Asphalt shingles are among the very most common and popular shingles used in America today. Its first recorded use was in 1901. By 1939, eleven million squares were being produced.
Asphalt shingles are the primary shingle product installed by many residential roofing companies like http://www.roofrescuecontracting.com/
Organic & Fiberglass Roofing Shingles
Here is some information on asphalt shingles:
There are two main categories of asphalt shingles: organic and fiberglass.
The first I will describe is organic. Organic asphalt shingles is composed of a base mat of formerly living organic materials, such as waste paper, cellulose, wood fiber, and other materials soaked in asphalt to waterproof it. Adhesive asphalt and ceramic granules are then added to the mix. Organic shingles contain about forty percent more asphalt than fiberglass. Organic asphalt shingles are more prone to fire damage, but they are however less brittle in cold temperatures. Organic asphalt shingles are heavier than fiberglass asphalt shingles. They do not tend to last as long as fiberglass shingles. Organic shingles are unfortunately sensitive to moisture and saturation, meaning that they do not fare well in areas with high degrees of humidity or consistently freezing temperatures. They are often called “felt mat asphalt shingles” in addition to “organic shingles.”
Fire-Resistant Roofing Shingles
Fiberglass is made of a layers of wet fiberglass glued all together with urea-formaldehyde. This is coated with asphalt and mineral fillers to waterproof the shingles. Unlike the organic asphalt shingles, these fiberglass asphalt shingles is actually resistant to fires. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are also much more popular than organic asphalt shingles. Fiberglass UV ray resistant, and longer lasting than organic asphalt shingles.
There are many great qualities to asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles (both fiberglass and organic) come in several variations in size, in texture, and in colors. You can also buy shingles that have additives to them. For example, you can buy solar reflective shingles. Solar reflective shingles will benefit you because since they reflect the sun, it will not become as hot in your home. When it is not as warm in your home, you do not have to pay as much for air conditioning as you would otherwise. Therefore these shingles are energy efficient.
Another type of asphalt shingle you could buy is one that is wind resistant. Wind resistant shingles are great for people who live in areas where there are more likely to be tornadoes, hurricanes, or even if it is just a little windy where you live.
Hail Resistant Roofing
There are also hail resistant shingles that are more able to withstand hail damage than other asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles should generally be used in places where there is not dramatic rises and drop in temperature in a short period of time. One thing to note is that debris and moss damages asphalt shingles. If there is moss or debris on your asphalt shingles, remove it as quickly as possible, as it is harmful to your roof.
When choosing a material to roof your house with, you have to be careful to make the right decision. In most cases, some kind of asphalt material is a great one! There are pros and cons to both organic shingles and fiberglass shingles, but both are sure to make an excellent addition to your home.
Collateral and Elevation Hail Damage
Everyone knows that when the National Weather Bureau issues a severe weather warning for your area that you need to pay close attention. And though severe weather storms can be tracked they can’t be avoided. That’s left entirely up to Mother Nature. And when hail is associated with them it can mean severe damage to whatever is in its path.
Hail is no respecter of what it damages when it’s in the path of the storm. There is generally nothing, you can do to stop the massive damage hail can inflict on your home or business. Roofs and vehicles are the first thing that you might think of when you think of hail damage, especially if you’re one of those roofers in midland tx.
Hail Storm Damage
If you are aware you are in the path of a hailstorm, your vehicles can be moved into your garage or carport if you have one. Unfortunately your roof and other parts of your home are left to the mercy of the storm. But most of the time your roof is not the only damage your home will be exposed to.
According to The International Association of Certified Inspectors, when items other than the roof is damaged it is referred to as “Collateral and Elevation Damage.” In a general, most contractors just refer to “collateral damage” as any damage other than roof damage. “Elevation damage” has to do with those areas of the exterior structure that received hail damage. This would include items such as gutters, siding, trim, windows, doors, etc. “Collateral damage” has to with items such as fences, lawn furniture, air conditioner units, decorations, and a variety of other items. Even patio and swimming pool surfaces can be damaged by hail.
Not all building materials absorb hail hits the same. For instance steel gutters are rarely damaged in a hail storm whereas aluminum gutters are almost always damaged. Composition shingles will be bruised or broken where a wood shake shingle will be cracked or split by hail. Siding made of wood or composite may only scar, while vinyl siding may have holes and splinters in them.
Insurance Adjuster Roof Inspection
When insurance adjusters are inspecting for hail damage they are looking for anything that can be documented. For instance, on the roof the adjuster is looking for breaks and bruises in and on the shingles.
On elevation damage the adjuster looks for dings, dents, holes, breaks, indentions, broken glass, etc…anything that can be documented.
Most roofing contractors are willing to meet with the insurance adjuster when he or she is scheduled to come and do the inspection. It is offered as a service by most qualified roofing companies and should be agreed on by both the homeowner and the contractor.
The severe damage a hailstorm can impose on a neighborhood or town can run in the millions of dollars in only a few minutes. When the National Weather Service issues a storm warning they should have our upmost attention.