What is the primary detriment of asphalt shingles?
Christopher Pierce
Published Feb 12, 2026
What is the primary detriment of asphalt shingles?
Shingle roofing is much more susceptible to heat damage. If you live in a particularly wet area, you are likely to encounter mildew problems. This is caused by excess moisture, which can cause the shingles to rot quickly and cause other damage. Shingle roofs are also more susceptible to algae and mold.
What can damage shingles?
Walking on a roof can damage shingles in several conditions….Roof Damage from Walking on very Hot, soft Asphalt Roofing
- outdoor air temperature at the time of the roof inspection.
- sun exposure on different roof slopes – a shaded slope may be cooler and safe to walk-on even on a hot day.
Why do asphalt shingles fail?
Common asphalt shingle failure factors include improper storage and handling of the asphalt shingles before installation, improper nailing, improper flashing (which pertains to any roofing material), and defective asphalt shingle product material leading to thermal splitting, cracking, blistering, staining, and in some …
What are the different grades of asphalt shingles?
There are three primary types of asphalt shingles used for the roof on a house: 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles.
- 3-tab shingles — also referred to as three-tab shingles.
- Dimensional shingles — sometimes called architectural or laminate shingles.
What can I do with old asphalt shingles?
Roof Shingle Disposal Options
- Rent a Dumpster. When it comes to roof shingle disposal, one of the simplest ways to get rid of your debris is to rent a roll off dumpster.
- Haul Shingles to Landfill for Disposal. You can haul asphalt shingles and other materials to a local landfill for disposal.
What are the different types of asphalt roofing shingles?
Different Types of Roof Shingles. There are three major categories of asphalt roofing shingle products available today – strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. It is important to understand the differences between each type of roofing shingle in order to pick the right product for your home.
When did asphalt shingles get the best rating?
In the 1990s, manufacturers worked very hard to improve the wind resistance and impact resistance of asphalt shingles, especially following devastating hurricanes like Andrew in 1992. Today asphalt shingles have been improved so thoroughly that many receive the highest wind and impact ratings available for roofing materials.
What causes asphalt shingles to deteriorate over time?
Thermal shock can damage shingles, when the ambient temperature changes dramatically within a very short period of time [citation needed]. “Experiments…have noted that the greatest cause of asphalt shingle aging is thermal loading.”. Over time the asphalt becomes oxidized and becomes brittle.
When was the first asphalt shingle roof made?
The forerunner of these shingles was first developed in 1893 and called asphalt prepared roofing which was similar to asphalt roll roofing without the surface granules. In 1897 slate granules were added to the surface to make the material more durable.