Uncover the elements, longevity, expenses and procedure of installing asphalt shingle roofs. Understand how this well-liked roofing choice can promote strength and attractiveness of your house.

What is asphalt shingle?

An asphalt shingle roof is a type of a roof system that mostly consists of asphalt shingles and a few other roofing materials. Asphalt shingles have two components, which are tar asphalt granules and fiberglass. It is placed on fiberglass mat. Asphalt shingle roof system is made up of roofing materials. These materials are as important as the shingles, despite the fact that they are the ones that are seen from the outside.

The following is what an asphalt shingle roof is made up of:

• Roof decking
• Roof flashing
• Underlayment
• Drip edge
• Ice and water shield
• Ridge capping
• Roof vents
• Pipe boots

All the above mentioned parts come together like a puzzle before the installation of the asphalt shingles is done to complete the whole thing. If one of the components of your asphalt shingles roof is missing, you will have problems that will cost a lot of money.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles contains popular roofing material just because of  their affordable price, stability, and types. There are three main types of asphalt shingles mentioned below:

3-Tab Shingles:

• These are the most basic type of asphalt shingles. They are flat, single layered shingles that have a unchanging shape and size.
• They have a flat look with cutouts (or tabs) that make them look like three separate pieces.
• Affordable, easy to install, and commonly available.
• Shorter lifespan (typically 15-20 years), less resistant as compared to other types, and more open to wind damage.

Architectural (Dimensional) Shingles:

• These shingles are thicker and have a multi layered design, which gives them a more dimensional look.
• They mimic the look of wood shakes or slate tiles, offering a more attractively pleasing appearance.
• Longer lifespan (typically 25-30 years or more), more durable, better wind resistance, and improved limit appeal.
• More expensive than 3-tab shingles.

Luxury (Designer) Shingles:

• These are high end asphalt shingles made to copy the appearance of natural slate or wood shakes, providing a sophisticated and stylish look.
• They offer the most variety in terms of style, color, and texture, often featuring tricky designs and thicker profiles.
• More strength, highest visual appeal, longest lifespan (up to 50 years or more), and excellent resistance to tough weather conditions.
• It is more costly than both 3-Tab and Architectural Shingles.

Each type of asphalt shingle different advantages and disadvantages that will make it important to choose the right one depending on specific needs, budget and visual likings.

Asphalt Shingles cost

In today’s homes, both regular and architectural asphalt shingles are quite common. The price of basic asphalt shingles, including installation, ranges from $4.25 to $8.25 per square foot. They are simple to install, often come in three-tab sections, and have an average lifespan of up to 20 years. To increase its lifespan, architectural asphalt shingles are coated with tough fiberglass and ceramic granules. The cost per square foot of architectural and other premium asphalt shingles can reach $12.25.

What are asphalt shingles made up off?

Many nations still use asphalt shingles as their primary roofing material, and you can find them on roofs all around the world. They are all produced utilizing a limited number of essential raw components in a continuous web process, essentially in the same manner regardless of color or design. What is contained in an asphalt roofing shingle, then?

1.Fiberglass  

As previously indicated, a continuous web or sheet is used in the production process to serve as the base for the application of asphalt and other materials. A thin fiberglass mat, created from glass fibers of a certain length and diameter linked together with the use of stable resins and binders, is used to strengthen asphalt roofing tiles. At the fiberglass mill, the fiberglass is twisted into big rolls, which are then “unwound” to begin the roofing shingle production process.

2.Asphalt

The primary component of shingles that is resistant to water is asphalt. The utilized asphalt is a byproduct of oil refinery and is treated to a greater degree of toughness required for the performance of asphalt shingles, despite its origins being quite similar to those of road asphalt. It is necessary to “oxidize” the roofing asphalt by forcing air through the heated material to increase its viscosity. However, the air blowing technique needs to be accurate; if it’s done too little, the shingles can be too soft and brittle, especially if they’re put in hot weather. To boost weather resistance and enable the placed shingle layer to fulfil the highest criteria for resistance to fire dangers, a fine mineral powder is combined with the asphalt. The mineral-fortified asphalt “coating” is applied to the fiberglass mat on top and bottom.

3.Granules

The stone granule surface of asphalt roofing shingles is the feature that is most noticeable. Precise granular size parameters are met via crushing and screening of hard rock with particular physical qualities. Granules are put exactly as they are, in their original stone color, to the portion of the shingle that is not visible. Granules, also called “grit,” are fired in ceramic to produce a range of colors that are applied on the exposed portion of the shingle to provide long-lasting color. Certain shingles have granules that are resistant to algae, which helps prevent blue-green algae-caused discoloration. Shingles that reflect a greater proportion of solar heat radiation can also be made with certain “reflective” granules. In certain areas, such shingles are required by code.

4.Sealant

Asphalt sealants are applied to shingles to bond them together on roofs. For multi-layer laminated shingles Luminant is used to adhere the layers together during manufacture. These adhesives are engineered to activate at desired temperature ranges. They hold their bond during the installation process and wind events. The backside of product, known as back surfacing is covered with fine mineral powder. This prevents shingles from sticking to process rolls and packaging. The back of asphalt shingle is typically sourced from limestone-type rock or fine sand. These adhesives are designed to hold their bond during wind events and roof stresses.

5.Release Film

Asphalt roofing shingles are crucial components that can cause confusion in amateur roofing community. Small spots of asphalt sealant when stored outside or in hot warehouse, prevent premature activation and bond shingles together. Material called “release film” prevents premature activation. It stays on back of shingles. However if release film is peeled back, shingle coating underneath appears black. Shiny it makes removal difficult. Some rookie installers believe peeling off release film exposes sealant needed for shingle adhesion on roof.

How to Install Asphalt Shingles

Here are the basic steps to shingle a roof.

1. Step one in any roofing project is always safety first.

There are possibilities of falls and other safety hazards when working at heights on a roof. IKO advises that roofing work be performed by certified experts who have received extensive training in all facets of safe roof building and who understand the optimal approach to shingle a roof. It’s also crucial to check that the roof complies with all local construction rules by reviewing the necessary ones.

2. Understand the physics of how a sloped shingle roof works.

The force of gravity is all that asphalt roofing shingles need to shed water from melting snow or rain. The roof should effectively shed water if the placement and overlapping of the roof shingles and other auxiliary roof components are done with this in mind. The definition of “shingling” according to the dictionary is “to lay out or arrange so as to overlap.” To illustrate how this relates, let’s now examine the order of overlapping roof construction components.

3. Deck preparation.

Ensure that the roof deck is dry, smooth, securely secured to the roof trusses, and free of gaps or holes before applying any roofing materials. When the deck is done, having a clean, level surface will assist guarantee that the freshly installed shingled roof will also look level and smooth.

4. Work from the bottom up.

In terms of roofing components, we are not only beginning from the bottom of the roof but also making our way up from there. The obvious component and first line of protection against bad weather on an asphalt roof is its shingles, but what’s below matters most. The drip edge is the material that is put at the eave initially. In addition to actually giving the beginning of the roof a clean, sharp edge, it guards against water damage to the lower edge of the roof deck by keeping water from “defying gravity” and wicking back “up” before it exits the roof.

 

5. Ice dam protection at the eaves.

You would wear boots to protect your feet from ice, slush, and puddles if you lived somewhere with a really cold winter environment. The type of protection that an ice and water protector is designed to offer is exactly what your roof and the house underneath it needs. The next part is a thin, self-adhering membrane that is put over the drip edge. The easiest way to avoid ice dam development is to have a suitable attic vapor barrier, enough attic insulation, and appropriate ventilation; in cold areas, however, an ice protection membrane is a prudent roofing system component and is probably required by your local building code.

The normal application of this ice and water membrane is to overhang the eaves by 1/4 to 3/4 of an inch. It must reach up the roof to a point at least 24 inches inside the inner side of the wall’s vertical extension in order to be completely functional. During this period, any roof valleys must to be further covered with an ice and water membrane. Why should I use an ice and water shield? Since the rubberized asphalt covering on these membranes functions by sealing the shanks of the shingle fasteners above, it provides an additional layer of protection against water shedding.

 

 

6. Underlayment for overall secondary roof protection.

The roof underlayment, which could either be synthetic or made of asphalt-saturated felt, provides protection beneath the shingles and has other advantages. It is placed in a horizontal manner overlapping the eave ice and water protector by 4″ and valley membrane flashing by 6″. Where no need for an ice and water protector exists, installation of underlayment should be started at the eave with overhangs on drip edge at between 1/4”-3/4”. When installing drips edges on rakes, they are placed above the underlayment so that a clean roof edge is created while increasing wind uplift resistance. In addition to that, any wind driven rain falling from rakes gets directed past the drip edge thereby averting potential troubles.

7. The shingles in the “field” of the roof.

To shingle a roof, start at the bottom and overlap as you work across and up the roof. Install a preparatory course of starter shingles before installing field shingles that are designed for this purpose. These give adhesion points for sealant, protect against water-shedding and improve wind-resistance at the rake edge. Often, professional contractors employ starter strips on the rake edges in order to produce a straight edge for field courses. Consider differences in exposure, offset and nail placement because not all shingles have similar specifications recommended by manufacturers. Proper nailing is necessary for wind resistance and limited warranty coverage. If you have opted for closed valleys, they are worked simultaneously with shingle courses towards or through the valley. The most common closed cut valley necessitates that roofing be placed across this entire roof area on one side of the valley initially with each course extending beyond 12” from its middle line into it.

 

8. The hip and ridge caps.

Field shingles are finally installed by installing ridge cap shingles, which straddle the ridge and shed water down either slope. One should install ridge cap shingles starting at the bottom while overlapping working upslope. For optimum wind resistance on hip roofs, ridge caps should be installed on the opposite end of the ridge from prevailing winds. On each end of the ridge of a hip roof there should be a spot for a ridge cap piece to fit in and then one more piece to be placed in between them. The final piece of ridge cap should be nailed down, sealed, and covered with asphalt roof cement. Because they have to go through the last course of roofing shingles and ridge caps below, longer nails are important for this kind of application.
An example of a hip and ridge installation.

How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?

Some shingle manufacturers may claim their product lasts as long as 50 years. The effective service life of an asphalt shingle roof is its main return on investment, once installed. The actual service life of each asphalt shingle is stated when it is manufactured, greater than 80% of which is how long they will usually last. Three-tab shingle life expectancy is typically about 15-20 years. Architectural shingle durability can reach the 22–25-year mark. Luxury Shingles can last up to 30 years, depending on circumstances. You should be aware, though, that the lifespan of an asphalt roof depends on a lot of different things. Therefore, an asphalt roof may never reach its maximum performance. If, however, it is properly installed and properly ventilated, it could—in theory—reach the full life span of the asphalt.

Can You Paint Roof Shingles?

Painting asphalt shingles is easier than you may have expected. Many people choose to paint shingles to update their existing roof. It gives it design upgrade. Some homeowners do it to increase energy efficiency. For instance, painting shingles white can help reflect sunlight. It can keep your home cooler.

Some factors to consider when looking into painting shingles on house include:

• Quality of roof
• Material of roof
• Your budget Age of your roof

Also, if you want painted roof but don’t want to do it yourself. You can always hire professional roofing company to help with project.

How to clean asphalt shingle?

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to clean asphalt shingles

1. Preserve plants and shrubs:

To prevent the cleaning solution from harming your patio furniture, move it outside of your house. Wet the plants close to your house thoroughly, then cover the landscape with plastic tarps or sheets to keep it safe.

2. Vacuum the Roof:

Using a push broom with medium-sized bristles, clear the ceiling of any loose material. Well-kept surfaces will provide enhanced traction for standing and help keep previously cleaned areas free of dirt. Make sure water can pass through your gutters and downspouts throughout the cleaning process by clearing them of any loose material after you’ve swept it away.

3. Mix Your Cleaning Solution:

As directed by the manufacturer, use a cleaning solution that is noncorrosive and eco-friendly and dilute it with water. Verify that the cleaner is made for the kind of shingles on your roof and the buildup—such as moss or algae—that you want to remove.
The following are some cleaners that are suitable for use on asphalt shingles:• Household bleach: To get rid of moss and algae growth, combine water with laundry-strength chlorine bleach.
• Sodium hypochlorite: To remove algae, combine sodium hypochlorite and water in an equal proportion. Use two parts sodium hypochlorite to one part water to strengthen this solution.
• White vinegar: To get rid of dirt, moss, and algae, mix equal parts white vinegar and water. By doing this, you can keep harmful chemicals off of your roof.

Mix your cleaner with water in a garden sprayer and spray the roof with a low-pressure wash. Pressure washing can loosen shingles and remove protective granules on the roof’s surface.

4. Applying the Cleaning Agent:

Think about the risks associated with the chemicals you are applying and the potential for surface slickness from rain on the roof. Before you start wiping down the roof, make sure you’re wearing eye protection and a breathing mask. Rather than stepping on the roof, work from a ladder.
Applying an even application of cleaning chemical progressively, begin at the top of the roof and work your way down. After you’ve saturated the roof, give the solution some time to do its job. If required, spray areas with a lot of algae development or very black stains twice. The majority of cleaning agents will begin to act in 15 to 20 minutes.

5. Rinse the Roof:

After the cleaning solution has had time to do its job, begin rinsing. To rinse away any extra cleaning solution and loosened filth or dirt, you can use a garden hose or fill a garden sprayer. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear after rinsing to ensure cleaning didn’t clog them.
Rinse out the bleach solution and other cleaning agents from the roof, but you might not need to for certain items. Certain instructions advise leaving the solution on the roof since it will keep working even after the initial cleaning.

6. Resoak Plants:

Give your plants a good rinse to make sure that they aren’t affected by your cleaning solution. This simple step can save plants that may have been accidentally misted.

When to replace asphalt shingles?

1. Missing Granules 

When looking at missing granules from the ground, they appear as lighter patches on light shingles or as dark spots on black shingles. After cleaning the gutters, you’ll also notice a lot of granules in them.

2. Curling Shingles

Curling up is the outcome of the shingles’ asphalt gradually drying out and shrinking. As a result, they break easily. They are going to start getting blown off in strong gusts. The only solution for this is to replace the damaged tiles or, if the damage is more extensive, to get a new roof.

3. Lots of Moss 

Moss growth on shingles, especially if it is limited to one spot, does not always indicate that the shingles are old or worn out. To get rid of the moss, the shingles in question may frequently be easily cleaned.  But the shingles become injured if the growth is extensive, plentiful, and has been there for a time. They will also begin to rise as the moss grows beneath them. This damages the roof’s drainage capacity and will cause leaks.  Early removal of the moss will prevent damage to the roof. However, it will harm a roof and limit its lifespan if allowed to spread unchecked.

4. Shingles Blown Off the Roof

This indicates that the shingles have cracked, dried, and curled. The shingles are obviously not on your roof if they are in your yard! It is thus necessary to get that roof rebuilt when you begin to notice this.

5. Age of Roof

When determining whether your roof needs a complete replacement or just minor repairs, this is a crucial consideration. The earlier types of asphalt shingles unfortunately do not live up to the promises made by their manufacturers.
Most traditional asphalt roofs begin to collapse after 14 years, in our experience. You have gotten a fair amount of life out of your roof if it is between 18 and 20 years old. Most likely, it needs to be replaced.
Good news, though, if your roof is twenty years old and exhibits no more symptoms of deterioration! Proceed and observe how much life you can extract from it!

How Does a New Asphalt Shingle Roof Increases your Home Value?

Research on value of new roof in a home is mixed. One study found new roof is reasonable investment. The average American homeowner spends $22636 on new asphalt shingle roof of midrange quality. This will increase the home’s value by $15,427 or 68% of the investment. However, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) reported 109 percent return on new roofs. Homeowners could potentially make profit on their new roof. To determine if a roof will make 60% return or boost home above its own costs. Three factors need to be considered: condition of the roof housing market conditions in your area and type of replacement roof you choose

FAQ’s

1. What is an asphalt shingle roof?

Asphalt shingle roof – the kind of a roofing system made mainly from asphalt shingles, constructed out of tar asphalt gravel and fiberglass. The roof system may consist of various elements such as flashing, underlayment, decking, and others.

2. How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?

The life expectancy of an asphalt shingle roof can differ depending on the type you choose. For example, three-tab shingles usually last between 15-20 years, architectural ones are designed for about 22-25 years whereas luxury ones can go up to 30 years if properly installed and maintained.

3. What are the costs associated with asphalt shingles?

Simple or basic asphalt shingles range from $4.25 to $8.25 per square foot including installation. Architectural and premium shingles can cost as much as $12.25 per square foot.

4. Can you paint asphalt shingles?

Yes, it is possible to paint them in order to update their look or improve solar energy efficiency. Considerations would be the quality of your roof, type of material used, age and your budget.

5. How do you clean asphalt shingles?

To clean the dirt off your asphalt shingles – first protect your plants then sweep off what has dropped onto it through leaves by aerating them before washing thoroughly using a cleaning solution that contains no corrosive substances only like bleach/sodium hypochlorite/white vinegar then rinse so many times with water