Asphalt shingles unlike some other roof types are inexpensive, easy to purchase, and offer a wide variety of colors and styles to choose from. On a typical building or house, these roofing shingles have a life expectancy based on the performance of three components and their ability to resist weathering. Made from petroleum, asphalt roofing shingles contain oils that make them easy to work with and effective at protecting a house or building. As time goes on, these oils come to the surface and are weathered away by the elements. It’s this weathering process that age your shingles.

Shingle Roof Components

The three basic components of a shingle are the base layer, asphalt, and the granules. The reinforcement layer typically starts out with either an asphalt-saturated organic felt or a fiberglass mat. This reinforcement is the structural base of the shingle, to which the other raw materials (asphalt and granules) are applied. In order for asphalt roofing shingles to provide protection, the reinforcement must resist tearing, warping and shrinkage when applied on stable, well-ventilated roof decks. During shingle manufacturing, the reinforcement is coated with asphalt to provide the water-resistant layer that protects the felt and your roof from the elements. The thickness of this layer of asphalt determines the weight of the shingle. Many believe that the heavier the shingle the greater the protection offered. Finally, a layer of granules is pressed into the surface of the asphalt. The granules protect the layer of asphalt from the ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Without this layer of protection, the asphalt layer would quickly deteriorate. Those of us who live or work in New Jersey know roofing on houses and buildings here need to withstand a lot of different weather conditions so that is a very important factor to take into account.

Shingle Roof Types

There are 3 basic types of building or house roof shingles. 1.) strip shingles or “3 tabs”, 2.) dimensional/architectural, and 3.) designer shingles.
The standard 3 tab shingle is the lightest shingle and the least expensive. However, it also contains the least amount of asphalt and carries the shortest warranty, typically 25 years.
Dimensional shingles are the most common choice today. These shingles have a 2 piece laminate construction that allows for not only additional protection, but also gives the appearance of simulated wood shingles. Depending on what area of the country you live in, these shingles typically carry 30, 40, or 50 year (lifetime) warranties.

Building or House Shingles- Roof Curb Appeal

When choosing your building or house shingles you should consider various factors. For example, if your roof has a steep pitch, you’ll be able to see more of the roof from the ground. Therefore, a dimensional or designer shingle would give a more distinct and individual look, adding more curb appeal. If you live in an area of nj where algae discoloration is a factor, you should make sure the shingle is dark in color and/or contains an algae resistant chemical. Color too is important not only for aesthetic reasons, but also house temperature. A dark shingle will absorb heat while a lighter color will reflect it. As a leading roofing and siding contractor in New Jersey, New Jersey Certified Roofing has been certified and trained by the largest manufactures in the country including Gaf-Elk, IKO, Owens Corning, Tamko, and Certainteed.

Once you have chosen your shingle, choosing your roofing contractor is an even more crucial step. Since 1990, New Jersey Certified Roofing has been serving Northern and Central NJ.

Be sure and ask these questions of any company you are considering:

Do they have enough qualified, long-term experience?
Do they offer workmanship warranties that exceed industry norms?
Do they have proper roofing insurance?
Do they have a current New Jersey contractor license?
Do they offer 100% financing?
Do they have detailed written proposals with photos?
Do they have a quality assurance inspection process?
Do they have references from satisfied customers?
Do they use "green" certified and solar products?
Do they have sufficient office and repair staff for emergency service calls?

New Jersey Certified Roofing is fully licensed, bonded, and insured. We have over 6000 satisfied customers. We have 17 service vehicles available 6 days a week with a 24 hour emergency service available. In addition, we also offer 100% financing and accept all major credit/debit cards for payment.