in Bowie MD place the shingles on top of prepared wood decking that is spaced close together. Usually the wood deck material is plywood or oriented strand board, commonly called OSB. Between the wood deck and the shingles is an underlayment that is applied before the shingles. This underlayment protects against the weather until the shingles are put down and it also acts as an added moisture barrier after the roof is finished. Most underlayment is made out of organic felts, but synthetic underlayment can also be used. Shingle manufacturer’s apply a strip of adhesive to each shingle that acts as a sealant when activated by the heat of sun. This seal also helps the shingles to be resistant to high winds and keeps them from lifting up off the roof.
Renaissance Exteriors is a reliable roofing contractor in Bowie, MD providing high quality roofing jobs to ensure that your home has the roof that it deserves.
When you’re ready to put a new roof on your home or replace an existing roof, call an experienced asphalt shingle roofer Bowie MD area expert to professionally roof your house.