Asphalt shingles are among the most sought-after roofing materials in North America – and for good reasons. One, they are fairly easy to install; and two, they offer superior performance at a relatively affordable cost. Despite this, misconceptions about this roofing material persist, hindering homeowners from appreciating all its advantages.

Here, we debunk some of the most common myths about asphalt shingles.

1. Asphalt Shingles Contain Asbestos.

Asphalt shingles used to contain asbestos, but due to the health risks associated with the fibrous mineral, it was phased out in the 1960s. You can have peace of mind that today’s asphalt shingles are no longer made with asbestos. However, if your home was built between the 1950s and the 1980s, you should let your contractor know as some of the older materials in your home will need to be checked for asbestos content.

2. Asphalt Shingles Lose Their Granules After Installation.

This is true to a certain extent. Protective granules are pressed into the asphalt layer of shingles during manufacturing to protect the shingles from damaging ultraviolet (UV) light. It is normal to lose a few shingles here and there after installation. It does not necessarily indicate granule loss. If excessive loss of granules does occur, then you definitely need to have it inspected by a roofer.

3. Dark-Colored Shingles Dramatically Increase Cooling Costs.

Because light-colored roofs are reflective, the amount of radiant heat absorbed through the roof is minimized. This could have led people to assume that the exact opposite is true: dark roofs absorb heat like a sponge. The fact is, dark-colored shingles do retain heat, but not that much. As long as there is adequate insulation and ventilation in place, a dark-colored roof can be as cool as a white roof.

iRestore Stl specializes in storm damage roof repair and replacement services. We install GAF Lifetime Roofing Systems that are guaranteed to be free of defects and are backed by a lifetime warranty. Contact us at (618) 593-9203, or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment.