Roofing shingles are considered the most vital component of your home’s exterior. However, most homeowners don’t really understand how a roofing system works, the qualities to look for in roofing shingles, and how to properly find roofing contractors.
Chances are your roof has asphalt shingles, and you are looking for more information about shingles. Whether you are looking for shingle information or pricing, we have you covered here at Top Dog Home Pro. Today, we will explore the following when it pertains to your roof’s shingles:
- What are asphalt shingles?
- What type and quality of roofing shingles are there?
- How much do roofing shingles typically cost?
- Roofing Repair vs Replacement
First, what are asphalt shingles?
When installed, a roof shingle offers protection from the elements by using an overlapping method. Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material in the States, more common than sheet metal or wood shakes. While asphalt is the main component of asphalt shingles, they consist of fiberglass or felt paper base coated with a waterproof layer of asphalt and topped with ceramic granules.
This creates a durable, waterproof, and lightweight shingle that can withstand most elements Mother Nature has to offer, such as wind, ice, snow, rain, and hail. Of course, like anything these days, there are different types of asphalt shingles.
Types of Roof Shingles
Asphalt roofing shingles have evolved immensely over the past 20 years. Chances are, if you have a roof from the 90s or even still hanging on from the 80s, the asphalt shingles you have lack the warranty coverage, durability, and curb appeal of today.
There are three main types of asphalt shingles in addition to wood shakes, solar shingles, and other roofing materials that are not as common:
- Three Tab Shingles or Strip Shingles, the most basic and affordable option
- Dimensional Shingles, architectural or laminate shingles that are more durable
- Luxury or Premium Shingles are high-end laminate shingles.
Three-Tab Shingles: As you can see in the photo below, on the left, the three-tab shingle is designed to look like three individual shingles; however, it is all one piece. These roofing shingles are flat, lightweight, and the most economical when priced.
Architectural Shingles: Thicker because of an extra layer of asphalt, but they are also sturdier and give a more unique/modern look. Architectural are a bit more expensive as we will soon cover, however, they last longer and have better warranty options because they are higher in quality.
When customers ask us what we think is the best shingle, we recommend dimensional shingles without hesitation. The warranty coverage, durability, algae resistance, and impact resistance make them the best asphalt shingle on the market.
How much do new roofing shingles cost?
The cost of a new roof, roof repair, or new roofing shingles can vary. In this article, we walk you through how to gauge the cost of roofing shingles and a new roof step by step. Shingles can vary in price and are quoted by roofing contractors in what they call a “Square.” A square is 100 square feet of shingles.
Here is how residential roofing pricing works:
- Your roof is measured
- Based on the total square footage of your roof, a roofing contractor can determine how many shingles you need.
- Pricing includes the removal and installation of the old shingles.
Shingle Pricing:
Pricing for your asphalt shingle roof will vary based on where you live and the roofing companies’ rates. National averages for shingle pricing include the following:
- Three-tab Shingles: $2-$4 per square foot, or $200 to $400 per square installed
- Architectural Shingles: $3.50-$6.50 per square foot, or $350 to $650 per square installed
- Premium Shingles: $6+ per square foot
For example, a standard 3-tab shingle installed by Top Dog Home Pro is $380 a square, whereas our Architectural Pro series roofing shingles by Certainteed start at $450 per square installed. Below you will find rough estimates for replacing the shingles on a roof based on the approximate size of the home:
| Home Type | Three-tab Shingles | Architectural Shingles | Premimum Shingles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Townhome | $4,000 | $4,500 | $6,000+ |
| Single Family | $8,000 | $12,000 | $16,000+ |
| XL Single Family | $15,000 | $17,000 | $20,000+ |
While these are average prices based on a regular roof replacement, other factors can contribute to a roof replacement, such as the condition of the plywood, layers of existing shingles, and the furnishing that come with a new roof (ridge vents, pipe collars, etc.).
The best recommendation is to look beyond the price and also at the roofing warranty. While you might save upfront on 3-tab shingles, the warranty isn’t as good as an architectural shingle! Feel free to read about our Roofing Warranties here! We explain the entire process transparently and help you weigh the pros and cons of each shingle type!
How to know when the roofing shingles need to be replaced:
There are obvious signs that can indicate whether or not you need to replace your roof’s shingles. Let’s start with the super apparent signs!
- You have missing shingles, which are evident based on exposed underlayment or plywood. Urgency, ASAP!
- You notice that your shingles are curled or perhaps giving a “Buckled” look.
- Your shingles are over 15 years old.
- Hail damage or other damage to shingles.
- You notice lots of asphalt granules in your gutter downspout collectors
While these are some of the more obvious signs that you might need your roofing singles replaced, there are other less common ones you might not be able to see. Perhaps your ridge vent is missing some shingles, or your plywood is warped in some areas.
In that case, if you don’t want to get on your roof (which we recommend NEVER), you can always reach out to have us take a look!
Roof Replacement vs Roofing Repairs:
There is a saying in the personal finance world that when it comes to our finances, each situation should be treated personally, hence the emphasis on ‘Personal’ finance. The same can be said for your roof. While key indicators can determine whether an entire roof replacement is more suitable for your home or perhaps a simple repair, the best thing to do is first start with a roof inspection.
Once a certified roofing specialist/contractor inspects your roof, you should weigh your options. It’s vital to weigh all of your options:
- Is there a possibility for an insurance claim?
- How old is your roof?
- Will the repair last, or is a new roof the better long-term option?
- Will a roof repair cost more than just replacing the entire roof?
Typically, a roofing repair is a good option if the job is simple, like replacing a few shingles, checking out a possible leak, or replacing a ridge vent section.
However, when the amount of roofing shingles needing to be replaced reaches a certain threshold, or the repair costs start to get to 50% of the price of a new roof, a roof replacement is usually a better option.
For example, if a new roof costs $7,000, but the repairs cost $3,5000, it’s better to simply replace it. A new roof has a high return on investment for resale purposes, and the new asphalt roofing shingles have fantastic technology that adds curb appeal to your home.
Final Word on Roof Shingles –
Roofing shingles are not something we often think about until we have to. Perhaps you wake up to find a few shingles in your yard after a wind storm, or you see a bare spot on the backside of your roof. You may also notice that your home’s roof looks very old. Either way, replacing your roofing shingles should be viewed as an investment.
Like any investment, it’s best to do your due diligence and obtain as much information as possible before proceeding with a contractor.
Top Dog Home Pro proudly serves all of Northern Virginia and specializes in helping homeowners in Woodbridge, Gainesville, Nokesville, Fairfax, Lorton, Springfield, and many more with their roofs! See our service areas here.
FAQ:
1. Who are the top shingle manufacturers?
The top shingle manufacturing companies are CertainTeed, GAF, and Owens Corning. There are several others but these three companies are used by most roofing contractors. Here at Top Dog Home Pro we work exclusively with CertainTeed as our shingle provider.
✔️ Learn about CertainTeed Shingles here.
2. Where do I buy roof shingles in NOVA?
You can buy shingles at your local hardware store like Lowes or Home Depot, however, replacing your roof is not a DIY project. If you have a roof leak or issue and need a roofing company, simply request a free roof inspection. NOVA aka Northern Virginia residents can purchase shingles and have them installed by working with a reputable roofing company like Top Dog Home Pro!
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