- What causes a roof to wear out?
- What are the dark streaks that I see on some roofs and is there a way to prevent that from happening?
- What are the different classifications of shingles and what do they mean?
- Why do shingles come in varying colors?
- What is a drip edge and is it necessary?
- What are fiberglass shingles?
- What is flashing and is it important?
- What does FRT wood mean?
- What are the granules on the shingle?
- What is the difference between the different types of shingles?
- What is an underlayment and what is it used for?
- What is an ice barrier or ice and water shield?
- What is an ice dam and how does it relate to my roof?
What causes a roof to wear out?
Many factors play a role in the deterioration of a roof. This can include, but is not limited to, ultraviolet rays from the sun, extreme changes in temperature, improper attic ventilation, exposure to wind, snow, ice, rain, and foot traffic on the roof.
What are the dark streaks that I see on some roofs and is there a way to prevent that from happening?
Those marks are a type of roof discoloration caused by algae usually dark brown to black in color. This is commonly, but inaccurately, called fungus growth. Algae Resistant Shingles are coated with copper granules on the weather side to prevent the formation of algae and the resultant discoloration.
What are the different classifications of shingles and what do they mean?
- Class “A” – The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing as per ASTM E 108. Indicates roofing is able to withstand severe exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.
- Class “B” – Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand moderate exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building. (Not currently available for any asphalt shingles.)
- Class “C” – Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand light exposure to fire originating from sources outside the building.
Why do shingles come in varying colors?
This is called color variation which offers slight differences in shingle appearance, due to variations in normal manufacturing color blends or the mixing of color blends during shingle applications.
What is a drip edge and is it necessary?
Drip edge is a corrosion-resistant, non-staining material used along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction. This is recommended to help prevent wood rot.
What are fiberglass shingles?
Asphalt shingles made with a fiberglass mat.
What is flashing and is it important?
Flashing is pieces of metal, or roll roofing, used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof, such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys.
What does FRT wood mean?
FRT stands for Fire Retardant Treated plywood and this helps to prevent the spread of flames during a fire. This is typically required along the adjoining wall of a townhouse or duplex style construction.
What are the granules on the shingle?
Granules are ceramic-coated, colored crushed rock that are applied to the exposed surface of asphalt roofing products, giving the shingles their colors.
What is the difference between the different types of shingles?
- 3-tab shingles are asphalt/fiberglass shingles on which the tabs are all the same size and exposure. This style shingle is flat in appearance and is the most common on homes.
- Laminated shingles are strip shingles containing more than one layer of tabs to create extra thickness. These shingles are also called three-dimensional shingles or architectural shingles. These shingles also combine a rough dimensional look with attractive natural color blends.
- Shangles are a top-of-the-line asphalt roofing shingle product exclusive to CertainTeed which is constructed of a one-piece base shingle with laminated tabs.
- Super Shangle are a top-of-the-line asphalt roofing shingle product exclusive to CertainTeed which is constructed of two full-size base shingles, and may also have a massive weather tab.
- Super Shake is a unique, top-of-the-line asphalt shingle product which is constructed using a patented Tri-Laminate™ design process.
What is an underlayment and what is it used for?
Underlayment is an asphalt-impregnated felt used beneath roofing to provide additional protection of the roofing deck.
What is an ice barrier or ice and water shield?
Ice and water shield is a waterproofing shingle underlayment which is a special self-adhering waterproofing shingle underlayment designed to protect against water infiltration due to ice dams or wind-driven rain.
What is an ice dam and how does it relate to my roof?
Ice dams are a condition formed by the thawing and refreezing of melted snow, especially at the lower roof edge on the roof overhang and in gutters. This can cause water to pond and flow up and under shingles, causing leaks.
