Handy Tips For Installing And Maintaining Asphalt Roof Shingles

Asphalt Roof shingles can last for 15 to 30 years if installed and maintained correctly. They require significantly more maintenance than other types of materials, but they are a good investment to ensure the safety, beauty, and longevity of your home. Asphalt Shingles are what keep your roof from leaking. If you neglect them, you’ll find any number of new problems arise soon enough.

This is where Hepler Contracting LLC comes in to help you. We are the #1 roofing contractor serving the area, and in this article, we will provide you with a few tips related to the following:

1. How to install an asphalt shingle roof?
2. How to maintain asphalt roof shingles?
3. When to install or replace them?

Explore the tips below and give your asphalt shingles the best care possible!

What are Asphalt Roof Shingles?

Asphalt roof shingles are a type of roofing material that is commonly used on residential roofs. They are made from a variety of materials and the coatings applied on the roof that include fiberglass, asphalt, and ceramic, and are available in a wide range of colors and styles.

Asphalt shingles are easy to install and maintain, and they provide an good level of protection against the elements. The lifespan of an asphalt roof will be as near to what the manufacturer specifies as possible if it is placed correctly and your attic is properly ventilated. In the United States, more than 80% of residential roofing and re-roofing projects employ asphalt shingles.

Types of Asphalt Roof Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for homes alike due to their durability and easy maintenance. But with so many different types and grades of asphalt shingles on the market, it can be difficult to know which one is right for your needs. In this blog post, we’ll break down the various types of asphalt roof shingles so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to install or replace your roof.

There are two main types of asphalt roof shingles: 3-tab shingles and dimensional shingles.

3-Tab Shingles:  Three uniform cuts, or tabs, made along the shingles’ lower edge identify a 3-tab shingle. When fitted, each shingle appears to be three independent pieces, but it is actually just one.

They have an 15 to 20-year lifespan on average. However, under ideal circumstances, they may endure up to 25 years. 3-tab shingles may endure between 7 and 10 years if they are frequently exposed to severe weather. They could persist up to 12 to 15 years in regions with warm weather.

The majority of 3-tab shingles in the past were “Imperial” dimensions, measuring 12 inches wide by 36 inches long with a 5-inch exposure. Nowadays, the majority of 3-tab shingles—often referred to as “metric” shingles—are bigger. Metric shingle exposure relates to its bigger size, which is typically 5 5/8 inches.

Dimensional Shingles: Architectural, laminated, or dimensional shingles are variations or you can say advancements on standard asphalt shingles (3-tab). These laminated shingles are stacked and resemble slate or wood shakes more due to their thickness and depth.

Dimensional shingles actually provide extra protection from wind and hail thanks to the doubly bonded layer, with the strongest grades able to resist winds of up to 130 mph.

Other advantages are: Longer warranties—40–50 year guarantees are not unusual. Asphalt shingles with fiberglass reinforcement are called architectural shingles. The mat base of an architectural shingle is fire resistant since fiberglass is made from inorganic, non-combustible components. Architectural shingles may protect your home safely and have a Class A fire resistance certification.

How to Install Asphalt Roof Shingles

Installing asphalt roof shingles is a straightforward process that anyone with basic carpentry skills can do. Here are some tips to make the job go smoothly:

Choose the right shingles. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors, styles, and thicknesses. Make sure to choose the type that is best suited for your climate and the look you want to achieve.

Get the right tools. You will need a hammer, screwdriver, utility knife, chalk line, and measuring tape. A power drill will make the job go faster but is not necessary.

Prepare the roof surface. Remove any old shingles and nails, and make sure the surface is clean and level before beginning to install the new shingles.

Start at the bottom of the roof and work your way up, overlapping each row of shingles as you go. Nail them in place using four nails per shingle, placed evenly across its width.

Finish up by installing flashing around any obstacles such as chimneys or vents, and capping the edges of the roof with ridge cap shingles.

You can use the points given above but installing the shingles yourself is not advisable. It would be beneficial to hire a professional for roof replacement.

Maintaining Your Roof

Asphalt roof shingles are a popular choice for many homeowners due to their affordability. Though they are easy to install, asphalt shingles do need maintenance. Also, to avoid any significant damage, be sure to fix any loose shingles, flashing, or hardware as early as you notice any problems.

Displaced shingles could be a symptom of water damage and mold growth under your roofing. Here we have jotted down a few things you can do to keep your asphalt roof in top condition.

1. Inspect your roof at least once a year or after severe weather. Look for missing or damaged shingles and ensure that the flashing around your chimneys and vents is secure.
2. Maintain a clean and debris-free gutter system. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up under your shingles and lead to leaks.
3. Remove any moss or algae growth as soon as you notice it. Moss can hold moisture against your shingles, causing them to deteriorate prematurely.
4. Eliminate tree limbs that are hanging over your roof. Fallen limbs can damage shingles and allow water and critters access to your roof.
5. Call a professional roofer for repairs or replacement if you notice any issues with your asphalt roof. With proper care, your asphalt roof will provide years of protection for your home.

 

The Benefits of an Asphalt Roof

Most people believe that metal roofs offer more strength and durability. However, it has been observed that conventional asphalt roofs can withstand severe weather. Additionally, it can prevent snow and water from entering inside. Furthermore, they can live for 50 years or longer if properly installed. This makes an asphalt roof a popular choice for many homeowners.

Here we take you through some of the benefits of an asphalt roof:

A Material That Can Fit Any Roof

Numerous angles, forms, and shapes of roofs can be covered using asphalt shingles. A Dutch gable or a cross-hipped roof can both be effectively covered with asphalt shingles.

There are many different architectural styles of asphalt shingles. There are dimensional shingles and 3-tab shingles. Additionally, some shingles can imitate the appearance of other types of roofing materials, such as slate or cedar shakes.

Good Insulation

Sound can be insulated by asphalt shingles. Any sound entering the building can be blocked by the total roofing system made with asphalt shingles, whether a hurricane or a torrential downpour.

Maintains The Temperature

For homes in urban locations, keeping the temperature comfortable may be a considerable challenge. However, the temperature of the house can be lowered by a few degrees using asphalt roof shingles.

Additionally, an underlayment layer aids in reflecting the sun’s infrared rays throughout the installation of the full roofing system made of asphalt shingles, keeping the house cool. This would enable the home’s occupants to consume a little less energy to maintain a cool interior temperature on warm sunny days.

Environment Friendly 

Because they can be recycled, asphalt shingles are ecological. Otherwise, the shingles would have had to be disposed of in the garbage. With asphalt shingles, however, you may remove your old roof coverings and recycle them so that they can be made into new items. Alternatively, it can be employed in the construction of roadways.

Restricts Mold Growth

The majority of roofs have issues with algae growth. For instance, blue-green algal development is more likely to occur on roofs made of wood. But this is not a significant problem with asphalt shingles. The material preserves both the roof’s quality and color as the substance majorly prevents algae development.

If you’re thinking of installing an asphalt roof on your house, be sure to keep the above tips in mind and also ensure to talk to an experienced roofing contractor to get the best advice on installation and maintenance. With proper installation and maintenance, your asphalt roof shingles can last for decades and provide excellent protection for your home.

Dependable Roofing Contractor Serving The Greater Pittsburgh Area

At Hepler Contracting LLC, we know that a roof is one of the most important parts of your home. It’s also one of the significant investments you’ll make in your life. And when it comes to installing an asphalt shingle roof, no one can beat our excellence.

That’s why we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality workmanship, reliable service, and customer satisfaction as our top priorities. Our company has been serving the Greater Pittsburgh area for years, so we understand what it takes to get the job done right—no matter how big or small.

We specialize in roof repair, roof replacement, and flat roofing for commercial and residential properties. We also provide free estimates on all types of roofs—from asphalt shingle to residential metal roofs to flat roofs. If you need help with bids, marketing, or application of all commercial and residential roofing systems, dial (412) 694-8785 to speak with our experts at Hepler Contracting LLC!