For several years, asphalt shingles have been a popular roofing material in Indian homes. Known for their durability, affordability and wide range of aesthetic options, construction professionals love using them in their residential projects. Homeowners find it a reliable and accessible solution for weather protection as they are suitable for various climates and architectural styles.
The value offered by shingles material is another key reason behind their popularity. This blog aims to guide the homeowners and construction professionals on everything about asphalt shingles. It focuses on the manufacturing and installation process, various types of shingles available in the market, the merits and demerits of installing the roof and the cost.
Asphalt Shingles Roof: What Is It?
An asphalt shingle roof is a roofing system comprising asphalt shingles along with other roofing components. Manufacturers make these shingles with different layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass mat at the core. It helps the shingles be flexible even during extreme winters. If these shingles become brittle, it will compromise its ability to resist water penetration. Manufacturers embed the top coating with ceramic granules, which protects the material from damage by UV rays. Some manufacturers also include algae resistance granules to control algae growth that might discolour the roof.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Today, you will come across numerous shingle choices. However, not all shingles are the same. Therefore, you must weigh the pros and cons before choosing the right type for your home. Some of the types available include the following:
Standard Asphalt Shingles
Often called traditional three-tab shingles or strip shingles, most homeowners choose them due to their affordability. Made from a single layer of asphalt, these shingles have a flat appearance, offering a slate-like look. Since they consist of a single layer of asphalt, these are lighter in weight. Before the introduction of designer shingles in the 1980s, these traditional shingles were a predominant roofing material. Today, most construction professionals use these shingles in inexpensive homes.
Architectural Shingles
Often termed as dimensional or laminate shingles, these are the most popular roof shingles used in construction projects. Manufacturers make the shingles using two layers of asphalt fused together, which gives your home a multi-dimensional appearance. This asphalt roof replicates the look of wood shake and natural slate. Since these are heavier than traditional shingles, they offer better weather protection.
Luxury Shingles
These are the best-in-class laminated shingles available in the market. The excellent appearance and functionality outclasses architectural shingles. Besides being heavyweight and offering premium protection from harsh weather conditions, they have a distinct aesthetic value, providing highest quality, colouration and dimensionality. With this shingle roof, your home receives the most realistic representation of the traditional wood shake and quarried slate roof.
Manufacturing of Asphalt Shingles
Raw Materials
The following are the raw materials used in the manufacturing of asphalt shingles.
- Bitumen
- Sand grains
- Gravel
- Synthetic polymers, like ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber.
The Manufacturing Process
Step1: The Shingle Membrane
The shingles construction process starts with sheets of fiberglass membrane that arrive at the manufacturing unit in large rolls. However, some manufacturers use membranes made from organic materials, such as wood chips, paper and cardboard. Irrespective of the membrane material, it creates a flexible strong base for the shingle, aids in weather protection and boosts fire resistance, offering a longer lifespan to the roofing shingles.
Step 2: Asphalt Layering
Manufacturers heat the asphalt at high temperatures. When it turns into a liquid, they pour it onto the membrane sheets. Asphalt is a thick, semi-solid and black form of petroleum which is added to the shingles in a precise process. It boosts weather resistance and durability. Often additional ingredients are mixed to the asphalt to boost the fire resistance capacity of the shingles.
Step 3: Shingle Granules
When the material is still hot, manufacturers press the granules into the asphalt. The granules are often tiny pebbles or crushed stones that come in a variety of colours. Some granules resist algae growth, while others reflect the sun’s heat. Manufacturers add another layer of the granules to the shingles, as they prevent the surfaces from sticking together during the packaging process.
Step 4: Packaging
After manufacturing the shingles, the manufacturers cut the sheets into a shingle in an accurate measurement of 12 by 36 inches (generally). The manufacturers then pack the cut shingles into bundles.
Installing Asphalt Shingle Roof Systems
Installing the shingles requires precision and expertise. Enlisted are the steps that one must follow for the best installation.
Removal of the Old Roof
Before installing a new roof, ensure to remove the existing roofing. You must remove the old shingles and other materials, such as underlaying layers, flashing and nails from the roof.
Inspecting and Replacing the Roof Decking
After the removal of the old roof, check if the roof decking is in a good condition. Roof decking refers to the layer attached to the roofing materials and the frame of the structure. In case of any damage, ensure to replace the damaged portion immediately with a new plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Composed of compressing layers of wood strands and resin, OSB is a prominent form of decking. Its strength, affordability and durability makes it a popular choice for roof decking.
Installing Drip Edge
The next process involves installing a drip edge along the eaves and rakes of the roofs. This is a metal flashing that requires installation along the edges to prevent water from running under the shingles and seeping into the roof deck.
Cover the Decking System with Underlayers
After covering the decking with a drip edge, you must cover the roof with underlayment, which is a water-resistant barrier installed over the roof decking. It offers an extra layer of protection against any damage. Felt paper and an underlayment made from polyester or fiberglass are the most common forms of underlayment.
Use a Leak Barrier
If you have your home in a valley, you must use a special leak barrier. It prevents water from seeping down the shingles into the roof decking. From self-adhesive membranes to metal flashing, you can avail different types of leak barriers to suit your home’s requirements.
Place the Starter Shingles
After installing the underlayer and leak barrier, it’s time to install the starter shingles. These form the secure base on which you can install the rest of the shingles. These are thinner than normal shingles, so that the front layer sits on the roof, allowing the water to run off. They also form a better, stickier base, preventing winds from blowing off the first line of shingles.
Flashing Walls and Penetration
Installing flashing is vital around the walls and other penetrations, including chimneys and vents. Made from rubber and metal, flashing prevents water from seeping down from these penetrations.
Install the Shingles
With all the protective measures in place, you can install the asphalt shingles. Ensure that all pieces are secured tightly along the right slope and that there are no gaps or pinholes.
Finish the Installation with Ridge Cap Shingles
After installing the main layer of shingles, the process ends with the installation of ridge cap shingles. Manufacturers design these to cover the ridge of your home’s roof. The ridge refers to the point where two planes meet. You can avail them in various styles and colours to match the main layer of shingles.
Advantages of Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Despite metal roofing having gained popularity, the asphalt roofing solution continues to dominate the market. Enlisted are the advantages of installing asphalt shingle roofs for your home.
Affordability
Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials. Therefore, even a homeowner with a tight budget can build a new roof with ease. These shingles provide quality and affordability, thereby achieving the right balance.
Ease of Installation
Asphalt shingles are lightweight and small in size, which is why they are easier to handle. They further reduce labour cost even when an expert installs the roofing. When your roofing material is easy to handle, installation becomes easier and faster. Besides expenditure, you also save time when you can focus on other chores.
Excellent Fit and Style
Asphalt shingles come in various colours and styles that you can choose to suit your home’s style. With these roofing solutions, you will never have to compromise on the aesthetic appeal of your home. Besides, when you choose a variety of colours and textures in these shingles, you can customise the aesthetic appeal of your home.
Disadvantages of Asphalt Roofs
No roofing solution is perfect, and your favourite asphalt shingle roof is no exception. Despite its advantages, the roofing comes with several disadvantages as well. These include the following.
Growth of Mould and Mildew
Does your home receive enough sunlight? If not, your roof is susceptible to growth of mould and mildew. These roofing systems absorb moisture easily from the environment, leading to a build-up of mould and mildew.
Vulnerable to Wind Damage
Do you live in an area experiencing high wind and have installed an asphalt shingles roof? If you have failed to install them properly, high winds can damage your roof and even rip off your roof. Strong hail and extreme weather conditions can also crack and damage your roof.
Shorter Lifespan
Since they are light and cheap, asphalt shingles do not last as long as other roofing solutions. The overall life expectancy of an asphalt shingles roof is between 15 and 50 years. Post that, your roof generally requires a replacement.
Cost of Installing Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Indian Homes
Usually the cost of installing an asphalt shingle roof lies between INR 80 and 200 per square foot. However, the price varies depending on the type of shingles you choose and the complexity of installation. While traditional or three-tab shingles are the most cost-effective, the installation charges of luxury shingles vary between INR 120 and 200 per square foot.
Conclusion
Planning to build a new roof is never a cakewalk. You must be aware of the various loopholes associated with your roofing solution before investing. However, you must keep in mind the structure of your house and the climatic conditions of the place where you live.
As a prominent construction firm in India, Brick & Bolt undertakes every project with utmost dedication. Whether you are building a new home and looking to install shingles roof or planning to re-roof your house, the professionals offer design-build services with real-time tracking, transparent communication, quality checks and regular updates on your roofing projects.