Most homes in North America with steeply sloped roofs are covered in asphalt shingles.
Asphalt shingles are durable and extremely affordable. They are produced in several colours and styles, and with such a wide selection, homeowners will no doubt find asphalt shingles suitable for their home.
All asphalt shingles are produced in generally the same way. A coating of colored mineral granules made of crushed rock coated in ceramic is applied to a mat made from either wood, cellulose or fiberglass combined with waterproof asphalt.
Over time, the shingles will shed some of these granules, collecting in gutters and at the bottom of downspouts. When doing a routine cleaning of the gutters and downspouts, checking the amount of these shed granules can give you valuable insight into their condition.
A drawback to asphalt shingles is that their lifespan is normally about twenty years.
Damage can result from harsh environmental factors or poor installation, so they require routine check ups to monitor their condition. If any wear or tear appears, repair should be done immediately to the damaged shingle(s) to prevent serious damage. Serious damage includes water leakage affecting the supporting structure, which could be irreparable.