Asphalt Shingle Roofing

 

The use of asphalt shingle roofing materials is so popular that these types of shingles are on over 80% of all homes in Southern California.  Their extensive use started around World War II, when many parts of the area had a large influx of people seeking a better life.  With advances in asphalt technologies, shingles now offer some of the best protection for the money.

Of all of the types of residential roofing materials, the asphalt shingle has become the most widely used, mainly because of cost, ease of installation, and a large variety of color options.  There are even several different styles to choose from.

When it comes to color options, there are so many different choices that it is best to simply get a sample chart to find the color you might want.  The most popular color options are usually a variation of grays and blacks, but there are also some colors that people might not ever consider for their roof, like pink or yellow.

The most common style is the traditional three-tab asphalt shingle roofing material.  These shingles are roughly three feet in length and one foot in depth.  They are traditionally laid in an overlapping pattern where the upper shingle is placed over the lower one by about six inches.  This overlapping pattern is followed from the bottom of the roof to the top and then capped off on the ridge with cut pieces to create a uniform look.  Other styles include what are known as architectural shingles that have a pattern that resembles a wood shake roof.

Because so many homes use asphalt shingle roofing materials, it is easy to get the necessary materials to repair any type of damage.  Also, most flashing and skylights are designed to be used with asphalt shingle roofing materials, meaning that most consumers can find all of the resources they need when doing this type of roofing job.