When one is looking to redo their roof or are building a new home, shingles are an important part of the home. It helps keep the inside of your home protected from the elements outside. So, when you are deciding on your shingles you need to remember that not all shingles have been made equal. If you are unsure of where to start, be sure to contact your local Blackfalds roofers.
Shingles that are considered “normal” are the ones that pop into our minds when we think about shingles. They are made from asphalt-based product and have stone granules covering it. Over the years the look of shingles has not changed much. There are more options and one can choose some more unique layouts to add aesthetic appeal to their home. However, even though the look of shingles has stayed relatively the same, the technology of how they are manufactured has advanced throughout the years.
On the market, the standard shingle is known as an oxidized shingle. These shingles go through a process known as oxidization which means that the materials used are stabilized through high heat. This heating process helps ensue that the shingles will be able to handle the different temperature fluctuations that Alberta has.
In order to help increase performance, manufactures began to add other materials. For example, rubber, plastic and other types of polymers have been added. This allows the shingles to be processed at lower temperatures. The result is a more resilient shingle that is also more flexible. It also helps the granules to stick better as the material has more elasticity. Granules help protect the shingles from degradation, so their ability to stay on longer through the different weather helps the shingles to last longer and protect your roof better.
Other benefits to adding polymers to shingles includes hail resistance. Blackfalds, Alberta experiences many storms, and this is a quality that is important when deciding on shingles. The highest hail rating for shingles is Class 4. When enough polymer is added to the shingles the rubberization that they end up having causes the shingle to dent in a bad hail storm instead of breaking. Due to the flexibility, however, the shingles will flatten out as they will act similar to memory foam. Many home insurance companies may even give homeowners a discount on their premiums if they have Class 4 shingles on their home as they recognize the protection value that these shingles bring to a home. So, be sure to ask your insurance company if this is something that they offer.
Shingles are a necessary expense, so it is a good idea to research what type of shingles will best meet your needs. It is not something that you want to take shortcuts on as it could end up costing you more due to damage to your roof.
If you have any questions or would like a quote to shingle your home, call Roofed In Ltd. today! We are a licensed roofing company and will be happy to assist you.