Asphalt Roofing

A Cost-Effective Solution for New Orleans Homes

Juneau Odenwald Roofing provides both new roof installations and re-roofs using organic and fiberglass asphalt shingles all throughout metro New Orleans. They are more popular and cost-effective than other roofing options including slate, metal, tile, wood shakes and wood. Asphalt roofing shingles are fabricated in two distinct varieties that include organic materials and fiberglass.

Organic Asphalt Shingles

Organic asphalt shingles are mat-based products that are typically crafted out of a layer of felt paper that has been asphalt-saturated to give it its waterproofing capacity. It is then coated with a dense layer of adhesive asphalt. Ceramic granules are then embedded deep into the asphalt to create the shingle.

Typically, an organic shingle contains approximately 40% more asphalt than shingles crafted out of fiberglass. Because of that, they are thicker, heavier, and cost more. However, an organic asphalt shingle has more flexibility and is far more rugged than fiberglass shingles. Oddly, the organic shingle is less friendly to the environment than fiberglass shingles due to its higher asphalt content.

Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles that are made out of fiberglass are crafted with a base mat of woven fiberglass. The mat is then covered with an asphalt coating to provide its waterproof capabilities. Ceramic granules are then topped on the shingle for protection against damaging UV rays.

Because of the fiberglass mat’s composition, a significantly less amount of asphalt is required to provide durability and strength to the shingle. It is significantly lighter and thinner than organic asphalt roofing material. In addition, it has a higher fire rating than its organic counterpart, and has a longer warranty. Over organic asphalt shingles and other roofing materials, fiberglass shingles are becoming the choice selection from many New Orleans roofing contractors and Louisiana homeowners today.

Three Tab vs. Architectural Shingles

Generally speaking, both organic and fiberglass asphalt shingles will measure 12” in width by 36” in length. They are often crafted in two distinct varieties that include:

The Standard Three Tab Shingle – Most New Orleans roofing contractors offer an assortment of colors in the standard three-tab shingles. The three individual tabs are distinguishable by their cutouts that are crafted along the lower edge. One long 36” strip will contain three identical 12” tabs. This style of shingle is by far the most popular and economical roofing solution installed by New Orleans roofing contractors.
The Architectural Asphalt Shingle – Many high-end houses in the New Orleans area are reroofed using architectural asphalt shingles. This style contains no cutouts. However, the lower portion of the shingle strips is laminated with an additional decorative layer of asphalt. This additional layer creates a decorative contoured appearance to the roof, which is why it is given the moniker “architectural asphalt shingle.” New Orleans roofers recommend using architectural shingles on steep sloped roofs, which are less susceptible to damage from wind-driven rain.

Choices In Color and Style

Properly installed by a licensed reputable New Orleans roofer, both the three-tab shingle and the architectural style shingle can provide a long-lasting solution to any Louisiana home. Through proper installation, these asphalt shingles are sometimes difficult to identify. Why? Many manufacturers are now mimicking the appearance of tile, wood shakes and slate in an asphalt shingle product.

In addition, there is a wide variety of color choices available to match the exterior style of the home. The shingles are offered in a variety of tones from light pale colors, earth tones, reds, brown, green, blue, gray, and even a variety of dark colors.

A reputable New Orleans roofing company, like Juneau Odenwald Roofing, can help choose the best asphalt shingle option for the home, based on its cost, durability, strength and warranty.