Asphalt Shingle Installers

Tag: Shingle Lifespan

  • What Is Asphalt Shingle Installation and How Does It Work?

    Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in the United States, covering an estimated 80% of American homes. But what exactly is asphalt shingle installation, and how does the process work? Understanding the fundamentals helps you make informed decisions about your roof.

    What Are Asphalt Shingles? An asphalt shingle is a roofing material made from a fiberglass or organic mat, coated with asphalt, and topped with mineral granules. The granules protect the asphalt from UV rays and provide color. The asphalt provides waterproofing. The fiberglass mat gives the shingle its strength and fire resistance. This construction makes asphalt shingles durable, affordable, and relatively easy to install.

    How Does Installation Work? Installation begins with tearing off the old roof (if applicable) down to the roof deck. The deck is inspected for damage and repaired. Then, a waterproof underlayment is laid over the deck. Metal flashing is installed at critical transition points—chimneys, skylights, valleys, and vents—to prevent leaks. Finally, the shingles are nailed down in overlapping rows, starting from the bottom edge and working upward. Each row overlaps the one below, creating a water‑shedding barrier.

    Why Installation Quality Matters: Even the best shingles fail prematurely if installed incorrectly. Poor nailing, inadequate ventilation, or skipped underlayment can lead to leaks and reduced lifespan. For the costs involved, see our asphalt shingle installation cost guide. To understand the different shingle options, read types of asphalt shingles. For help selecting a professional, see how to choose a licensed asphalt shingle installer. And to understand what happens step by step, see what to expect during installation.

    How Long Should It Last? A properly installed asphalt shingle roof should last 20–30 years or more. Learn about expected lifespan and warranty in our article on how long asphalt shingles last.

  • 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.

  • Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Asphalt Shingle Roof Replacement?

    After a storm or unexpected roof failure, the question is: will insurance cover a new asphalt shingle roof? The answer depends on the cause of the damage and your policy. Here’s what you need to know.

    What Is Typically Covered: Standard homeowners insurance covers sudden and accidental roof damage from covered perils like wind, hail, fire, and falling objects. If a storm tears off shingles and the roof must be replaced, your policy will likely pay—minus your deductible. Some policies only pay the depreciated value (Actual Cash Value) rather than full replacement cost (Replacement Cost Value).

    What Is Typically NOT Covered:

    • Wear and tear: A roof that fails due to age or lack of maintenance is your responsibility. See lifespan expectations.
    • Neglect: If you ignored known problems, the resulting damage may be denied.
    • Flooding: Roof damage from rising water requires flood insurance.
    • Improper installation: Damage from poor workmanship is not covered. See common installation mistakes.

    How to File a Claim: Document the damage with photos. Contact your insurer immediately. Obtain an estimate from a licensed contractor—see how to choose a licensed installer. Mitigate further damage (tarp the roof if needed), but don’t start permanent repairs until the adjuster inspects.

    The Role of Maintenance: Insurers may deny claims if they find the roof was neglected. Regular maintenance protects your coverage—see maintenance tips. For cost details, see asphalt shingle cost. And for foundational installation knowledge, see what asphalt shingle installation involves.