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Is it time to replace your roof? Are you trying to learn more about the different types of roofs out there? If so, you’re probably overwhelmed with all the information out there. But wouldn’t it be great to know the most commonly used roof on homes today as a starting point? Luckily, we’ve got you covered. The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been repairing, replacing, and maintaining all roof types in the Nashville area since 1990. We strive to give you an experience rare in the roofing industry with high-quality workmanship, customer service, and honesty. When you work with us, you’ll never have to worry about your roof again. By the end of this article, you'll learn the most common type of roof and 4 things to know about it. There are a few types of roofs that you see more than others. But the most common type of roof you see on homes today is an asphalt roof. An asphalt roof is a roof system made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components. The reason for its popularity is simply because it’s the most cost-effective type of roof for the average homeowner. Just because it’s the most cost-effective roof doesn’t mean it’s not going to be an investment. To learn how much you’ll have to invest in an asphalt roof replacement, read this article on how much your new asphalt roof will cost.What is the most common type of residential roof?
4 things to know about an asphalt roof
Now that you know an asphalt roof is the most common type of residential roof, there are some things you need to know about it. Knowing the types of asphalt shingles, the roofing materials, and more helps you understand an asphalt roof system better.
1. The 3 types of asphalt shingles
An asphalt roof has 3 different shingle options to choose from. These three types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.
While 3-tab used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury style shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price.
3-tab asphalt shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip. They’re the cheapest of the 3 types of asphalt shingles.
Dimensional shingles give you a good looking random pattern or simulate the look of a wood shake roof. This is the most popular asphalt shingle on the market today.
Luxury or premium shingles are actually larger than the other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate. They are the most expensive of 3 types of asphalt shingles.
These are just a few things to know about the types of asphalt shingles. However, there’s still more to learn so you can find the right asphalt shingle for you.
To help you find the right asphalt shingle for your roof replacement, read this article on which asphalt shingle is right for you.
2. The roofing materials that make up an asphalt roof
An asphalt roof is a combination of different key roofing components and materials to ensure your home stays leak-free. While the asphalt shingles are the bulk of an asphalt roof, all the other roofing materials are just as important.
The main materials and components that make up your asphalt roof are:
- Roof decking
- Roof flashing
- Underlayment
- Drip edge
- Ice and water shield
- Shingles
- Ridge capping
- Roof vents
- Pipe boots
- Flashing
All of these materials are important to help your asphalt roof do what it does best, protecting you and your family. To learn more about the functions of each roofing component and material, read this article on the 9 materials included in your roof replacement.
3. How long an asphalt roof will last
The lifespan of your roof is how many years you get out of it. That’s why it’s important to know how long you’ll get out of an asphalt roof.
Your new asphalt roof should get as close as possible to the manufacturer’s specified lifespan as long it’s properly installed and properly ventilated. With that in mind, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of your asphalt roof replacement.
For example, a dimensional asphalt shingle roof (the most common type of roof) has a lifespan of 30 years. This means you can expect to get 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.
To learn more about how much life you can expect to get out of your asphalt roof replacement, read this article on how long your asphalt roof will last.
4. Asphalt roofs need maintenance
Your car needs its oil changed to keep it maintained and running smoothly, the same goes for your roof. To keep an asphalt roof functioning perfectly, it’s important to have it periodically checked over.
Whether it’s once or twice a year, regular roof maintenance ensures you get the most life out of your asphalt shingle roof. It will catch any problems with your asphalt shingles and prevent future leaks before they can cause damage to your home.
It’s also a chance to clear your roof and gutters of any debris. Wet debris sitting on your asphalt roof will shorten the lifespan of your asphalt shingles. Because of this, it’s absolutely crucial to keep your roof running smoothly throughout its life with roof maintenance.
To learn more about why roof maintenance is crucial to all roof types, read this article on why regular roof maintenance is important.
How much does an asphalt roof cost?
Now you know that an asphalt roof is the most common type of roof and 4 important things to know about it. Knowing the asphalt shingle options, the roofing materials, and how long it’ll last helps you understand your asphalt roof better.
But there's still one more thing you need to learn before reaching out to a roofing contractor, the cost of an asphalt roof. Because we want you to have all the important information you need to make the right decision, we're going to give you the budget you need for a new asphalt roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been providing high-quality asphalt roofing services to the residents of Nashville since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most out of your asphalt roof. That's why we’re proud to offer you a lifetime warranty to back it up.
Check out to learn the budget you'll need for an asphalt roof replacement.
