Shingle Roofing

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material for homes in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. They suit most pitched roofs, come in a wide range of colours and styles, and offer good value for the protection they provide. Like any roof, how long they last depends heavily on how they are installed.

Types of asphalt shingles

• Three-tab shingles: flat, uniform and the lowest cost, but thinner and less wind-resistant. Many manufacturers now offer few three-tab options.
• Architectural (dimensional) shingles: thicker, layered shingles with more depth and better wind resistance. This is what we install on most homes.
• Designer or luxury shingles: heavier shingles made to resemble slate or wood shake, for homes where appearance matters most.

Why the details matter

Most shingle roofs that fail early do so because of what was skipped, not the shingles themselves. On every shingle roof we install:

• Starter strips are used at the eaves and rakes so the first course seals properly
• Ice and water shield goes along the eaves and in valleys, where ice dams and heavy runoff do the most damage
• Step flashing is installed at every wall and chimney, and counter-flashing is done properly rather than sealed with caulk
• Nails are placed in the manufacturer's nailing zone, with the correct number per shingle
• Attic ventilation is balanced, because a hot or damp attic shortens shingle life and can cause moisture problems inside

Choosing a colour and style

Shingle colour affects how the whole house looks, so we bring samples and can show you photos of finished roofs. Lighter colours reflect more heat; darker colours help snow melt sooner. Some neighbourhoods and homeowners' associations have rules about roof colour, so check those before you decide.

The installation process

We protect the property, remove the old roofing, inspect and repair the deck, install underlayment and flashing, and then lay the shingles with matching hip and ridge caps. A typical home takes one to three working days, weather permitting. We clean up every day and finish with a magnetic sweep for nails.

What affects the cost

• Roof area, pitch and complexity
• Shingle line chosen
• Number of layers to remove and amount of decking to replace
• Chimneys, skylights and other details that need new flashing

Manufacturer warranties vary by product line and can require specific components to be used together. We will tell you exactly which warranty applies to the roof we quote.