Shingle roofs come in a variety of styles, designs, and colors. There are 3-tab shingles and laminated shingles. Laminated shingles are typically referred to as dimensional or architectural shingles. Laminated shingles are a better-quality shingle than the 3 tab shingle. Shingle roofs are relatively easy to install and have average durability lasting 15 to 30 years.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Understanding the Five Critical Areas of your roof.
In order to protect your home to the highest level, we exceed manufacturer’s requirements with our installation. Our commitment to excellence assures every area of your roof is protected against wind, water, and heat.
- Decking
Most contractors don’t inspect the decking prior to the installation of new shingles. A new roof is only as good as its foundation-which is the wood decking underneath. At PR&R, we will ensure that your shingles are properly attached to solid decking. - Underlayment
Without proper installment of underlayment your decking will be exposed to moisture that can cause it to become soft and warp. This can cause shingles to deteriorate more quickly. We only use plastic caps to install underlayment. - Shingles
At PR&R, we strive to exceed manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the longest life of your new roof. For example, we use six nails per shingle, rather than the industry practice of just four. We use starter strips to ensure seals at both the top and bottom, and we add shingle sealant around the eaves for the maximum wind protection possible. - Flashing
Flashing is where most leaks occur. We apply a superior flashing sealant and use lead stacks for vent pipes instead of rubber, which increases the longevity of the stacks. Additionally, we paint visible flashing to match the roof color (which not only looks better, it helps protect and extends the life of the sealant). - Ventilation
Improper ventilation of your attic will cause high temperatures and will void the manufacturer’s warranty. It can cause damage to your home’s structure, exterior paint, and even cause damage to your homes structure, exterior paint, and even cause your roof to lose half its life due to premature shingle damage. We analyze your current ventilation and add the specified number of heat-releasing vents required to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL CONCERNS OR PROBLEMS WITH SHINGLE ROOFS?
- Quality of the overall installation and shorter life span than other roofing systems.
- Shingles on eaves and rakes not properly sealed or fastened.
- Poor installation pattern and reveal of the shingle.
- Nailing shingles to high or to low or what we call out of the strike zone.
- Nails driven through the shingles or at angles causing the shingles not to seal properly.
- Pipe jacks, headwalls, vents, chimneys and skylights not properly sealed and/or flashed.
- Lack of attic ventilation causing pre-mature deterioration of the shingles.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF A SHINGLE ROOF?
- Shingle roofs definitely have some advantages over other materials such as tile, slate, and metal. Shingle roofs can also offer energy savings.
- Shingle roofs are cost efficient being the most affordable of the roofing systems.
- Inexpensive labor due to lower skill level required to install shingle roofing.
- Shingle roofs have a variety of styles, designs, and colors to choose from.
- Shingles are flexible and durable making them easy to repair and install.
- Shingles are lightweight and can be applied over almost any structure without modification.
HOW DO YOU INSPECT A SHINGLE ROOF?
- Shingle roofs are easy to inspect except in high slope situations where proper safety gear and experience is required. Allow a Professional Roofing Contractor to inspect your roof.
- Determine how many layers of shingles have been installed on the roof.
- Inspect the overall condition of the shingles paying special attention to abnormal defects and granule loss.
- Inspect the condition at and around all roofing penetrations.
- Check various locations around the roof to determine if the shingles sealing strips are properly sealed.
- If possible, always inspect the attic areas for leaks, water stains, and proper fastener lengths through decking.
HOW DO YOU REPAIR SHINGLE ROOFS?
In most circumstances, shingle roofs are relatively easy to repair. You just need a few simple tools like a roofing pry bar, a hammer, roofing mastic, and roofing nails. The problem with replacing shingles is that a new shingle at times will not match well with your existing weathered shingles. Other repairs related to flashing should be left to a professional roofing contractor.
HOW MUCH DO SHINGLE ROOFS COST?
There are various situations to consider when pricing a shingle roof. However, in most cases the average shingle roof will cost between $250.00 per square to $350.00 per square of roofing. A roofing square is 100 square feet or a 10′ x 10′ area which typically equals 3 bundles of shingles. Some higher end shingle roofs have 4 bundles to a square therefore resulting in higher costs.