Fiberglass
composition is the most common roofing choice in this area
for residential homes and comes in a variety of colors and
styles. Composition shingles have a fiberglass
reinforcing mat at the center. This mat is coated with
asphalt and mineral fillers. The fillers adhere to the
fiberglass and the asphalt surrounds the structure, making
it waterproof. Its top surface is embedded with a layer of
ceramic granules.
Composition roofing
falls into three major categories.
3-Tab
The
least expensive option is known as "3-Tab" shingles. This type
of roofing has been refined over the years. It appears as a one
layer product with a distinct pattern of tabs. This pattern is
caused by vertical slots notched into the visible part of each
shingle, splitting the lower half of the shingle into three
tabs.
3-Tab Composition
roofing comes with manufactures' warranties of 20, 25 and 30
years.
Standard Laminates
Laminates (also known as
dimensionals ) have become the most common choice in composition
roofing. They are a more recent variant and are superior to the
basic 3-Tab. Laminates have a second tabbed layer fused to a
base shingle, effectively doubling the materials thickness.
They have a strong resemblance to wood shake and are available
in a wide range of colors.
Laminates come with
manufacturers' warranties of 30, 40 and 50 years
Premium Shingles
Premium shingles are
sometimes referred to as Grand Sequoia, Presidential, or Grand
Canyons. They are a heavier Laminate and represent the absolute
top of the line in Composition. They are thicker, heavier and
physically larger than standard Laminates. Premium shingles
often incorporate extra features like moss retardants and
modified asphalts.
Manufacturers'
warranties can be as long as 50 years or Lifetime.
reinforcing mat at the center. This mat is coated with
asphalt and mineral fillers. The fillers adhere to the
fiberglass and the asphalt surrounds the structure, making
it waterproof. Its top surface is embedded with a layer of
ceramic granules.
