Choosing the proper roofing is just as important as the architecture and design of your house. Out of all the roofing materials, asphalt shingles are a popular choice in India.
Asphalt shingles are made by mixing asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules. These shingles are also known for their durability, cost-effectiveness, and affordability.
Asphalt shingles can also withstand extreme conditions like harsh wind, hot summer, and cold winter, which makes them suitable for places like India, particularly Kerala.
Going for asphalt shingles is an ideal option for you. Here, we’ll discuss the expert tips for choosing asphalt shingles, the price, and the cons.
Selecting the right asphalt shingles for your roof involves specific factors you should know. Following these tips for choosing asphalt shingles will help you get the best value and performance.
Asphalt shingle roofs have higher durability resistance and can withstand pressure and extreme conditions. If you opt for high-quality asphalt shingles, they are less likely to crack, curl, or lose granules.
Example: In places like Kerala, where heavy rainfall and strong winds occur daily, choosing asphalt shingles with high quality and durability will save you the cost of changing your roofing repeatedly.
Go with asphalt shingles, which have a warranty period added. Furthermore, the warranty period indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in the material. Make sure your warranty also covers materials and installation costs.
Example: If asphalt shingles are not installed properly due to warranty, the insurance contractor will obliged to repair or replace them. This would save a lot of cost.
In humid, warm, damp, and shaded environments, algae are prone to grow on asphalt shingles. This could cause dark, small blue-green spots on the shingle roof to affect and damage your roof.
Example: In coastal regions like Tamil Nadu, algae growth can be a problem. However, using copper or zinc granules can prevent algae from growing.
Though asphalt shingles are made to be fire-resistant, they only vary from grade to grade. Class A asphalt shingles provide the highest level of fire resistance. At the same time, Class B asphalt shingles offer the lowest level of fire resistance.
For regions prone to fire, it is always best to go with Class A asphalt shingles, which provide the highest fire resistance.
Asphalt shingle offers a variety of colors and styles, which you can choose according to your style and preferences. You can also go for shingles based on its thermal performance.
Example: For hot places like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, you can opt for asphalt shingles that are lighter in shade to keep your house cool. For areas like Kashmir, where the temperature is freezing, opt for asphalt shingles, which are darker in shade.
Asphalt shingles with reflective coatings can reflect sunlight, which will help keep your place cool in summer. Thus, keeping your roof cooler decreases the demand for air conditioning during hot weather.
Example: Absorbing sunlight reduces reliance on AC to keep your house cool, reducing the electricity bill.
Compared to other shingles, asphalt shingles are less expensive. Asphalt shingles are installed quickly, unlike other types of roofing materials like steel and wood.
Example: Asphalt shingles provide both durability and affordability for homeowners looking for an alternative.
The quality of materials used in asphalt shingles matters the most. There are some asphalt shingles which are made of low-grade material. This low-grade material can affect the roofing longevity.
Example: Choosing asphalt shingles made from high-grade materials can help them hold against the harsh Indian climate.
The lifespan of asphalt shingles can be affected if they are to be installed properly. One of the everyday things you need to look out for before installing shingles is that your deck should be clean, dry, and free from debris. This will help achieve the smooth and even surface that is needed to lay down the asphalt shingles.
Example: For places like Kerala and Assam where heavy monsoons are predicted. It’s better to have your shingles installed correctly; this will help prevent any water leakage or cracks.
Using asphalt shingles from your locality is better to avoid delays and save cost and energy. Avoid delays in roof repairs or replacements. This will help you avoid unnecessary delays in repairs and maintenance if you get asphalt shingles from where you live.
Example: If you live in remote areas like Ladakh, roofing in your region is better for saving transportation and time.
Regular asphalt shingles aren’t seen as earth-friendly because they’re made from petroleum and don’t last long. But, you can find greener shingle choices. Like, choose asphalt shingles from recycled stuff like rubber or plastic which will help in reducing environmental waste.
Example: These types are best suitable for eco-friendly projects. Roofs with these shingles last longer and stand up better than old-style asphalt shingles.
Again, this comes down to the material quality you are going with. Asphalt shingles of class A have higher impact resistance. At the same time, Class B or C has lower impact resistance.
Example: Select high-quality asphalt shingles to withstand severe hailstorms and other extreme weather conditions.
Choose asphalt shingles from a brand known for reliability and customer satisfaction. Picking the right brand for your roof shingles makes a big difference. It affects how long your roof lasts, how well it does its job, and how good it looks. Choosing a reputable brand means you’re counting on your roof’s strength, boosting your home’s total worth.
CertainTeed India is the best roofing shingles dealer in Kerala. The brand is known for manufacturing high-quality asphalt shingles suitable for any diverse Indian climate.
Asphalt shingles are lightweight and wouldn’t put a load or strain on the house structure. This is ideal for old buildings where the structure is unsuitable and cannot bear additional weight.
Example: Besides the structural benefits, lightweight asphalt shingles are easy to carry and install.
Asphalt shingles can be customized based on your choices. So, explore customization options regarding color, texture, and design. This will help you achieve the ace look for your house.
Example: Going for deep, rich colors can achieve a classic and traditional look.
By keeping these tips for choosing asphalt shingles, you can boost both looks and longevity. Choose the one suitable and tailored for specific climate and structural needs across India.
Just like a coin has two sides, asphalt shingles have their pros and cons. Before buying asphalt shingles, it’s essential to know certain disadvantages that come with them. Understanding this would help you make well-informed decisions.
There are durability concerns associated with using asphalt shingles, especially low-grade ones, made using poor-quality materials. Inferior materials can lead to more harm, crack, or loss of granules over time.
Asphalt shingles need regular maintenance, inception, and repairs to expand their lifespan. If asphalt shingles are not appropriately maintained, they could affect their life span.
Due to prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays, the color of asphalt shingles could fade away. This would have original, vibrant asphalt shingles with a dull appearance. Thus affecting the aesthetic appeal.
Asphalt shingles are sensitive when it comes to temperature fluctuations. It could expand in hot climates while shrinking in cold weather. This could lead to developing cracks, splits, or curling edges.
In short, if you go with asphalt shingles of inferior quality, they would be subjected to color deterioration, weak durability, and cracks. So choosing the high-quality shingles that can prevent these problems is essential.
CertainTeed India, a trusted roofing shingles manufacturer in India, offers top-notch asphalt shingles with long-lasting protection that can handle the harsh Indian climates. With CertainTeed, your home gets superior durability, appealing looks, and safeguards against common issues with inferior materials.
As the saying goes, “A stitch in time saves nine” Investing wisely in asphalt shingles tailored to your location and climatic conditions will help you achieve lasting protection that is much needed.
Asphalt shingles have their advantages and disadvantages. However, the benefits of asphalt shingles outweigh the disadvantages. It’s better to carefully decide by considering longevity and aesthetics in mind.
Contact the Best Roofing Shingles Supplier
Address
Saint-Gobain Grindwell Norton Limited Devanahalli Road, Via. Old Madras Road,
Bangalore – 560 049. India.
Contact Info:
Email: certainteed-india@saint-gobain.com
Phone: +91 (80) 4697 8623
24 X 7 contact # +91 98801 71107
Fax: +91 (0) 80 46978646