Every day, people in America are becoming new homeowners. In 2018, there were approximately 138.45 million housing units. Of those existing housing units 5.34 million of them were sold to new owners. Out of all those homes, about 7 million require a new roof. This post is for all the new owners and longtime homeowners who need help navigating roofing. Here are 9 things to know about asphalt shingle roofs:

1.  When do I need a New Roof?

Shingle roofs have an average lifespan of 20 years. Although, depending on the condition of your roof, you may need to do it sooner. Common signs of needing a roof replacement include bald spots, cracked shingles, and water damage/leaking.

2. How much does it cost to replace my shingle roof?

Cost really depends on three factors: the size of your roof, the type of shingles you install, and what your insurance covers. The national cost range is $5,196 to $10,164 with the average being $7,676.

3. How long does it take to replace my shingle roof?

Similar to the last question, it depends on the size and type of shingles you get. It could span from a single day to three or four days.

4. What are the different shingle styles and colors?

There are two main types of asphalt shingles, 3-tab and architectural. Most new homes have 3-tab shingles because of their lower initial cost when building a new home. However, veteran homeowners prefer architectural shingles. Architectural shingles are 50% heavier than 3-tab shingles and are better at withstanding storms. That being said, architectural shingles are more durable, but they also cost more. As for colors, it’s like shopping for t-shirt, there are endless options.

5. When can I install a new roof?

Summer, early fall, and spring are considered the roofing seasons. While you could have your roof replaced in the winter, it usually takes longer because the days are shorter and lower temperature affect the sealing strips on the shingles. So technically, yes, you can have your roof replaced anytime during the year, but for best results try to have it replaced anytime except for really cold days.

6. I’m missing a few shingles, should I be concerned?

Its bound to happen. A storm rolls through your city and strong winds knock a few shingles off your roof. Having missing shingles can lead to one big problem – water damage. Its advised that you get those missing shingles replaced as soon as possible, and yes, you don’t have to get your entire roof replaced.

7. Will the color of my shingles affect my energy bill?

You may have seen a trend of houses and roofs being changed to a lighter color. The premise of this is that lighter colors reflect most sun rays resulting in less heat absorption. It is true that darker colors absorb more heat, but it hasn’t been definitively proven that a lighter roof color will lower your cooling costs. Metal roofing will lower your energy bill and we also provide metal roofing services.

What are asphalt shingles made of?

Asphalt, hence the name, is the main component of asphalt shingles. Its main purpose is to make the shingle water resistant. For extra strength, the shingles is fortified with fiberglass. Finally, the shingle is topped with small granules that provide your preferred color, protection from UV coating, and fire resistance.

Common Roofing Terminology?

From time to time, you may hear asphalt shingles be called fiberglass shingles. This is because asphalt roofs are reinforced with fiberglass. Architectural asphalt shingles are sometimes called laminated shingle or dimensional shingles. Also, a common term for a 3-tab shingle is a single-layer shingle.

Midsouth Roofing Specialist | Memphis Mighty Shingle Roofing

We hope this helped answer your questions on asphalt shingle roofs. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or email us. We also offer free roof inspections and free roof estimates and financing options. For more frequently asked questions, click here. We look forward to hearing from you!