Shingle Roofs

With the right installation, asphalt roofing delivers long-lasting value and dependable performance. It’s a practical solution for nearly any home. Explore your options to see how this durable material can enhance and protect your property.

 

Types of Asphalt Shingles, Explained

"Asphalt shingles" covers a few different products. Here's how they compare, in plain terms.

Three-tab shingles. The older, flat style with a uniform cut-out pattern. They're thinner and lighter. Many manufacturers have narrowed or dropped their three-tab lines, and they generally don't hold up to wind as well as heavier shingles.

Architectural (dimensional) shingles. Thicker, laminated shingles with a layered look that adds depth and shadow. This is what most homeowners choose for a replacement today. They're heavier and usually carry higher wind ratings than three-tab.

Impact-rated shingles. Built to resist hail and tested under a standard called UL 2218, where Class 4 is the highest rating. They aren't hail-proof, but they hold up better to impact. Some insurance companies offer a premium discount for Class 4 shingles, so it's worth asking your agent before you choose.

Designer or premium shingles. Heavier shingles made to look like slate or cedar shake. They cost more and are mostly a style choice.

We'll show you samples and talk through what fits your home and your budget.

 

Shingle Roofs: Honest Pros and Cons

What shingles do well:

• Lower upfront cost than metal for most homes

• A wide range of colors and styles that suit almost any house

• Faster to install than most other roof types

• Easy to repair one section at a time

• Most roofers know them well, so repairs are easy to get down the road

Where shingles fall short:

• A shorter life than a well-installed metal roof

• Hail can bruise or crack them, and strong wind can lift or tear tabs

• Granules wear off over time, especially on south- and west-facing slopes that take the most sun

• They need enough slope to shed water. Shingles aren't meant for flat or nearly flat roofs. For those, see residential flat roofs

If you're weighing shingles against metal, our metal roofs page lays out the other side honestly.

 

What Goes Into a Shingle Roof System

A shingle roof is more than the shingles. When we install one, these parts work together:

• Decking. The wood boards or sheathing everything sits on. We replace any rotted or soft sections we find after tear-off.

• Underlayment. A water-resistant layer over the deck, under the shingles. It's the backup if water ever gets past the shingles.

• Ice barrier. A self-adhering membrane at eaves, valleys and other vulnerable spots, where melting snow and ice can back up in winter.

• Drip edge. Metal trim at the roof edges that guides water into the gutters and away from the fascia.

• Starter strip. A first row along the edges that seals the bottom of the first course of shingles against wind.

• Flashing. Metal at walls, chimneys, skylights and valleys that directs water away from joints.

• Ventilation. Intake at the eaves and exhaust at the ridge or vents, so the attic can breathe. Good airflow helps shingles last.

• Ridge cap. Shingles made to cover the peak of the roof.

Skipping or rushing any of these can shorten the life of the roof, even with good shingles on top.

 

Shingles and Louisville Weather

Kentucky weather tests shingles in three ways.

Spring hail and wind. Storms bring hail that bruises shingles and wind that lifts tabs. Heavier architectural and impact-rated shingles stand up better. After a storm, a free inspection will tell you whether there's damage. See hail damage.

Freeze-thaw winters. Freezing nights and milder days mean any water under a shingle freezes and expands. A proper ice barrier at the eaves and valleys helps.

Hot, humid summers. Heat ages shingles faster, especially with poor attic ventilation. That's why ventilation is part of every shingle roof we install.

 

What to Expect on Install Day

We tear off your old roof down to the deck, replace any damaged decking, put down underlayment and ice barrier, then install flashing, vents and the new shingles. Most shingle replacements are done in a day or two once work starts. We clean up debris and run a magnet sweep for nails, then do a final walkthrough with you. Our roof replacement page walks through the full day step by step.

 

What Homeowners Say

"They installed Owens Corning black dimensional shingles on my home here in Louisville... A few months later we had some storm damage, and their team came back out right away to take care of the repair without any hassle." Chris L., 5-star Google review

 

Shingle Roof FAQs

What's the difference between three-tab and architectural shingles?

Three-tab shingles are thinner and flat with a uniform pattern. Architectural shingles are thicker and layered, which gives more depth and usually better wind resistance. Most homeowners choose architectural shingles for a replacement.

Are impact-resistant shingles worth it?

They can be, especially if your area sees hail. They resist impact better than standard shingles, and some insurers offer a discount for Class 4 shingles. Ask your insurance agent, and we'll show you the options.

How do I choose a shingle color?

Look at your siding, brick, trim and the homes around you. Lighter colors reflect more heat; darker colors hide dirt and staining. We'll bring samples, and it helps to look at them outside in daylight.

What does a shingle roof cost?

It depends on roof size and pitch, how many layers come off, decking condition, the shingle you choose, and details like chimneys and skylights. We'll give you a written estimate after a free inspection. If you're paying out of pocket, we offer financing for qualified homeowners.

Will insurance replace my shingle roof after hail?

If hail damaged it, your homeowner's policy may cover some or all of the replacement, depending on your policy and deductible. We document the damage with photos and can meet your adjuster. See our insurance claims page.