The familiar Asphalt Roof
The asphalt shingle is the most widely used roofing material in the United States (and Texas).
Unlike it’s popular cousin, the clay roofing tile (such as the red Spanish style seen in Mediterranean homes) which has been used since around 10,000 B.C, the asphalt tile as we know it today only became widely used in the 20th century.
Back in the day (before the 1900’s), coal tar mixed with felt was a popular form of sealing roofs. However, as the tar became more expensive (as demand rose) the cheaper alternative was asphalt.
Around the turn of the 20th century, man-made materials were becoming more and more readily used.
The asphalt shingle, which originally was made of pulped up rags layered with asphalt and stone, began to boom in the 1920’s due to their ease of installation, resistance to fire, and how versatile they were in look and design.
During World War II, a paper-based ‘mat’ began being used that more resembles today’s flat, thin shingle. However, due to the paper’s problem with fire resistance and the mat’s tendency to rot, the current popular shingle now uses a fibrous glass mat that helps in fire resistance and durability.
So what are the benefits of this popular roof material? For one thing, they’re incredibly easy to maintain compared to other materials. In terms of installation, they are very simple to install and easy to repair if needed. A nice bonus is that they are relatively light, meaning there are less problems with the structure of a home maintaining their weight. For some, the look and versatility in colors and shapes is a huge bonus for the design of their homes. Compared to other roofing materials, asphalt shingles are also less expensive to produce and install, therefore they’re cheaper to the customer.
Asphalt shingles are a great option for any homeowner looking for a durable roofing solution.
If you’re in Texas and looking for advice on your roof, All Star Roofing is an Austin Roofing Contractor with over 30 years of experience serving the Central Texas area. Our services range from residential and commercial roof estimation, roof repair, and roof replacement. Give us a call today at 512.477.7827.