Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material used in Texas, primarily because asphalt shingles are a cost effective, durable, long lasting, and weather resistant roofing option. Asphalt shingles are constructed of a fiberglass base mat layered with refined weather resistant asphalt, which holds mineral granules to the shingle. The pigmented mineral granules serve to protect the asphalt from exposure by reflecting the sun’s rays, and shedding water from the roof, all while providing beautiful color to complement the building.
Asphalt shingles are most commonly used for single family homes but are a great fit for multifamily properties and businesses due to their low life cycle cost. Asphalt shingles are available at several different price points, meaning that they can be a budget friendly roofing solution for many businesses with sloped roofs.
Asphalt shingles are available in different classes of impact resistance, ranging from class 1 to class 4, so you can choose the level of protection your business or multi family residence needs at the right price. Asphalt shingles also come in many different styles and colors to complement your building and make your business look its best.
3 Tab shingles are lightweight, come in a variety of colors, and resemble flat tiling. 3 Tab shingles are the most affordable asphalt shingle roofing option. The reduced weight of 3 tab shingles saves on material costs, while the ease of installation results in a faster installation, saving on labor costs. 3 tab shingles do not last as long as other asphalt shingles such as architectural or impact resistant shingles, but do provide a quality, weather resistant barrier to protect your business at an attractive price.
Architectural Shingles, also known as laminate or dimensional shingles, are high quality layered asphalt shingles that will provide your business or multifamily property a higher level of protection from the elements than basic 3 tab shingles. Composed of a heavy fiberglass mat base and ceramic coated mineral granules that are embedded in a water resistant asphalt, architectural shingles are made to resemble the look of cedar shakes or natural slate tiles. The thickness of architectural shingles and variety of high pigment colors give the roof a dimensional appearance.
Typically the most expensive asphalt shingle roofing option, class 4 impact resistant shingles are capable of withstanding more powerful hail impacts than any other type of roof shingle. It is important to note that impact resistant shingles are significantly heavier than architectural or 3 tab shingles meaning that the building may require additional structural support to withstand the added weight of the shingles. Impact resistant shingles may be better able to protect your business or multifamily property from severe leaks and structural damage due to severe weather events, but keep in mind that there is still some possibility of damage during extreme weather conditions that include large, wind driven hail.
Asphalt roofing shingles are rated from class 1 to class 4. Class 1 is the least impact resistant shingle and class 4 is the most impact resistant shingle. Asphalt shingles must adhere to strict standards and undergo rigorous testing by the Underwriters Laboratory (UL). In the test carried out by the Underwriters Laboratory, differently sized steel balls are released onto the asphalt shingles and other roofing materials at 90 miles per hour from heights ranging from 12 to 20 feet. The steel balls are dropped twice onto the same areas of the shingles. How the shingles perform during this test determines their impact resistance rating.
Like you, we are business owners and understand your unique needs. We provide high quality, professionally installed, cost effective roofing solutions and work efficiently to minimize the impact of your commercial asphalt shingle roofing project on your day to day operations. Contact us for a professional roofing consultation and estimate.
Hail impacts can dislodge the protective mineral granules of an asphalt shingle, producing areas of exposed asphalt shingle substrate. Hail impacts are visible on an architectural shingle following a hailstorm, showing freshly exposed asphalt shingle base material. Waiting to have your commercial asphalt shingle roof inspected after a storm allows time for the exposed asphalt to weather or crack in the Texas heat. The exposure can make it more difficult for an insurance adjuster to identify storm related damage. Therefore, it is extremely important to have your commercial asphalt shingle roof inspected by Orbit Roofing following a hailstorm.