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Will Your Next Asphalt Roof Last a Lifetime?

We peel back the layers on a new breed of laminated asphalt shingles

by Sean Groom

Historically, asphalt shingles have been appealing for their low cost, to the detriment of their aesthetic appeal. Today, writes senior editor Justin Fink, asphalt-shingle manufacturers are focused on making their products stronger, sturdier, and more attractive—and with a longer life span, to boot. Shingles now are made by bonding multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass, which creates a thicker, better-performing product. Also, the materials used in today's shingles are stronger, made to do a better job of withstanding nail pops and high winds. The longest-lasting shingles on the market are laminated shingles with a lifetime warranty and fall into two categories: dimensional shingles, which have a standard architectural shingle pattern) and "luxury" shingles, which do a better job of approximating the appearance of shakes or slate shingles. This article includes a sidebar on deciphering shingle warranties.

Will Your Next Asphalt Roof Last a Lifetime?
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From Fine Homebuilding214 , pp. 61-65 September 9, 2010
Related Topics:
Roofs | Roof Coverings | Roof Shingles
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