In many parts of the country, asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing you will see on homes. This is why you may want to learn as much as you can about them when you are looking for the right roofing for your own home. This guide on asphalt shingles can help you to learn more about them, which can help you to come to a final decision on if they are going to be the best choice for your home. 

What asphalt shingles are

Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing that's made up of the base mat which gets covered with a layer of asphalt to offer waterproof properties, and a top layer made up of granules. These granules are made from ceramic, and they are added to the shingles to protect them from the sun's rays. The granules do this by helping to reflect the rays away from the shingles. There is one more way the granules are helpful and that is when the roof is getting to the point of needing to be replaced, the granules will begin to fall off the shingles in large numbers. They will start to be found in places like the rain gutters and on the ground. 

The choices there are with asphalt shingles

There are three main types of asphalt shingles. These are 3-tab, fiberglass, and architectural asphalt shingles. 3-tab asphalt shingles are the most affordable of the three types. They are easy to install as well, and they have three tabs along the lower part of the shingles. Although they can look like three separate pieces, they are a single one. 3-tab shingles are thinner than the other types, but they can hold up well in mild climates. 

Architectural asphalt shingles are very durable shingles that have a heavy mat base. They are also often referred to as dimensional or laminated shingles by some. These shingles are two times as thick as 3-tab shingles and are good for many climates. 

Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a woven base mat of fiberglass that's covered with an asphalt coating. Less asphalt is used on these roofs because of the durability the fiberglass base mat offers. This gives you a thinner and lighter roofing material that is still strong and will do well in different climates. 

Some great things about asphalt shingles

One of the great things about asphalt shingles is their ability to complement just about any style of home. Also, they can be one of the more affordable types of roofs to have installed, and their repairs tend to be more affordable as well, as long as the damage isn't extensive. Asphalt shingles come in many colors too, so you can choose a color that works great with your home's color scheme. They are waterproof, fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and energy-efficient. Contact someone in your area for a quote on roofing services.