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Among the various types of roofing that you can choose from, shingles tend to be among the most popular. In North America, asphalt shingles are typically the go-to choice for their affordable pricing and other advantages. Before you settle on this type of roof over other materials, however, take the time to learn more about the pros and cons of asphalt shingles.

Pro: Low Cost

The strongest point in favor of asphalt shingles, and the likely reason most homeowners opt for this material, is the affordable cost of them. In fact, asphalt shingles are the most affordable option for roofing. They also last around 20 years when cared for properly, providing a reasonable investment. While other materials do last longer, the durability of asphalt shingles combined with their affordability offers a nice value.

Pro: Your Choice Of Style And Color

Another strong point in favor of asphalt shingles is the vast range of options you have in terms of style and color. Asphalt shingles can be fiberglass or organic, both of which are waterproof. They also each have a range of styles, ranging from architectural shingles at the higher end of the cost spectrum to 3-tab shingles at the budget-friendly end. The range of styles and colors means that nearly anyone should be able to find an asphalt shingle that they like and matches their home, making this a highly accessible choice of material.

Pro: Effective Protection

Even as the most affordable type of roofing you will find, asphalt shingles are able to provide homes with more than adequate protection. Compared to some other options, protection is considered moderate, but it is more than enough for most homeowners across the country.

Pro: Simple Installation

Compared to other types of roofing materials, asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install. This means that a professional can do so quickly with minimal errors, something which helps to keep costs down. Additionally, the quick installation means that your home will be out of commission for very minimal time. You should always choose a reputable roofing contractor in Austin or a top rated roofer in San Antonio for any of your Central Texas roofing projects

Con: Can Do Poorly In Extreme Temperatures

Unfortunately, while asphalt shingles are an excellent choice in moderate climates, they do not do quite as well in extreme temperatures, no matter whether this is cold or warm. In extremely hot weather, the color of the shingles may fade and they may begin to crack. If the temperature is below freezing when installed, the shingles may become damaged. Asphalt shingles also do better at steady temperatures than those with extreme fluctuations. The constant contracting and expanding can lead to cracking. Asphalt shingles are less durable overall than other types of roofing, also having a higher susceptibility to lifting up in high winds.

<h2>Con: Not Ideal For The Environment</h2>

Another disadvantage of asphalt shingles is that they are not good for the planet. Asphalt is actually a semi-solid version of petroleum, a material … Read more

 

For many homeowners, learning how to trim trees is a useful skill to figure out. Being able to trim trees lets you improve overhead clearance for a walking path or driveway, prevent trees from spreading out over your home, and helps keep them healthy by encouraging new growth and eliminating dead branches. While tree trimming may seem straightforward, it is more complicated than many people think, assuming you want to do it right.

Trim During The Dormant Season

If you can, opt to trim your trees when they are in their dormant season. This will minimize the stress on the tree and negative impacts. You can, of course, trim a tree at other times of the year, particularly when there is a hazard like a dead branch. In most cases, the dormant season is early winter or late fall. Pruning at this time minimizes sap loss and reduces the risk of the wound becoming infected by fungus or insects.

Know Which Branches to Remove

When you trim or prune a tree, you should put some thought into which branches to remove and which ones to leave alone. Generally speaking, you can definitely remove branches with a diameter of under five centimeters. Carefully consider your decision if it is five to ten centimeters and avoid trimming a branch with a diameter of over ten centimeters unless it is necessary. Additionally, you should try to trim branches with weak, narrow angles shaped like a V and keep those with stronger U-shaped angles.

Tips For Tree Pruning

An offshoot of tree trimming, tree pruning has its own specific tips and methods. You can prune trees with crown thinning or crown raising. Crown thinning lets you thin out the crown of the tree, but you should always take are to never remove over a quarter of the living crown at the same time. Doing so will weaken the tree. During the pruning process, aim to keep the tree’s lateral branches evenly spaced and prune off the branches that run against or cross other branches.

Crown raising is a pruning technique that can improve the clearance so cars or pedestrians can pass under. This process requires extreme caution during the pruning process as you should make sure there are still live branches on two-thirds of the tree’s height. Removing too many trees on the lower half may make it harder for the tree to develop a strong enough stem.

The Easiest Method: Hire A Pro

Of course, the easiest way to trim trees on your property is to just leave it to the professionals. They will already have the appropriate tools on hand, including for actually cutting the tree, reaching the higher areas of it, and safety gear. They will also be familiar with basic safety steps to prevent injury while trimming trees and know the right spots to cut to minimize the impact on the plant in question. Tree service professionals in Austin will even be able to spot any signs of disease … Read more