Asphalt shingle roofs are a staple roofing material for most properties because it's affordable, durable, and can withstand the strongest hailstorms and snowstorms. Despite its excellent track record and proven reliability, some homeowners still believe that asphalt shingle roofs are huge health hazards and aren't as durable as manufacturers claim them to be.
Here are five myths and misconceptions about these roofing materials that have been disproven in the last few decades. Read more about each one of them below.
This one is true before the 1960s. Roofing manufacturers extensively used asbestos as reinforcement for building structures and roofing materials. Asbestos had exceptional fire resistance and was compatible with many materials. However, later studies in the 1960s discovered asbestos to cause lung cancer and irritate the respiratory system, leading to their industry-wide phaseout.
Today's asphalt shingles do not contain asbestos. Instead, they use safer mineral stabilizers and fiberglass materials.
Many homeowners believe roofers should only use their hands, a hammer, and roofing nails to install their asphalt shingles. Many homeowners who held this belief came from their distrust of the results of pneumatic staple shingle attachment. This early technology created problematic installations, forcing homeowners to seek out roofers who still hand-nailed roofs.
Contemporary asphalt shingle roofing installation does not require hand-nailing. Your roofer needs a functional and compatible nail gun to drive nails straight to your sheathing and attach it directly and effectively. Plus, most manufacturers train and certify roofers to ensure quality installations.
Roof color does affect roof absorption, but with proper attic ventilation and insulation, it will not affect your interior temperatures. Having dark-colored roofing materials heat your home and increase your utility bills is logical. But, homes can maintain internal temperatures with excellent attic and overall property insulation.
While it's a myth, having light-colored roofs in the country's warmer regions is practical. Dark-colored roofs absorb more heat than light-colored roofs, which can shorten their lifespan if you don't have proper attic insulation.
High-quality asphalt shingle granules achieve solar reflectivity, preserving their lifespan and reducing heat absorption. Granules on asphalt shingles give them color and protect them from UV radiation. These granules erode and get lost over time, but they won't disappear immediately after installation.
New roofs won't lose their granules easily. Most homeowners see excess granules pressed on the asphalt shingle on their gutters. A strong rainstorm or cyclone may blow your asphalt shingle roof's granules away, but it won't erode quickly right after installation.
Asphalt shingles have sealants that require enough time under the sun's heat to cure and harden. Some asphalt shingles have quick-curing adhesives, but some take some time, especially if your roof isn't experiencing much solar heat.
Get the best asphalt roof installations today by working with experienced, top-notch roofers in your area. Turbo Roofing is a reliable and trusted roofer by many homeowners in your local area. Allow them to help you by calling them today.