In many ways, the roof of a building is its crowning glory, so why do so many people use the lowest priced materials available to cover it? Maybe they don’t realize that the estimated service life of the product is not how long it will actually last or, perhaps, they simply don’t realize that alternatives exist. Keeping in mind that many roofers use asphalt products, and a lot of property owners prefer the material, so it might be justifiable to check into these first. The most common Roofing in Gig Harbor uses the three-tab, asphalt shingle. It’s a functional weather barrier with one serious problem. It has a limited warranty, usually between ten and twenty-five years, based on quality.
One alternative to the three-tab shingle is laminated ones. This product is a bit difficult to describe because the manufacturers place random rectangles to provide a unique design for every roof it is installed on. However, the primary benefit of laminated shingles is the extra layer of asphalt included. This is done to give the shingle durability. A useful feature in high winds that might easily tear a thinner product. Alternately, the use of composite shingles might provide a solution.
The composite shingle was originally designed to simulate slate Roofing in Gig Harbor. Slate tiles are typically thick with chipped and rough edges. These aspects are simulated by additional layers, typically two or three, over each of the tabs. The edges are then given rough angles to create unique shadows. The end result is quite amazing and is the perfect solution for just about any residence. Perhaps the best benefit of both laminate and composite shingles is their warranties. Many manufacturers warrant these products for the life of the home. This should translate into a very long-lasting roofing solution.
Of course, the best way to get the most service life from any roof is to have it inspected regularly. There is no absolute schedule for this type of service, but an average of three to five years should provide some margin of safety. More frequent inspections are recommended during storm season, even it is a simple glance in the attic to check for signs of water.
