Asphalt shingles are preferred as roofing material for their low cost and low maintenance. They are available in many designs and are flexible in their use. Asphalt roof shingles can withstand extreme weather. Installing and cutting asphalt shingles is not difficult.

If we look at asphalt shingle history, its origins are in early 20th century when the need for economical fire resistant roofing arose. Subsequently around 1915, the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association was born and they have worked towards establishing asphalt shingles as an economic option in the roofing industry.

Most home improvement stores can guide you with the selection and pricing of asphalt shingles. They also equip you with all the material you need along with instructions on how to install asphalt shingles. Asphalt shingles prices vary depending on the type of asphalt roofing shingles being used. On an average it can cost anything from $50 to $150 per square. It also costs to have them removed.

There are basically two types – composition and fiberglass. These use different base materials that are soaked in asphalt. Asphalt shingles can be classified as 3-tab or architectural and dimensional or laminate. 3-tab is so called because each shingle is designed in such a way that it looks like three small shingles when installed. The 3-tab asphalt shingles are most commonly used and the least expensive. There are different types of 25-year 3-tab asphalt shingles available. Fiberglass asphalt shingles are less expensive than composition asphalt shingles. A premier name in fiberglass shingles is Elk asphalt shingles, which is renowned for its quality and variety of designs. They make laminated shingles.

Sometimes roof algae can cause stains, discoloring and eventually damaging your asphalt shingle roof. Cleaning asphalt shingles with oxygen bleach helps. Scotchgard Algae Resistance is also used to prevent roof algae from settling on your roof, making it maintenance-free. For a roof already infected with roof algae, copper or zinc strips can be introduced on the roof as these can kill them. This is one reason why asphalt clad copper shingles are used. Roof algae hate copper.

The most common roof shingles used is asphalt in Florida. Roof shingles made of asphalt are the predominantly used type in Florida. They not only look good, but also are durable. These shingles are ideal for fully sloped roofs. Asphalt high shingles for wind zones that are high, have been approved by the new building code.