Flat Asphalt Roofing – Proven or Outdated?
Flat asphalt roofing has been installed since the 1840s. That is far longer than any single-ply roof system, most of which have been installed since the 1970s. The golden rule of asphalt roofing is that more is better. A 5 ply (or 5 layer) built-up or modified bitumen roof system, which may be ½” thick, will last far longer than any 2 ply (or 2 layers) built-up or modified system, which may be ¼” thick. In comparison, single ply systems are significantly thinner, typically between 45 millimeters (mills) (3/64 of an inch) to 80 mills (5/64 of an inch). Yet both roof systems have a similar life expectancy. Single-ply has taken over the flat roofing industry over the years. Between the big 3 single-ply products, EPDM, TPO and PVC roofing, single-ply is installed on 86% of roofs throughout the United States. Asphalt, on the other hand, is installed on 14% of roofs. Some of the reasons for this shift include: Cost: As a rule of thumb, asphalt roof systems are far more expensive than single-ply roof systems. This is mostly due to the labor involved to install an asphalt roof system. Installing 3-5 plys, or layers, of asphalt roofing, takes far longer than installing 1 ply or layer of a single-ply roof system. Warranty: Typically, most single-ply roofing manufacturers offer a longer and more competitive […]
How Weather Affects The Lifespan Of Asphalt Roofing
Wind, rain, UV rays, and cold weather will all cause problems to an asphalt roof. However, you can take steps to protect an asphalt roof against the effects of weathering. Understanding how your local climate can do damage is key to getting a long lifespan from the asphalt. Asphalt is an excellent roofing material but it does need care. Maintenance, of course, is vital for the long life of every roof, regardless of weather conditions. Let’s take a closer look at how the weather can affect your asphalt roof. Exposure to UV radiation UV radiation damages the structure of the asphalt. The rays penetrate deep into the shingles and alter the chemical make-up of the tiles. As the bonds within the structure break, the granules fall off the shingles. The asphalt roofing loses its protective coating and will begin to deteriorate. You should reconsider the use of asphalt on a southern-facing roof. If you decide to use asphalt, make sure you use a known brand like CertainTeed or GAF. If the sun exposure is excessive, consider one of the upgraded products such as the CertainTeed Landmark Pro or the GAF Timberline HDZ shingles. They are thicker than standard shingles and use better granules, which will hold up much better. Roof A: Southern Facing Asphalt Shingle Roof System – 2014The roof appears to be in acceptable […]
The Harsh Effects Of UV Light On Asphalt Roofs
Asphalt shingles look great, are very durable, and come in a variety of colors. They are excellent on sloped roofs, which is why they are by far the most popular residential roof system. However, UV light has a harsh effect on asphalt roofs. That is why almost all shingle roof systems are installed with granules, which is what gives shingles their color. Most flat modified bitumen roof systems are installed with granules as well. At Chaffee Roofing, we get a lot of clients looking for solutions to UV light damage, particularly on older asphalt roofs where the granules are either missing or were not part of the original roof system. What exactly are the harsh effects of UV light on asphalt roofs? To help our clients understand and care for an asphalt roof, we put this post together. Here comes the science bit UV radiation comes from exposure to the sun. At least part of your roof, if not all, will feel the effects of sunlight during the day. The longer the day and warmer the climate, the more time the UV light will have to do its work. UV light will change the chemical makeup of the compounds in the asphalt shingle. This happens deep in the shingle. The protective coating on the shingle will deteriorate when the hydrocarbons come into contact with the […]