4 Common Myths About Asphalt Shingle Roofs, Debunked

Asphalt shingles are, without doubt, the most popular roofing material in the country. However, myths about it persist, some of which are believable enough to discourage homeowners from enjoying its benefits. Today, we debunk some of the most common myths about asphalt shingles.

1. Asphalt shingles lose their granules after installation – Asphalt shingles are coated with a layer of granules, which protect the asphalt layer from ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It also provides asphalt shingles their color and other features like solar reflectivity. These granules are pressed into the asphalt layer during manufacturing. Therefore, it’s only normal to expect a few loose granules here and there. These loose granules get washed off by rain, but don’t worry; it doesn’t indicate granule loss.

2. Asphalt shingles contain asbestos – It is true that asphalt shingles once contained asbestos before it was phased out in the 1960s because of the health risks associated with asbestos fibers. You can rest easy knowing that today’s asphalt shingles are made without asbestos. However, you should let your roofing or remodeling contractor know if your home was built between the 1950s and the 1980s as some of the old materials in your home will need to be tested for asbestos content.

3. Asphalt shingle adhesive cures immediately – Curing is a chemical process where the adhesive attains its final properties and strength. Some adhesives cure instantly while others like those used on asphalt shingles cure with some help from solar heat. Adhesives on asphalt shingles help improve resistance to wind damage and usually takes a few days to cure after installation.

4. Dark-colored roofs increase cooling costs – It is true that light-colored roofs are naturally reflective, which can help reduce radiant heat absorbed through the roof. This is the reason why “cool roofs” typically seen on commercial roofing systems are colored white. This could have led to some people believing that the absolute reverse is true, i.e. a dark roof will absorb heat like a sponge. The truth is, dark-colored roofs do retain radiant heat, but not that much. In fact, with proper insulation and ventilation, a dark-colored roof can be as cool as a light-colored roof.

A1 Roofing & Construction Company is your leading provider of roof repair and installation services. Give us a call at (401) 265-1019. You can also fill out our contact form to schedule an appointment. We serve customers in Providence and Warwick, RI, as well as in New Bedford, MA.