Different Types of Shingles

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Shingles are an essential part of any roof, that helps protect your home from the elements. There are several different kinds on the market, making it difficult to choose which is best for your home.  

In this blog post, we’ll break down the different types of shingles and their properties. 

Types of Roof Shingles 

There are six common types of roof shingles, and each type has its own unique properties that make them more suitable for certain environments than others. 

  1. Asphalt Shingles  

Asphalt shingles are made from a mixture of… 

  •  Asphalt 
  • Granules 
  • Fiberglass 
  • Sealants 
  • release film 

They can be made into many different shapes and textures. These shingles are relatively cheap and lightweight and are also waterproof and fireproof. However, they are very susceptible to temperature changes and have a lifespan of only up to 30 years. These shingles are best for environments with fairly consistent temperatures.    

  1. Wood Shingles 

Wood shingles are cut from cedar, spruce, or pine trees. This is one of the most eco-friendly roofing shingles around. Unfortunately, since they are made of wood, they are more vulnerable to the following: 

  • Fire 
  • Termites 
  • Hail 
  • Rot 

Additionally, because it is a natural product, it is more expensive. The lifespan is fair, being around 25 years, but because it is so susceptible to environmental conditions, they don’t last as long.    

  1. Metal Shingles 

These shingles are made from aluminum, steel, copper, and alloy that have been stamped into shapes. These shingles are more expensive, however, they are the lightest roofing shingle on the market and they have an extremely long lifespan, lasting up to 75 years.  

These shingles are resistant to… 

  • Water 
  • Rot 
  • Fire 
  • Hail 

They are efficient at cooling a home because of their ability to reflect the sun rather than retain it. However, this roofing material is quite loud in the rain and wind.    

  1. Slate Shingles 

These shingles have the longest lifespan, up to 100 years. They have a very low leak risk and are heat, hail, fire, and water resistant. They are heavy and require extra structural support and they are expensive due to their weight and durability.   

  1. Clay Shingles 

Coming in a variety of colors and shapes these shingles are fantastic for Spanish-style homes. They are fire resistant, will not fade over time, and are energy efficient. However, they are on the heavier side and can make installation more difficult. The lifespan is around 50 years, which is quite long!  

  1. Composite Shingles

Composite shingles are made to replicate natural materials. These shingles are very expensive, and made of the following substances:  

  • Polymer 
  • Rubber 
  • Plastic 

They are very durable and retain their color over time. With a lifespan of over 50 years, this type is perfect for someone wanting a natural look with a longer life.    

Whatever type of roofing you choose, it’s important to regularly clean dirt, grime, and debris out of your gutters and off of your roof to prolong its lifespan. 

Need a Cleaning Solution for Your Roof? 

Tidal Washers offers commercial-grade cleaning solutions for a variety of cleaning tasks. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our eco-friendly solutions!

Asphalt vs. Architectural Shingles: What’s the Difference?     

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Asphalt shingles are some of the most popular roofing materials on the market. Known for their durability and longevity, this material is a common choice for homes. However, there is another type of shingle that is increasing in popularity: architectural shingles. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the difference between asphalt and architectural shingles. 

Asphalt vs. Architectural Shingles: What’s the Difference? 

When properly taken care of, asphalt-based shingles can last about 30 years. They consist of a hardened mixture of waterproof materials such as: 

  • Fiberglass 
  • Asphalt 
  • Granules 
  • Sealant 
  • Release film 

The most common variety of these shingles is known as the 3-tab. The 3-tab variety is what you see on most residences. 

Architectural shingles, on the other hand, are a more high-end version of asphalt-based shingles and are all-around more versatile and durable. They are thicker than the standard 3-tab shingles, allowing them to defend your roof against the elements better. 

When it comes to the difference in appearance between these two types of roofing materials, architectural shingles are often considered more attractive. Unlike the 3-tab, architectural shingles come in different shapes and styles that can be overlapped to create different designs, while 3-tabs can only be laid in one direction with little room for variety. 

The downside of architectural shingles is that they can be more expensive than the 3-tab. However, they tend to have a longer lifespan than the 3-tab and make for a better investment.   

Looking for Roof Cleaning Solutions??  

No matter what type of roofing material you choose, it’s important to regularly clean your roof to prolong its lifespan. Start maintaining your roof today by investing in high-quality roof cleaning solutions. 

Specifically formulated for industrial use, Tidal Washers offers eco-friendly detergents for all your cleaning needs. All of our products come in bulk availability, with sizes ranging from 5 to 55-gallon pails. 

Need Help Choosing? 

Tidal Washers provides all prospective customers with a free consultation service. Reach out today to get a free quote! 

What Is the Average Lifespan of Asphalt Shingles?

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Other than the foundation, a roof is one of the most important parts of a house. There are many different types of roofing materials, but the most common material on homes is asphalt. 

Asphalt-based shingles are preferable for their versatility and long lifespan. To learn more about the average lifespan of asphalt shingles and what makes them a great roofing option, then read on. 

Choosing Asphalt Shingles 

Asphalt shingles are primarily made of a composition of a solution that is made from processed material such as: 

  • Rock 
  • Gravel 
  • & Other recycled items 

These materials are known for their waterproof properties, which makes them a popular choice as a shingle matter. The average lifespan of this roofing varies depending on its design, the environment you live in, and how often you clean your shingles. High-quality, asphalt-based shingles can last up to thirty years when taken care of properly. 

Maintenance   

Asphalt-based shingles are great for a variety of roofing styles seen in different houses. These types of shingles can be split into three different categories and can have the following properties: 

  1. 3-tab

The simplest type of asphalt-based roofing, the 3-tab is the most common type you see on residences and can last between 20-25 years, weather permitting. 

  1. Dimensional

This type of roofing consists of differing patterns that give the roof a more dimensional look, rather than a standard overlaying of shingles as seen in 3-tab. This type can last for about 30 years, weather permitting. 

  1. Luxury

The luxury shingles are larger, slate-like materials. Luxury materials can last for about 30 years if maintenance is kept up.? ? ?  

Although shingles are easy to replace if they get cracked or damaged, you can prevent regular replacement by regularly cleaning your roof. To get the most amount of time out of your roof, it is important to maintain its function. A few steps that can be taken to perform maintenance are:   

  • Cleaning gutters/debris 
  • Get maintenance checkups once or twice a year  
  • Proper ventilation (attic) 

Searching for Industrial Pressure Washing Detergents?   

You can rely on Tidal Washers for all your commercial pressure washing needs. We offer industrial grade detergents that are tough on stains, but gentle on the environment. At Tidal Washers, we have a team of experts ready to assist you with all of your business’s cleaning needs.?To find out more, click here.   

What Are Architectural Asphalt Shingles?   

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The roof is the most crucial element of any structure aside from the foundation. That’s why it’s important to choose high-quality shingles that’ll protect your home. 

With the variety of roofing innovations on the market today, it can be challenging to sort through all the different types of roofing that are best for your home. One of the most popular types on the market is architectural asphalt shingles. To learn more about why this material may be the right choice for you, then read on. 

Architectural Asphalt Roofing 

Architectural asphalt-based shingles are a more recent addition to roofing options but are a variation of the most commonly used asphalt shingles.    

To make them, manufacturers took the traditional 3-tab shingles made of fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and combined them with a rock and ceramic mixture. The conventional option is still used today to cut down on cost, but the benefits of the updated design outweigh the price for many contractors.  

Another element that makes architectural asphalt-based roofing so special is that they consist of at least two individual shingles bonded together. Typically, this bond is achieved by laminating the shingles, which creates a look akin to popular high-end shingles such as wood cedar shake shingles.  

Here’s a short list of the benefits of asphalt roofing over wood shake roofing:   

  • More affordable 
  • Variety of color/wood style choices 
  • Less flammable  
  • Produced in many shapes 
  • Easier to install 
  • Can be “high definition” or show greater contrast than lower-quality shingles 

Need to Clean Asphalt Shingles?  

At Tidal Washers, we have an expansive inventory of chemicals available to buy online. If you or your client have a special request, we can create a custom blend to meet your business needs. With our bulk 5 and 55-gallon pails, you’ll never run out of supply nor have to worry about unnecessary packaging waste.  

Have Questions?  

Ecolink is an experienced supplier of high-quality chemicals and cleaners. Let our expert representatives guide you toward the best fit for your company’s needs. Ask for a free quote and consultation using our quick and easy contact form today! 

Why can’t you use soy methyl ester for cleaning shingles?  

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The answer is fairly simple: that’s not what it’s for! You need to clean your shingles before you use a soy methyl ester (a.k.a. methyl soyate) treatment, a chemical used to maintain and extend the life of your asphalt-based roofing. To learn more about how this method works to preserve your roof, then read on. 

What Is Methyl Soyate? 

Methyl soyate is an industrial cleaning solvent known for being eco-friendly. It is often used in oil spills as a shoreline cleaner. For roofing, however, it is not used to clean shingles. Instead, it is used as an oil, sprayed onto the roof, and allowed to soak into the material as a type of treatment. 

The benefits of using methyl soyate on your shingles are equivalent to the benefits associated with applying lotion to your skin. When applied correctly, this chemical can help your shingles by… 

  • Increasing flexibility 
  • Decreasing brittleness (reducing the chance of cracking) 
  • Reversing shingle aging 
  • Extending service life 

Cleaning Shingles Before Application 

Before applying the methyl soyate compound, you’ll want to make sure you clean shingles to remove any algae or moss that may have grown. Luckily, you likely have access to the necessary cleaning chemicals in your home: laundry-strength bleach and water.   

A diluted mixture of bleach consisting of half water and half bleach will need to sit on the surface of your roof for 15-20 minutes. After the time is up, wash the mixture off gently with water. Never use a pressure washer, as doing so will cause damage to your roof. 

Once you’ve washed your roof, then the methyl soyate solution can be applied by following the instructions on the packaging. When applied properly, the chemical solution will help rejuvenate your roof and keep it looking ageless for months to come. 

If you don’t have a ladder and the proper safety gear, then you’ll want to hire a professional to carry out the cleaning and application process. Generally, this is the safest option, as roof maintenance comes with a high risk of falling.  

Looking to Treat a Roof?  

Check out Ecolink’s expansive inventory to start browsing our roof treatment and cleaning products today! We go above and beyond to meet our clients’ needs, offering unique custom blends for all of your cleaning jobs. Our products are available in bulk 5 and 55-gallon pails, so you’ll never have to worry about unnecessary packaging waste.  

In Need of Assistance?  

Our expert representatives are ready to assist! We are a trusted and experienced supplier of high-quality substances. Whatever your question, we’ll work hard to provide superior service and peace of mind. Fill out our easy contact form today and ask for a free quote and consultation!