Asphalt Roofing Omaha

Asphalt roofing covers many of the more common materials that are used in Omaha roofing today. Shingles, tar paper and rolled roofing are all considered asphalt roofing. They generally consist of a fiberglass or organic base to which the asphalt is added to render the finished product waterproof, durable, and resistant to fire. Asphalt roofing is one of the most low cost of all roofing materials. It can be quite sturdy, depending on the brand and the material that your Omaha roofing company uses.

How are Asphalt Shingles Made?

The two basic kinds of fiberglass shingles are organic and fiberglass (also called glass fiber). The organic shingles are made from an organic felt type material that has been made waterproof by saturating it with asphalt. An adhesive top coat of asphalt is applied and ceramic granules are embedded in the adhesive. Organic shingles generally contain almost 40% more asphalt in every square than those made from fiberglass. This makes them heavier and more durable as well as able to resist wind. Many of the homes that sustained storm damage in Omaha during the 2013 storms would have benefited greatly from heavier shingles.

Fiberglass shingles are made from a reinforcing mat of glass fibers which is made into the shape of a shingle. This mat is then coated with a mixture of asphalt and mineral fillers. The mat itself isn’t waterproof, but merely present for reinforcement purposes. The asphalt that is applied is what makes the shingle waterproof but it will not adhere to the mat without the use of the fillers. The fillers cling to the fiberglass and the asphalt then adheres to the fillers and fills in the small holes or air voids that are present to make the whole thing waterproof. After a short cooling period the mat is covered with an asphalt adhesive and the ceramic granules are embedded.

Is Asphalt Roofing a Sturdy Solution?

Today more than ever before, asphalt shingles are sturdy and attractive, offering a designer look and a quality roofing solution for your roofing materials for your home. While you should take the weather into account where you live, asphalt shingles can quite likely give you the solution that you want for your residential roofing.

There are two reasons that the ceramic granules are used to cover the shingles. The main reason is to give the asphalt some protection from the sun. The UV rays are extremely damaging to the asphalt and can hasten its deterioration. This is also the reason that gravel is used to coat asphalt built up roofing. The second reason that the ceramic granules are placed is purely aesthetic. They lend the color to the shingles that we see on many houses. Asphalt shingles can be purchased in colors that will complement any type of exterior and landscape.

The lifespan of an asphalt shingle is highly dependent on the environment. In cooler climates they tend to last a bit longer than those installed in warmer areas. In places such as Omaha, hail damage is always a threat, but the homeowner has to take into consideration the extremely hot summers as well. The storm damage in Omaha during the spring of 2013 resulted in thousands of insurance claims and millions of dollars in roofing repairs.

While no one can predict the weather, knowing as much about the roofing materials that you plan to use for your Omaha roofing project can help you to better predict what to expect from your roof.

If you have any questions about asphalt roofing or want to schedule a free estimate please fill out our online form or call us at 402-679-6000 for a free inspection. The roofing experts at Premier Exteriors will help you choose the best color and manufacturer of asphalt shingles to suit your needs.