Asphalt Shingle Roofing
The Complete Guide
If you are contemplating the installation of a new asphalt shingle roof for your commercial property, you have come to the right place.
This guide is tailored for you.
In this asphalt shingle roofing guide ››
You will discover everything you need to know about:
- The different types of roof shingles
- Various color options available with roof shingles
- Recognizing shingle hail damage
- Selecting a shingle roofing contractor
Let’s get started.
Roof Shingle Introduction
What are Asphalt Roof Shingles?
Asphalt roof shingles continue to be the most widely installed type of roofing material in use today. The process begins with a continuous fiberglass “mat” that provides tensile and tear strength to the shingle.
A specially formulated hot asphalt is then bonded to the top and bottom of the mat layer to create a waterproof barrier.
Finally, stone granules are embedded into the top layer of asphalt, serving to protect the shingle from degradation and adding color and shading to the shingle.
Asphalt Roof Shingle Layers
Roof shingles create a water-tight barrier above your building structure, allowing water to flow down the roof and off the edges into gutters.
Shingles are produced in strips and packaged in bundles.
A comprehensive asphalt shingle roof system consists of meticulously engineered and professionally installed components, including:
- Attic insulation
- Roof decking
- Ventilation system
- Ice & water barriers
- Underlayment
- Starter shingles
- Roof shingles
- Hip & ridge shingles
- Gutter/drainage system
Shingles are installed in overlapping rows, also known as courses, starting at the eaves and progressing upward on the roof. Each course of shingles overlaps the seams between the shingles in the course below, ensuring a secure and water-resistant roofing structure.
Roof Shingle Styles & Shapes
3-Tab Roof Shingles
3-Tab roof shingles serve as a cost-effective choice for certain property owners. Distinguished by their rectangular shape and staggered layout, these shingles held prominence until the advent of architectural shingles in the 1970s.
Primarily utilized in residential roofing projects with budget constraints, 3-tab roofing shingles are less frequently employed in commercial asphalt shingle roof repairs.
While 3-tab roof shingles present a budget-friendly option, they are categorized as a fundamental choice in shingle selection.
Architectural Roof Shingles
Architectural roof shingles, also referred to as dimensional or laminated shingles, are produced in a variety of style and color combinations.
These shingles boast enhanced strength and durability compared to 3-tab shingles, particularly in terms of wind resistance, and often come with extended warranties.
Property owners opt for architectural shingles due to their appealing appearance and the ability to replicate various roofing styles (such as wood shake, tile, or slate) while being cost-effective in terms of materials and installation labor.
Designer Roof Shingles
Recent innovations in asphalt shingle design have given rise to a new class of architectural roof shingles.
Designer shingles represent a high-end roofing choice. Crafted to resemble wood shake, scalloped slate roof tiles, or other traditional roof designs, these designer roof shingles provide properties with an artisanal aesthetic.
Here are some examples of designer shingle styles.
50-Year Roof Shingles
Certain premium asphalt shingle roofing systems now come with a 50-year warranty. Regarded as the “best” shingle option, these 50-year shingles utilize enhanced construction materials and are heavier than standard architectural shingles when considering “good” – “better” – “best” options.
The installation quality of a 50-year roof is paramount. Early roof failures often result from improper installation, inadequate ventilation design, or a lack of consideration for wind and weather conditions.
Professional installation by an experienced and certified installer is crucial (and mandated by manufacturers) to qualify for the warranty on 50-year shingles.
How to Select an Asphalt Shingle Roofing Contractor
While many companies provide roofing services, commercial shingle roof installation requires an experienced roofing contractor. For a durable roof, it’s essential to enlist the services of a highly experienced roofing company familiar with local roofing requirements.
Look for a roofing contractor with the following qualifications:
- Licensed, bonded, and insured
- Experience installing your type of shingles on multiple projects
- Experience managing staged roofing projects that may require parallel tear-off and installation
- Experience working with insurance companies on damage claims
An experienced roofing contractor can help you avoid leaks and major problems, providing an asphalt roofing system that lasts for decades.
In addition to shingle roofing, S&S Roofing Pros offers shrink wrap roofing, roof tarping, loose lay membrane roofing, emergency roofing & repair, water removal, water damage restoration, mold remediation, catastrophic damage inspections, property damage documentation, testing & damage reports, fencing & perimeter security, disaster recovery services, permanent roof replacement, interior restoration services, and general contractor services.
Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers
S&S Roofing Pros exclusively installs top-tier asphalt shingle roofing systems sourced from leading manufacturers across the nation. While our regular collaborations involve the manufacturers listed below, we also offer shingle roofing systems from various other reputable manufacturers.
If you have a specific preference for an asphalt roofing product, feel free to inquire. Additional asphalt shingle manufacturers in our repertoire include: Owens Corning, GAF, TAMKO, IKO, Certainteed, Firestone, Malarkey, John Manville, Atlas, and more.
Shingle Roof Warranties
Guaranteed by the Manutacturer
As a Certified Roofing Contractor for various manufacturers, S&S Roofing Pros provides warranties of up to 50 years on asphalt shingle roofing systems.
