Asphalt Shingle Installers

Tag: Installation Process

  • How to Choose a Licensed Asphalt Shingle Installer

    Your asphalt shingle roof is only as good as the contractor who installs it. Choosing the right licensed asphalt shingle installer ensures quality workmanship, proper permits, and warranty protection. Here’s how to find a contractor you can trust.

    1. Verify Licensing and Insurance. Always confirm the contractor is licensed in your state. Ask for the license number and verify it with your state’s licensing board. They must carry general liability insurance and workers’ compensation. This protects you from liability if a worker is injured or damage occurs.

    2. Look for Local Experience. Choose a contractor with a physical address and a proven track record in your area. Local contractors understand local codes, weather patterns, and permit requirements. Ask: “How many asphalt shingle roofs have you installed in this area?”

    3. Get Multiple Written Estimates. Obtain at least three detailed quotes. Each should break down materials, labor, tear‑off, disposal, and any additional work. For typical costs, see asphalt shingle installation cost.

    4. Check References and Reviews. Ask for references from recent projects and contact them. Read reviews on Google, Yelp, and the Better Business Bureau. A quality contractor will have a strong reputation.

    5. Ask About Permits and Warranty. A professional contractor will pull all necessary permits and schedule inspections. For more on permits, see what to expect during installation. Also ask about workmanship warranties and manufacturer warranties on materials.

    6. Inquire About Maintenance. After installation, your roof will need periodic maintenance. Ask if the contractor offers maintenance services. Learn more in asphalt shingle maintenance and repair.

    Red Flags: Avoid contractors who demand full payment upfront, pressure you into signing immediately, or suggest skipping permits. For insurance considerations, see does insurance cover shingle roofs. And for the materials your contractor will use, see types of asphalt shingles.

  • 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.

  • Common Asphalt Shingle Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

    A new asphalt shingle roof is only as good as its installation. Even premium shingles fail prematurely if installed incorrectly. Here are the most common asphalt shingle installation mistakes and how to avoid them.

    1. Improper Nailing. Nails must be placed in the correct location (the nailing strip) and driven straight. Overdriven nails tear through shingles; underdriven nails don’t hold. Too few nails reduce wind resistance. A quality installer knows the exact nail pattern.

    2. Skipping Underlayment or Flashing. These hidden components are critical. See our guide on underlayment and flashing for why they can’t be skipped.

    3. Inadequate Ventilation. Poor attic ventilation causes heat and moisture buildup that destroys shingles and decking. Ensure your contractor addresses ventilation during installation.

    4. Overlaying Instead of Tearing Off. Installing new shingles over old ones hides damage and shortens the new roof’s life. Always insist on a full tear‑off.

    5. Incorrect Shingle Alignment and Overlap. Improper stagger patterns or insufficient overlap create leak paths. This is purely a workmanship issue.

    6. Reusing Old Flashing. Always replace flashing during a full roof replacement. Reusing old metal invites leaks.

    To avoid these mistakes, choose a licensed contractor carefully—see how to choose a licensed installer. For the process where these errors occur, see what to expect during installation. For material choices, see types of shingles. And for maintenance after the job, see maintenance tips.