Organic Shingles: What You Need to Know Before Installing

Organic Shingles refer to a type of roofing material that was once widely used in the construction industry. Unlike modern asphalt shingles, which are typically based on fiberglass, organic shingles are made from a core of organic materials, often recycled paper or wood fibers. These materials are saturated with asphalt and coated with additional layers of asphalt for waterproofing. The outer layer typically contains granules of ceramic or stone, which provide UV protection and enhance durability.

What are Organic Shingles?

Organic shingles are made from natural materials such as wood fibres, paper or cellulose that are coated with asphalt for waterproofing. In the past, these shingles were known for their strength and durability before they lost popularity to fibreglass types that weigh less and are less subject to warping. Yet even so, organic shingles remain strong and able to withstand extreme weather conditions.

Organic Shingles details:

Organic shingles usually have a base mat which is made out of organic substances such as wood fibres or cellulose. This base then becomes waterproof through saturation with asphalt, while it is also covered by a top layer of asphalt and mineral granules in order to protect against UV rays and weathering. Here are some detailed aspects of organic shingles:

• Base Material: Organic shingle has natural fibres like cellulose, wood, or recycled paper products as its core. Due to this heavy weight compared to fibreglass roofs the organic shingle is thicker.

• Asphalt Saturation: To make them waterproof, asphalt saturates the organic mat that serves as the main part of these shingles. It is an important stage because it helps the roofs stay impermeable to water penetration which is one key performance factor.
• Mineral Granule Coating: The upper area of the shingle has been covered with mineral granules. Their role includes shielding them from UV rays emitted by sun rays, colouring them and adding more durability.
• Thickness and Durability: Typically, organic roofs are heavier and thicker than fibreglass ones. The benefit of this thickness is that they can resist wind more effectively, but it also makes them prone to issues related to moisture over time; such as warping or cracking.

How to Measure Organic Shingles?

1. Measure Roof Sections:

• Measure the length and width of each roof section.

2. Calculate Area:

• Duplicate length by width to get the area of each part.

3. Sum Total Area:

• Add up the square footage of all sections to find the total roof area.

4. Convert to Roofing Squares:

• Partition the absolute area by 100 to get the quantity of material squares.

5. Account for Waste:

• Add an additional 10% to account for waste and overhangs.

How Many Organic Shingles in a Bundle?

• Bundle Coverage: Organic shingles come in bundles that cover approximately 33.3 square feet each.
• Roofing Squares: You’ll need about 3 bundles to cover one square, since one square corresponds to 100 square feet.
• Additional Considerations: Make sure to account for the pitch and complexity of the roof as they may lead to increased amounts of shingles.

Organic Shingles Types

There are several types of organic shingles, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. Here’s a brief overview of the main types:

1. 3-tab organic shingles:

• Description: This type of organic shingle is very basic and old school. They appear very flat and regular each with three tabs per shingle.
• Usage: Most times used in residential places where a simple, budget-friendly option is needed.
• Advantages: They are cheap and simple to install.

2. Architectural Organic Shingles:

• Description : Also referred to as dimensional or laminated shingles, they have multi layer design giving them both thickness and textured appearance which makes them look three dimensional.
• Usage: It is common for high-end houses that prioritize aesthetics together with durability.
• Advantages: More durable as compared to 3-tab organic shingles in both looks or beauty.

3. Heavy-duty organic shingles:

• Description: These are made thicker than regular shingle size as well as heavier for them to function under intense weather such as heavy snow or wind at high velocity.
• Usage: Recommended for areas with very bad weather conditions.
• Advantages: Better durability against corrosion, rusting or rotting termites.

Organic Shingles colours

A large variety of colours are found in organic shingles that allow homeowners to coordinate their roofing with the external design of their houses. The following list comprises some frequently used colours:

• Black: Black roof shingles are traditional, elegant and contemporary.
• Grey : Grey is versatile as well as neutral and hence those coloured grey can go well with different architectural styles.
• Brown : Brown has an earthy tone and it works well on conventional houses.
• Red : Red is a unique colour which adds a beautiful touch to your roof.
• Green : Green is natural and refreshing while it fits best on houses in wooded or rural locations.

These colours are commonly fabricated to replicate the likenesses of natural materials such as timber or slate hence increasing the beauty of your home’s exteriors.

Organic Shingles cost

The cost of organic shingles can vary depending on the type, brand, and region. Here’s a table summarizing the average cost of organic shingles per square (100 square feet):

Type of Organic Shingle	Average Cost Per Square
3-Tab Organic Shingles	$80 – $100
Architectural Organic Shingles	$100 – $150
Heavy-Duty Organic Shingles	$150 – $200

Organic Shingles Cost Per Square Foot

• 3-Tab Organic Shingles: $0.80 – $1.00 per square foot.
• Architectural Organic Shingles: $1.00 – $1.50 per square foot.
• Heavy-Duty Organic Shingles: $1.50 – $2.00 per square foot.

Advantages of Organic Shingles

• Durability: High winds, heavy snow, and hail are some of the harshest weathers that organic shingles can withstand. Fibreglass shingles cannot match them in strength due to their thicker and heavier structure.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Graciously designed organic shingles can give a beautiful clapboard appearance for your home as they come in several attractive hues and textures. Also, they have a thicker profile which creates depth and dimension hence making the roof more appealing.
• Insulation: Thick organic mat provides better insulation when compared to fibreglass shingles. This means during winter seasons, your house remains warm while it remains cool in summers subsequently saving you on energy bills.
• Wind Resistance: Strong winds are less likely to dislodge or blow off these roof coverings because they are heavier than traditional ones. In cyclone-prone areas or those prone to strong winds, this is a great benefit.
• Environmental Consideration: Compared to fibreglass roofs that are based on synthetic materials; such types as cellulose wood fibres or other natural resources provide an ecological alternative for organic shingles.

Is an Organic Shingles cheaper than Asphalt Shingles?

• Material Cost: Organic shingle are more pricey than conventional asphalt shingles because of its inherent components.
• Installation: Organic shingle are larger making labour cost bigger.
• Durability: A superior toughness diminishes the requirement for fixes and in this way sets aside cash over the long haul.

Are Organic Shingles Better than Asphalt Shingles?

• Durability: Normally, organic shingle last longer even under adverse weather circumstances.
• Weight: Their larger mass gives them an edge on wind resistance.
• Longevity: Organic shingle can also last longer, underscoring their advantages in hot or cold conditions.

How to Install Organic Shingles?

If you’re not sure of your DIY skills, it’s better to call a professional .They have the experience and techniques to do it right.

Installation of organic shingles involves meticulous planning and attention. Here’s a step-by-step guide example:

1. Prepare the Roof:

• Get rid of the old shingles and look for damages on the roof decking. Then, if there are any damaged parts, fix them or replace them with new roofing sheets.

2. Install Underlayment:

• Also waterproof membranes should be placed over the top of builders’ trusses to provide an additional layer of protection against moisture intrusion underneath.

3. Install Drip Edge:

• Put drips along the edges of your rooftop to lead rainwater away from visible parts of the structure and prevent water from sneaking through.

4. Lay Starter Shingles:

• Start at the bottom edge with a starter row shingle to avert rainwater seepage from below.

5. Install Shingles:

• From bottom up, lay these organic shingles by overlapping each course above it as you move higher. Hold in place using nails made from galvanized steel meant for roofing materials only.

6. Cut and Fit Shingles:

• Cutting roof shingles fit around vent pipes, chimneys among other structures about buildings then seal edges with cementing agents manufactured specifically for roofs etc.

7. Install Ridge Cap Shingles:

• Last but not least, finish off your roof by fixing ridge cap tiles along the apex where water could enter and damage everything below it due to the height they sit above all else is considered the most important part.

How to repair Organic Shingles?

It’s majorly important that you maintain the integrity of your roof through repair of organic shingles. To repair damaged shingles, do as follows:

• Check for the Damage: Analyze your roof to see whether there are any missing, broken or hurt shingles. Ensure that you give close thought to locales like chimney stack stacks, vents and roof valleys.
• Remove Damaged Shingles: With a flat pry bar, raise up carefully the sides of the shingles just above where they are damaged. You can now remove nails holding the ‘bad’ shingle and slide it out.
• Install Replacement Shingles: Insert a new shingle in position keeping it aligned with adjacent ones and pinning it down with galvanized roofing nails.
• Seal the Edges: Put roofing cement or a sealant on the edges of the replacement shingle so as to seal it and prevent leaking into your house.
• Inspect and Maintain: Frequently check for signs of harm to your roof and attend to any issues quickly otherwise big problems may happen later on.

Can you put a Organic Shingle over Asphalt Shingles?

• Possibility: Yes, but this is not advisable because it will add weight.
• Roof Load: Adding organic shingle on top of existing asphalt shingles may make your roof too heavy.
• Warranties: This may lead to failure of the manufacturer’s guarantee.

What types of warranties are available for Organic Shingle?

• Manufacturer Warranty: Manufacturers usually offer a 20 year to 30-year warranty that covers material defects.
• Workmanship Warranty: Warranties may cover installation related problems for 5-10 years.
• Extended Warranty: There are extended warranties offered at an extra cost by some manufacturers.

Will Organic Shingle increase the value of my home?

• Aesthetic Appeal: They give a classy and beautiful look.
• Durability: They have been known to last long making them suitable for sale.
• Energy Efficiency: More appropriate insulation may work well with buyers who advocate against climate change.

Can You Paint Organic Shingles?

Although it is possible to paint organic shingles, it is not usually advisable for a number of reasons:

• Durability Issues: the paint might have poor adhesion on the surface of the shingles themselves; especially when they have been exposed to weather elements for quite some time. This leads to peeling, flaking, and an overall bad look.
• Warranty Problems: Painting over shingles may void the manufacturer’s warranty thereby leaving you unprotected against defects or damages.
• Maintenance: Previous painted roofs often require regular maintenance including touch ups and complete re-painting so as to keep them looking great. This can turn out expensive over time too depending on how long your roof lasts.
• Lifespan reduction: Shingle painting can hinder their expansion and contraction behaviour due changes in temperature thereby causing cracks and hence shorter lifespan.

If you want a new colour option for your roof then it’s better in most cases if one buys new set shingle colours instead than painting already existing ones.

Expert Tip :

Organic shingles are a great choice for homeowners in regions with extreme weather conditions. Ensure proper ventilation and regular maintenance to maximize their lifespan and performance.

Conclusion

Homeowners looking for roofing materials that are strong and can resist wrong weather conditions may find organic shingle as their best choice hence they stand long even though they might be expensive initially and require much attention as compared to fibreglass shingles. One should consider this option if he/she loves tougher winds or has a passion for roofs which are more visually appealing than others. That said, one must take into account some drawbacks; these include difficulty during installation as well as damp-related problems. Nevertheless, those who value resilience and classic design still endorse organic shingles as a top option when it comes to roofs.

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