Deciding on Asphalt Shingle Roofing near Western Pennsylvania?
The people at The Roofing Company can explain what separates a careful shingle job from a rushed one, and answer your questions in plain words
Dial 412-858-8858 and tell us what you have in mind
What a Shingle Is Made Of: What Each Part Does
Most shingles are a fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and covered with mineral granules on top, 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, From Simple to Dimensional
- Traditional three-tab shingles are the lightest to carry and install.
- Architectural-style shingles add depth with several layers joined together.
- Thicker designer shingles are thicker and take more effort to handle.
- Shingles with an impact rating are tested by dropping steel balls onto samples.
- Shingles with an algae-blocking surface help keep a roof looking cleaner on shaded slopes.
Heavier designer shingles cost a roofer more effort to handle and need careful nailing, and photographs on a screen never show true color. Asphalt Shingle Roofing comes in several grades, and the label alone does not tell you how a shingle is made, and compare the same level across proposals.
How to Compare Products Fairly, in Plain English
The wrapper shows the exposure, the weight and the color blend, so you can compare products on the same terms, and a rating is only meaningful when the shingle is installed as specified. Asphalt Shingle Roofing should follow the manufacturer's instructions, since ratings depend on it, and shortcuts are where problems begin.
Each Step Builds on the Last: Why the Order Matters
- Firm decking that has been checked and repaired gives the new roof a flat base to rest on.
- Drip edge on the lower and side edges protects the places meltwater and ice reach first.
- Underlayment rolled across the rest of the deck should be in place before the first full course.
- Starter strips at the eaves and rakes gives the eave a firm, sealed finish.
- Step flashing along every wall should be new, not reused.
- Cap shingles along the ridge finish the roof and keep wind from catching the top row.
Laying out straight lines with chalk keeps the rows even, and it keeps the roof looking neat from the street, 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 each step is easier to check on a clean deck.
How Shingles Are Nailed Down: Where Many Failures Begin
A nail driven too deep cuts through the shingle, while one left too high leaves a bump that wears through, and a nail gun set at the wrong pressure causes trouble. Asphalt Shingle Roofing done right uses the correct nails, in the correct place, at the correct depth, so ask how nailing is checked.
Finishing Touches That Keep Water Out, From Valley to Peak
Cap shingles at the ridge are cut and nailed so that no fastener is left exposed to the weather, and they take more time than the open field of the roof. Ask how Asphalt Shingle Roofing handles the points where roof planes meet walls, chimneys and vents, and ask which parts are done by hand.
Winter Chill and Summer Heat on the Job: Practical Notes
Shingle sealant needs warmth and sunshine to activate, so shingles laid in the cold may not bond until the weather warms, and a shingle that has not sealed is a risk in the next storm. If Asphalt Shingle Roofing happens in colder months, the roofer should explain how the shingles will be sealed and secured, and the plan should be flexible.
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 good airflow adds to the life of the covering. Asphalt Shingle Roofing is a good moment to look at intake vents, ridge vents and insulation, and balanced airflow is better than exhaust alone.
Matching Shingles to Your House, From the Curb
A sample held against the siding, trim and brick shows more than a small chip does, and the finished roof will look different from a flat sample. With Asphalt Shingle Roofing, the shingle you pick is the one you will see every day for years, and photos can help you picture the result.
Quality Marks and Red Flags: What You Can See From the Ground
A roof that sheds shingles in light wind, shows exposed nails or has crooked lines was not finished with care, and photographs help you describe what you see. If anything about Asphalt Shingle Roofing looks off, say so while the crew can still come back, and keep notes of anything you notice.
Removing, Hauling and Sweeping Up: Practical Expectations
Many crews put a protective cover over the roof edge and the ground below before removal begins, and ask how the crew handles nails that drop. Ask whether Asphalt Shingle Roofing includes removal of the old shingles and a full cleanup afterward, and a tidy site is a sign of a careful crew.
What to Settle Before the Work Begins, Item by Item
- Which style of shingle is in this proposal, and what does the wrapper rate it for?
- Which underlayment and barrier layers are included, and who checks it?
- How is the nailing pattern checked, and what does the manufacturer require?
- When would you hand-seal shingles, and will you tell me when it applies?
- What will be done at chimneys and walls, and what could go wrong?
- Is the insulation part of the discussion, and how will it be confirmed?
Write down what you hear, and compare the answers across proposals, and be cautious if the answers stay vague. Asphalt Shingle Roofing is clearest when the proposal names the shingle, the underlayment and the details, and you should understand every line.
Start a Shingle Conversation in Western Pennsylvania, and We Will Visit
Choosing shingles is easier with real samples, honest advice and a roofer who explains the work as it goes; call The Roofing Company at 412-858-8858 and describe your plans, and we will explain the options without pressure.
