The Peak of Perfection Luxury Asphalt Shingles from CertainTeed

Here are the basics on roofing shingles every building owner should know before making a buying decision for their roof installation.

There are two main categories of shingles:

• organic asphalt made with paper, felt mat, and ceramic granule coating
• inorganic or fibreglass shingles, which are saturated in asphalt with a ceramic granular coating

Price points vary, depending on whether you want Luxury, Premium, Designer or Traditional shingles. Key drivers of shingle price include:

• How durable is the shingle?
• What is the length of the warranty?
• Is the warranty transferable?
• Does the warranty cover 100% of replacement and labor costs due to manufacturing defects protection?
• Is there protection against streaking and discoloration?
• Is the shingle UV fade-resistant?
• Do you want a sculpted or three-dimensional look?

Common shingle designs

• Laminate shingles offer extended manufacturer warranties, enhanced construction, heavier weight (which provides better resistance to wind tear-off), and a wider range of design options and colors, which enhances the aesthetics and curb appeal of your home.
• Fibreglass shingles, available in many design options, offer superior fire ratings, better resistance to algae and curling, and no limitations related to weight, an important consideration in roofing applications where heavier shingles cannot be used.
• Three-tab strip shingles are less expensive to purchase and are typically considered builder grade.
• Cedar shingles are composed of natural wood material. While cedar has a long life expectancy, it requires expert installation by an Avenue Road Roofing professional to ensure it performs year after year.
• Metal roofing systems offer extended longevity, but you need to ensure you have the right system for the right application. And you need to ensure that the roofing professional is trained and certified to install the roofing system. Metal roofing comes in many profiles and gauges, and features a baked on enamel finish that requires no painting.

The importance of proper ventilation and decking

Shingle warranties are void if:

• a roof does not have proper ventilation to allow air movement through intakes and vents
• excessive condensation builds up in the roof because of faulty building methods (i.e. exhausting bathroom air into an attic)
• decking is damaged or warped (Some manufacturers insist that a new layer of plywood be applied over the existing board decks)