Asphalt Shingles

Description

Look around and I bet you that most of the roofs in your neighborhood are Asphalt Shingles (also called Composition Shingles.) There’s a good reason for their success. They are moderately priced and perform very well when properly installed. They are usually classified by the length of their Material Warranties: Lifetime, 50 year, 30 year, 20 year. The longer the Warranty—the heavier the shingle. And the better it looks, due to its’ thicker dimension.

Average Price: $4-$8 S.F.

Warranties:Life, 50, 30 years for Material

These warranties protect against defects in the shingle itself, not for roofer error. So make sure your contractor knows what he’s doing. The top two shingles from CertainTeed do provide for Labor in the first 10 years of the warranty- if the shingle is defective. The Presidential shingle (480 lbs/SQ) is a heavy tri-laminate that protects against wind slow off up to 110 MPH and against algae streaking for 15 years. These are both impressive warranties and backed by a reliable company with 30 years in Hawaii to back it up.

Their popular Architect 80 shingle is one step down in price and weight (330 lbs/SQ) and is the biggest seller in Hawaii . It’s 50 year Warranty is rated at 90 mph, but can be raised to an astonishing 130 mph when you use their special “starters” and hip and ridge shingles.

Pros:

Cons:

The Asphalt Shingle (also known as Composition Shingle) is perhaps the most popular sloped roof of all time in the United States. It’s low cost, easy installation, and it’s ability to be walked on without breaking make it well loved.
The heavier versions of the shingle have good wind uplift ratings when they are first installed. Over time they become brittle, due to the sun’s UV exposure, and can blow off. They can, however, be preserved with a waterproof Roof Coating, such as Hawaiian SunGuard.
The look can be quite dramatic when you go for the higher end Presidential or Grand Manor shingles.

Your roof will look like everyone else’s in your neighborhood. Is that a bad thing?
These roofs can be very hot in the summer. Be sure to install some solar roof vents to comply with the Manufacturer’s requirements for their longest Warranties.
There costs have risen with increased oil prices worldwide.

Leakmaster’s Opinion

The Architect 80 has been a huge success in Hawaii for decades. They keep improving their warranties, especially against high winds. Do not count on the government or even your insurance company, to bail you out if the next hurricane decides to hits Oahu directly, instead of Kaui. Go for the highest wind rating you can afford.

The algae warranties are really important in Hawaii , because nothing makes your roof looks dingy like a buch of streaky mildew. Plus it eats away at your protective granules and lowers the life of your roof. And it makes your home hot in the summer. Be wise.