Roofing

Common Shingle Differences

3-Tab Shingles

• These are the most common type of shingles on the market.
• They have a very flat appearance and are what most people picture when they think of the word “shingle”.
• They are available in two basic categories: 20 year & 25 year, with the 25 year shingle being available with Fungus Resistance to keep the black streaks off of the roof.
• 20 Year - A good basic choice if function and budget are the primary goals.
• 25 Year / Fungus Resistant - Identical in appearance, this shingle is made with a higher tear and pull resistance. Also, it is the most inexpensive shingle available with Fungus Resistance.

Architectural Shingles

• If appearance is an influential factor in addition to function, these value-added shingles have a number of different looks and color blends giving the roof a “layered” look.
• These laminated shingles weigh more and are stronger than economy shingles.
• Offer a greater degree of wind, tear and blow-off resistance in addition to greater value and longer warranties.
• Most are available with fungus resistance.
• 30 Year / Fungus Resistant - Landmark 30 (CERTAINTEED), Timberline 30 (GAF/ELK)
• 40 Year / Fungus Resistant - Landmark 40 (CERTAINTEED), Timberline 40 (GAF/ELK)
• 50 Year / Fungus Resistant - Landmark XL (CERTAINTEED), Timberline Ultra (GAF/ELK)

The Importance Of Ventilation

• Good ventilation creates a cooler attic in the summer
• An overheated attic, combined with moisture, can be damaging to roof decking and roofing shingles, causing them to distort and deteriorate prematurely.
• Good ventilation creates a drier attic in the winter and helps prevent ice dams.
• Good ventilation moves hot air next to the roof deck out of the attic in the summer.

Different Types Of Ventilation

• There are many different types of roofing ventilation. Each has it’s advantages and drawbacks:
• Static Vents - The least expensive but only provides ventilation in the immediate area where they are installed.
• Gable Vents - The wind must blow directly into one vent in order to get the air flowing across the attic and out the other vent.
• Turbine Vents - Experience the same problems as the static vents but generate a greater airflow than the static vents.
• Power Fans - They provide a high airflow. However, they take energy to operate so they create an ongoing expense. Also, fans controlled by a thermostat will usually operate only in the summer. These fans do nothing to remove the moist air that gets in the attic during cold months.
• Ridge Vents - A ridge vent is positioned along the entire length of the roof peak. In addition to being excellent exhaust vents, ridge vents blend in with the roof line, making a more attractive home. Years of research has proven that ridge vents with external baffles, combined with undereave venting, is the most efficient and effective system you can install.

Algae Damage (Those blue/green/black streaks on your roof)

• Damp, humid climates can encourage the growth of fungus on asphalt shingles. The result is unsightly green and black streaks that are especially noticeable on light-colored roofs.
• But, there is hope! You can use shingles that are “fungus resistant.” Shingles become fungus resistant by the addition of copper granules to the shingle surface.
• The least expensive shingle that is currently available with fungus resistance is a 25 year, 3-Tab shingle.
• To keep your shingles looking their best, use shingles that are fungus resistant.