Asphalt Shingle Installers

Tag: Common Mistakes

  • Step‑by‑Step: What to Expect During an Asphalt Shingle Installation

    Knowing the asphalt shingle installation process before it starts helps you plan and reduces stress. A typical asphalt shingle installation takes 1–3 days for the tear‑off and installation, but the full timeline includes preparation and inspections. Here’s what happens.

    Step 1: Pre‑Job Preparation. Your contractor will verify permits, order materials, and schedule the crew. A dumpster is usually delivered for old roof debris. For how to prepare your property, see the installation overview.

    Step 2: Tear‑Off of Old Roof. The crew removes the old shingles and underlayment down to the roof deck. This exposes any hidden damage. Rotted or soft decking sections are replaced before proceeding.

    Step 3: Install Underlayment and Flashing. A waterproof underlayment is laid over the entire deck. Metal flashing is installed at chimneys, skylights, vents, and valleys. For the specifics, see underlayment and flashing requirements.

    Step 4: Install New Asphalt Shingles. The shingles are nailed down in overlapping rows, starting at the bottom edge. Ridge caps are installed at the peaks. The nail pattern and placement are critical—improper nailing is a leading cause of failures.

    Step 5: Cleanup and Inspection. The crew cleans up debris and nails. A building inspector verifies the work meets local code.

    Step 6: Final Walkthrough. The contractor walks you through the completed roof and explains the warranty.

    For the shingle options you’ll choose from, see types of asphalt shingles. For help selecting the contractor, see how to choose a licensed installer. And for errors that compromise the process, see common installation mistakes.

  • What Underlayment and Flashing Are Needed for Asphalt Shingle Roofs?

    Asphalt shingles are the visible layer, but underlayment and flashing are the hidden components that make a roof watertight. Cutting corners on these materials is one of the most common causes of premature roof failure. Here’s what you need to know.

    Underlayment: The Waterproof Barrier. Underlayment is the material installed between the roof deck and the shingles. It provides a secondary layer of protection against water that gets past the shingles. Two main types:

    • Asphalt‑saturated felt (tar paper): The traditional option, available in 15‑pound and 30‑pound weights. Affordable and effective.
    • Synthetic underlayment: Newer, made from woven polypropylene. Stronger, lighter, more resistant to tearing and UV exposure, and increasingly preferred by professionals.

    Flashing: Sealing the Transitions. Flashing is the metal strips that seal the roof’s vulnerable points—where shingles meet chimneys, skylights, vents, walls, and valleys. Common materials include aluminum, galvanized steel, and copper. Properly installed flashing prevents leaks at these critical junctions. For how these are installed, see the installation process.

    Why These Components Matter: Shingles alone cannot waterproof a roof. The underlayment and flashing work together to channel water away from the deck and vulnerable transitions. For cost implications, see asphalt shingle installation cost. For how long a properly protected roof should last, see asphalt shingle lifespan. And for maintenance of these components, see asphalt shingle maintenance.

    Avoiding Mistakes: Incorrect flashing installation is a leading cause of leaks. Learn more in common installation mistakes.

  • Asphalt Shingle Maintenance and Repair Tips

    An asphalt shingle roof is not a set‑and‑forget asset. With proper asphalt shingle maintenance, you can extend its life by years and catch small problems before they become expensive leaks. Here’s what every homeowner should do.

    Seasonal Maintenance:

    • Inspect after storms: Check for missing, cracked, or curled shingles. High winds and hail can cause damage that isn’t visible from the ground.
    • Clean gutters: Clogged gutters cause water to back up under shingles. Clean them at least twice a year.
    • Trim overhanging branches: Trees that rub against the roof can damage shingles.
    • Check flashing and seals: Inspect metal flashing around chimneys and vents annually. Reseal gaps with roofing sealant.

    When to Repair vs Replace: A few missing shingles can be repaired. Widespread curling, granule loss, or leaks in multiple locations indicate a full replacement may be needed. For signs of when replacement is necessary, see types of shingles and lifespan expectations.

    Common Repairs: Replacing individual shingles, repairing flashing, and resealing nail pops are routine. These are best handled by a professional—see how to choose an installer.

    Maintenance and Warranty: Some warranties require regular maintenance to remain valid. Keep records of inspections and repairs. For insurance implications of neglected maintenance, see does insurance cover shingle roofs. And to avoid mistakes during any repair, see common mistakes.

    For foundational components that need care, revisit underlayment and flashing.