If you need to replace your home’s roof, you may be overwhelmed by the options available. Despite the selection, many houses feature asphalt roof shingles, as they’re durable and affordable. Use this guide to educate yourself on this material, so you can determine if it’s right for your home.

What to Know About Asphalt Shingles

What are their benefits?

This durable roofing material is fire- and water-resistant, making it ideal for homes in any climate. Due to asphalt’s strength, it requires less upkeep than other roofing options, like wood shakes and stone tiles. Asphalt shingles can last up to 20 years, and they can be easily changed or replaced as needed because they’re installed in pieces.

Can I install new shingles over old ones?

Yes. Some homeowners choose to do this because it’s faster and cheaper than ripping away the old shingles before applying the new installation. However, this method only works for roofs that already have asphalt shingles. Installing the shingles on cedar shakes, metal or slate roofing isn’t feasible because they won’t lay flat.

What kind of shingles are there?

Asphalt roof shingles are made of fiberglass or organic materials, like recycled cardboard, paper, and wood fibers. Both come in two forms: three-tab and dimensional. Three-tab shingles have tabs running along the lower edge while dimensional shingles don’t. Instead, their bottom has an additional asphalt layer that gives them a contoured appearance, which can be a more appealing aesthetic to some homeowners.

How long will the shingles take to seal?

Since the shingles are separate pieces, a coating will be applied to seal the spaces between them. The sealant uses radiant heat from the sun to activate and cure it, and the process can take about 48 hours. However, this time frame is dictated by how much sunlight the shingles get, which depends on your area’s climate, home’s orientation, and roof’s slope.

If you want to equip your house with asphalt roof shingles, contact the team at Action Roofing Services in Anchorage, AK. These professionals have provided homeowners with affordable roof installations for over 35 years. After the appointment, they’ll help you care for the shingles by providing routine maintenance and repairs. For more information about their services, visit the website or call (907) 677-6969.