Shingles have become an integral part of the overall design of virtually any residential style. Today, the roof plays a prominent role as designers introduce more complexity into sloped roof design, incorporating steeply pitched slopes and multiple intersecting rooflines for more visual roof area, on an average more than 40% of overall building exterior.
Of all the problems you can encounter around the house, roofing problems are by far the sneakiest. Leaks can develop unnoticed for years causing rot, mold, warping and other expensive damage. Most roof experts recommend that an inspection of an attic be made on an annual basis, particularly after rainstorms to check for leaks and water damage. Special attention should be paid to areas that have flashing (the metal, plastic, or membrane weather striping that will be around chimneys, pipes, vents, roof planes, and eaves) because this is the most likely areas where leaks develop. It is also recommended that the surface of the roof be inspected yearly. To look for any loose, missing, eroded, warped or otherwise damaged shingles and to observe the overall condition of the roof.
An asphalt shingle consists of base mat that is coated with asphalt to which ceramic granules are applied. Asphalt in shingles serves primarily as a waterproofing agent, holds the granules in place, and adds to the overall strength of the shingle. Fiberglass mat and organic felt are the backbone for the respective types of shingles. Fiberglass mat is produced from a uniform dispersion of very fine glass fibers and a binder that holds them together. Fiberglass mat will not absorb moisture.
Early shingles were made by saturating rag-felts with asphalt coating on each side of the saturated felt with an asphalt mineral coat, covering the top surface with mineral granules (sunlight and weather resistance) and coating the bottom with a material to prevent shingles from sticking together during storage or shipment. Beginning in the 1940’s, the felt mat was changed to zero rag content used wood fibers and cellulose (newspaper). More recently many manufacturers began producing a fiberglass mat to replace the felt. The fiberglass mat is thought to have a good tear resistance, possibly slightly better fire resistance, as well as economic advantages to the manufacturer (less asphalt used in the mat) and the roofing contractor (lighter material and easier to install).
Granules are fine-grain, opaque, crushed rocks that have been colored by a ceramic coating.
Granules serve a two fold purpose. Primarily, they block ultraviolet light from reaching the asphalt in the shingles. UV rays will prematurely age the asphalt. The second function is to color the shingles. Some shingle colors are simply a blend of three or more different colors. The color of a shingle does have an effect on the surface temperature. Darker color shingles have roof surface temperatures 40 degrees F higher than lighter colored shingles. Although studies conducted at the University of Illinois have shown that attic airspace in a properly ventilated attic under white shingles was, at most, only 4 degrees cooler than black shingles.
In certain moist areas, algae can grow on shingles. Although has no proven effect on shingle life, it can stain or discolor the shingle. This algae staining can be unattractive. The algae staining can be reduced dramatically by the use of special copper granules that are mixed with the color granules during the manufacturing process. The effect is to produce an environmentally safe cuprous oxide wash that is dispersed by rain or other moisture. The wash inhibits growth of algae and the resulting stains. Most manufacturers warrant their shingles only against manufacturing defects.
Alan Trauger is a Real Estate and Building Consultant for residential and commercial properties. Mr. Trauger has attained over 35 years of diversified experience and knowledge in construction, finance, and real estate. He has been involved in various facets of asset management, acquisitions, real estate work outs, property management, construction, inspection analysis, development, sales, leasing, and Ad Valorem tax appeal for over 25,000 single family and multi-family units and over 2.5 million square feet of commercial buildings. A Court Appointed Receiver and Expert Witness. An experienced and knowledgeable problem solver, understanding processes, and issues related construction and real estate.
Mr. Trauger’s wide spectrum of experiences, education, research, teaching, and publication of previous articles, commercial real estate market sales comparables, and textbooks enables him to assist property owners through the property assessment and tax appeal process.
To learn more about how your real estate tax assessment is prepared and how to appeal your property taxes - Property Tax Reduction Manual.
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