Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Murrysville Pennsylvania

Researching Asphalt Shingle Roofing around Murrysville Pennsylvania?

Roofers from The Roofing Company can show which shingle styles suit a Pittsburgh winter, and match the choice to your house

Call 412-858-8858 to talk about shingles

The Anatomy of a Shingle: Know Your Material

A modern asphalt shingle starts with a fiberglass mat that gives it strength and shape, and the layers work together to shed water. Asphalt Shingle Roofing only works as intended when the shingles seal down and stay put through winter, because a shingle that never sealed can lift in a gust.

Basic, Layered and Heavyweight Options: What Sets Them Apart

• Flat strip shingles cast little shadow and give the roof a smooth appearance.
• Layered architectural shingles have a thicker, more textured look than flat strips.
• Thicker designer shingles use extra material for a heavier, more sculpted look.
• Shingles with an impact rating can stand up to hail damage better, depending on the rating.
• Algae-fighting shingle lines 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 your roof slope may limit what is practical. 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.

Wind Ratings, Impact Ratings and Color Blends: a Short Guide

Some shingles carry an impact rating, which describes how they stand up to hail in testing, and the fine print explains what the rating requires. The performance of Asphalt Shingle Roofing depends on following the same steps the testing assumed, and following them is part of doing the work properly.

Each Step Builds on the Last, Bottom to Top

• Sound sheathing, cleared of nails and debris is where good shingle work begins.
• Drip edge on the lower and side edges goes on before any shingles do.
• Roofing felt or synthetic wrap should be in place before the first full course.
• Starter shingles with a sealant band gives the eave a firm, sealed finish.
• Pipe boots and vent flashing is where most leaks begin if it is skipped.
• Ridge vents with cap shingles over them complete the weather seal.

Each course is staggered from the one below, which keeps seams from stacking into a path for water, and a chalk line keeps every row straight. Mention the order of work when you talk about Asphalt Shingle Roofing, and listen for the barrier, underlayment and starter course, and the order explains why some shortcuts cause leaks.

Fastening Details That Decide Performance: What to Look For

Wind lifts shingles that are underfastened, and ridgelines and steep slopes take the worst of it, so nailing is the detail to ask about. Part of what you pay attention to in Asphalt Shingle Roofing is how the shingles are fastened, not just which shingles are chosen, and a careful crew will be glad to explain.

Where the Shingles Meet Everything Else: What a Good Finish Looks Like

Cap shingles at the ridge are cut and nailed so that no fastener is left exposed to the weather, and these details are done by hand, not by machine. Asphalt Shingle Roofing is judged in the corners, since the easy part is the open field and the hard part is the intersections, and ask which parts are done by hand.

Seasonal Limits for Installation: Timing and Technique

Crews sometimes hand-seal shingles with a dab of roofing cement when the weather will not do the job, and careful handling matters more when it is very cold. Ask how Asphalt Shingle Roofing is handled when the days are cold, and whether hand-sealing is part of the plan, and mild weather in spring and fall suits the work.

Airflow Under the Shingles: Heat, Moisture and Wear

Poor airflow shortens the life of a roof, because heat and moisture build up under the deck, and the roofer should note what ventilation the attic has. The care taken over Asphalt Shingle Roofing is wasted if the attic below runs hot and wet, and the roofer should say what will change.

Choosing Shingles That Suit the Home, Without Regret

Older Pittsburgh homes with steep gables and detailed trim often suit shingles with dimension and shadow lines, and you should be comfortable with the choice before ordering. 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: Judging the Result

Loose shingles after the first storm, lifted tabs and scattered debris in the yard point to poor finish work, and any of these deserves a call to the roofer. The results of Asphalt Shingle Roofing show in small things, such as nail heads covered and caps lined up, and a reputable crew will welcome the feedback.

Old Roofing Out, New Roofing In: Details Worth Asking About

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.

A Short List for Your Roofer, and What Good Answers Sound Like

• Which style of shingle is in this proposal, and how does it handle snow?
• What water protection goes under the shingles, and what happens if it rains while the deck is open?
• What nail length and type suit this roof, and what does the manufacturer require?
• How does the schedule account for temperature, and how do you check afterward?
• How are the ridge caps secured, and why that approach?
• How does the airflow in the attic figure in the job, and what difference should I notice?

Specific answers about materials and method are a good sign, and vague ones are worth a second question, and ask again if anything is unclear. Treat Asphalt Shingle Roofing as a set of choices, each of which should be written down, and a clear plan prevents surprises.

Your Next Step Toward a New Shingle Roof: Describe Your Roof

If you are weighing shingle options for your roof, talking to a roofer is a sensible next step; reach us at 412-858-8858 to set up a visit, and you can decide at your own pace.