Asphalt shingle roofs continue to be a popular choice among homeowners and businesses alike. Despite this, the roofing material has a few, persistent myths. Masters Roofing, your trusted roof replacement contractor, lists four of them and the truth behind each.
Myth 1: “Fiberglass Shingles Are Better Than Asphalt Shingles”
Fiberglass shingles and asphalt shingles refer to the exact same thing. They can be called fiberglass shingles because of the fiberglass reinforcement that holds the shingles together. They can also be called asphalt shingles since they contain asphalt as a weather-resistant material. You may have also heard about composition shingles which are still the same thing. It’s called such because they are composed of a combination of raw materials.
Myth 2: “Asphalt Shingles Contain Asbestos”
Decades ago, asphalt shingles were made using asbestos fibers within the shingles’ reinforcement to boost fire resistance. These, however, have been phased out since the 1960s. Roofing manufacturers have since been manufacturing asphalt shingles using safer components, including mineral stabilizers.
Myth 3: “Shingle Granules Inside Gutters and Downspouts Are a Cause for Concern”
Granule loss following a recently completed roofing installation is a normal occurrence. These are mere extra bits of crushed rock that have been included in the packaging of the roofing materials. Some may fall off while the asphalt shingles are being installed or even walked on by the roofers. Significant granule loss only occurs if the roof itself is nearing the end of its lifespan, at which point you must have it replaced as soon as possible.
Myth 4: “Ork-Colored Shingles Leads to High Home Cooling Costs”
This is only partly true. Dark-colored shingles tend to become warmer than light-colored ones. However, it does not directly have an effect on your home’s cooling costs. If your attic has adequate insulation and sufficient ventilation, then there’s little to no effect to your cooling costs, no matter how dark your shingles are.
Learning the truth behind these myths shouldn’t deter you from taking advantage of asphalt shingles. If you are looking to install them for your new roof, get in touch with Masters Roofing. We are a manufacturer-certified roofing contractor, offering high-quality products from GAF and Owens Corning®.
Call us now at (901) 871-7663 or fill out our contact form for a free estimate. We’re proud to serve Memphis, TN, and the surrounding communities.