
Comparing Asphalt Shingle Roofing near North Huntingdon Pennsylvania?
The Roofing Company will show how a shingle roof is built, layer by layer, and match the choice to your house
Reach us at 412-858-8858 to ask which style fits your roof
What a Shingle Is Made Of, Explained Simply
At the core of a shingle is a woven mat that holds everything else together, and the asphalt is what makes it waterproof. Asphalt Shingle Roofing depends on how these parts perform after years of sun, ice and thaw, because a shingle that lifts or sheds granules ages quickly.
The Main Types of Asphalt Shingle, From Simple to Dimensional
- Strip shingles of the three-tab kind are the lightest to carry and install.
- Multi-layer shingles have a thicker, more textured look than flat strips.
- Thicker designer shingles use extra material for a heavier, more sculpted look.
- Reinforced shingles are made with a tougher backing.
- Shingles with an algae-blocking surface include granules that slow the dark streaks common in damp shade.
Strip shingles are the simplest and lightest, while layered shingles have more body and a deeper look, and holding a sample in your hand helps. When you ask about Asphalt Shingle Roofing, make sure you know exactly which product line and thickness is being proposed, so ask what makes one line different from another.
How to Compare Products Fairly: Know Before You Pick
Color blends vary from bundle to bundle, so a roofer mixes bundles as the work goes to avoid patches of shade, and the fine print explains what the rating requires. Ask how Asphalt Shingle Roofing follows the installation instructions printed for the shingle you pick, and following them is part of doing the work properly.
The Order of Work on a Shingle Roof: a Walk-Through
- A prepared roof deck, dry and free of old nails is where good shingle work begins.
- Ice and water barrier along the eaves and valleys is laid so each layer sheds water over the one below.
- Synthetic or felt sheet over the barrier protects the deck if a shingle is damaged.
- A starter course along the lower edge sets the line for every course above it.
- Flashing at walls, chimneys and vents should be new, not reused.
- Cap shingles along the ridge complete the weather seal.
Each course is staggered from the one below, which keeps seams from stacking into a path for water, and a crooked roof is a sign of a rushed crew. Ask a roofer to describe the order of Asphalt Shingle Roofing, and listen for the water barrier and starter course, and the answer shows how organized the crew is.
Fastening Details That Decide Performance, in Plain Terms
Wind lifts shingles that are underfastened, and ridgelines and steep slopes take the worst of it, and a roofer checks a few shingles as the work goes. Part of what you pay attention to in Asphalt Shingle Roofing is how the shingles are fastened, not just which shingles are chosen, so ask what fasteners will be used.
Where the Shingles Meet Everything Else, From Valley to Peak
Ridge caps finish the peak, and they should be nailed securely and cut clean so wind cannot catch them, and the edges of the roof are given the same care as the middle. Look for photographs of finished valleys, ridges and flashing when you evaluate Asphalt Shingle Roofing, and the explanation tells you how much care the crew takes.
Winter Chill and Summer Heat on the Job: Practical Notes
Crews sometimes hand-seal shingles with a dab of roofing cement when the weather will not do the job, and an unsealed shingle can lift in the first strong wind. The schedule for Asphalt Shingle Roofing should allow for weather, since shingles do not behave the same in every season, and the plan should be flexible.
Attic Air and Shingle Life, and Ice Dam Prevention
Poor airflow shortens the life of a roof, because heat and moisture build up under the deck, and a roofer should note what the attic currently has. Include the attic when you think about Asphalt Shingle Roofing, since airflow affects how long shingles last, and the vent plan should be written down.
Style Choices for Older and Newer Houses: Samples and Viewing
A sample held against the siding, trim and brick shows more than a small chip does, and a roofer can show examples of finished work. Pay attention to color and style when planning Asphalt Shingle Roofing, since you will see the result every day, so ask to see a finished roof nearby.
Warning Signs on a New Roof: Tell-Tale Details
A wavy surface, gaps at the ridge and visible sealant smears can all mean the details were not given enough care, and a good crew will fix such problems promptly. The results of Asphalt Shingle Roofing show in small things, such as nail heads covered and caps lined up, and write down what concerns you.
Protecting Your Property During a Shingle Job, and How to Prepare
Tear-off produces a heavy pile of debris, so a dumpster or trailer is normally placed close to the house, and a magnet sweep at the end is a good habit. Decide with the roofer how Asphalt Shingle Roofing will deal with old roofing, debris and the yard, and the same attention should go into the yard as into the roof.
Questions to Ask Before You Choose Shingles, and What Good Answers Sound Like
- What exactly will be on my roof, and how does it handle snow?
- Which underlayment and barrier layers are included, and who checks it?
- How do you prevent over-driven or high nails, and what does the manufacturer require?
- How do you handle shingles that have not sealed, and who decides?
- How are valleys, ridges and flashing finished, and what could go wrong?
- How does the airflow in the attic figure in the job, and where is that written?
Clear answers about materials and methods are usually a sign of a crew that has done this before, and look for specifics over general statements. Treat Asphalt Shingle Roofing as a set of choices, each of which should be written down, and that record is useful years later.
Start a Shingle Conversation in North Huntingdon Pennsylvania: Call The Roofing Company
Shingle choices are easier when a roofer listens first and then lays out the options; call 412-858-8858 and tell us about your house, and we will answer your questions plainly.













