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Practices for Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation

July 1, 2022
Residential Roofs , Storm Damage
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A common type of roof you see on a majority of homes is created from asphalt shingles. These shingles add a layer of protection for your home against the elements (wind, storms, hail). Asphalt shingle roof installation is common practice among roofing contractors in Shreveport/Bossier, LA. Many factors contribute to the installation of an asphalt roof to achieve a strong and reliable structure. The layers beneath the asphalt shingle can determine how well a roof will withstand the elements and protect the home. A structurally sound asphalt roof can be broken down into 3 layers placed over the framing. 

  1. Decking or sheathing
  2. Felt 
  3. Shingles

Installing the Decking (Sheathing)

The decking (also known as sheathing) is placed over the framing of the home. Sheets of OSB plywood are used to create a structural layer of wood to protect the interior of the home. These sheets of OSB are placed as close together as possible, the spacing between the boards should be minimal but can be covered with felt to create a watertight barrier. Rotted sheets of OSB plywood need to always be replaced during a roof replacement to ensure that the interior of the home is protected from roof leaks.

Installing the Felt

Felt (which is bought in synthetic rolls or black paper) is placed directly over the decking to create a watertight barrier which will stop water from entering the interior of the home and prevents water damage on the decking and framing of the home. It is installed with felt pins, which are nails with a plastic ring around to avoid exposed hole penetrations and prohibits water from entering the felt, our roofers prefer synthetic rolls over black paper, which is more costly but very good at preventing future leaks. A properly felted roof can get rained on and not have leaks, even before shingles are installed.

Installing the Shingles

When installing the shingles it is important to understand the difference between a 3-tab and architectural asphalt shingle. 

  • A 25-year 3-Tab Asphalt Shingle is a shingle that provides adequate protection to your home. It is the basic standard of shingles and comes with a 25-year manufacturer warranty. 3-tab shingles provide a flat appearance on the roof.
  • A 30-year Architectural Asphalt Shingle is an upgrade to the basic shingle. It provides increased protection to your home in the case of storms or overall wear. It is the upgraded standard of shingles with a 30-year manufacturer warranty. Architectural shingles provide an appearance with more layers and dimension which creates more security. 

** The manufacturer warranty is not based upon future storm damage, this is the age that the shingle should last without unforeseen storm damage. 

3-Tab Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation
Architectural Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation

Manufacturers of 3-tab and architectural asphalt shingles can provide different color and style options for the roof of the home. Some manufacturers of 3-tab and architectural shingles are Certainteed, GAF, Malarkey, Owens Corning. IKO, TAMKO, and Atlas.

What are asphalt shingles composed of?

Various materials are used to create the granules on the asphalt shingles. These granules are used to withstand and hold up against rain, wind, and hail. When a roof’s shingles are damaged by storms, the shingles could have oxidation marks where granules are rubbed and missing from the shingles. This is how a roofer determines hail damage on the roof. High winds can often lift the shingles from the felt or blow off shingles from the roof.

The “Ins and Outs” of Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation

Shingles are typically installed with a nail gun. Some homeowners prefer that roofs be hand nailed because they have had experiences where installers have their PSI set too high and the nails do not hold the shingles properly, however, an experienced crew knows how to use a nail gun properly and it is the same quality as a hand nail job as long as the installer understands proper methods. Chalk lines are created to provide a visual and level base for the shingles on the felt and are done by 2 roofers one on each end and the line is popped once they have both measured the proper distance from the edge.

Who to Call for Asphalt Shingle Roof Installation in Shreveport/Bossier

Our roofers in Shreveport/Bossier are experienced in asphalt shingle roof installation. We provide full roof replacement and roof repair services to install or repair asphalt shingles. Our team of roofers are ready to help you with a free inspection or estimate on your asphalt shingle roofing job. Call our team at 318.202.2123 or book an appointment online today!

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