Asphalt shingles can be expensive. Whether you choose a starter course or a ridge cap type, you should know what to expect before installing them on your roof. If you’re not confident in your DIY skills, you may want to hire a professional roofer to install them.
Cost of asphalt shingles
The cost of installing asphalt shingles can vary significantly depending on the brand and type of shingles you purchase. It also depends on your home’s size and the roof’s pitch. Labor costs can also vary from region to region. Before you begin a project, you should consult a contractor about your area’s costs.
Asphalt shingles are a common choice for home roofing. Furthermore, asphalt shingles on most houses are ineffective at making your home stand out. However, if you are looking for a cost-effective way to improve the aesthetics of your home, asphalt shingles are a good choice.
Asphalt shingles come in many colors and are easy to install. In addition, they are long-lasting, lasting for twenty to thirty years. Depending on the type, they can be installed over your existing roof shingles or add extra layers on top of them. Asphalt shingles typically cost between $3 and $12 per square foot.
You can choose from various shingles, including three-tab, laminated, premium, and custom styles. Installing asphalt shingles is quick and cheap compared to other roofing materials. However, knowing what to expect from your roofing contractor before committing to the process is essential.
While asphalt is less expensive than other roofing materials, it’s not the most environmentally friendly choice. Asphalt takes 300 years to decompose in a landfill. As long as your roofer can comply with the recycling requirements, it should be easy to find a recycling center. Many recycling programs are free of charge or cost a few dollars.
The base of an asphalt shingle is made from fiberglass or organic material. This layer is saturated with asphalt and covered with more asphalt. The top part of the shingle is then covered in a mix of materials. This mixture helps the shingle to be waterproof and to last longer.
Installing three-tab shingles
To install three-tab shingles properly, the first step is to measure and mark the rake edge of each shingle. Place a primary control chalk line at the inside edge of each shingle’s rake edge. Then, place additional offset control lines for six or four-inch course offsets.
While 3-tab shingles are inexpensive, some roofers find them to be outdated. However, they’re still a good choice if you’re looking for durable and affordable roofing material. Unfortunately, many manufacturers have stopped producing them in favor of laminate shingles, making them even more difficult to find than they were in the past. They are now available only at big-box construction materials retailers. Local lumberyards often do not stock them or only have limited color choices.
To install a three-tab shingle on a ridge, align the vertical lines on the shingles with the horizontal lines on the shingles and nail them above the cutout lines. To make this easier, some roofing nailers and hatchets have adjustable guides. Or, you can use a plywood jig as a guide.
Three-tab shingles typically come in starter sets. Start by placing the first one on the ridge of your roof. Then, start putting the shingles in a pyramid pattern. The shingles should overlap the ridge evenly. To ensure they stay aligned with the edge of the ridge, use a chalk line to mark them.
After you’ve laid the first row of shingles, install the second row. You’ll need to cut off a portion of the first row’s half tab. After that, turn the shingles so that the tabs are facing upward. Then, install the additional rows of shingles on the edges.
If you want to avoid replacing the shingles, choose a contractor who specializes in roofing. Many of these specialized contractors have years of experience in installing architectural shingles. These durable shingles protect your home from wind, hail, and warping. And they usually come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
In addition to being durable and stylish, 3-tab shingles are available in various colors. You can match the shingles to your home’s exterior color scheme and roof color. Whether you’re looking for a neutral color or a bold and beautiful color scheme, these shingles are an excellent choice for residential roofing.
If you’re replacing an existing roof, you can start by starting a starter course. The starter course comprises three-tab shingles and has a slight overhang over the drip edge. This helps protect your roof from the wind while filling in the gaps and joints of the next row of shingles. You’ll also want to use an adhesive to seal the tabs of the first entire course of shingles.
Once you have prepared the ridge cap, place the nails at the sides of the shingles, approximately one inch from the ends. Make sure to cover these nails with roofing cement. Then, install shingles to the top ridge, which should be the top ridge of the hip ridge. After you’veinstalling the shingles, you’ll need to cut the ridge cap to fit the peak of the hip ridge.
Installing Ridge Shingles
The first step to installing ridge shingles is removing old shingles from the house. This can be done by hand or with a roofing shovel. The next step is to remove any ridge caps, which you can do using a hammer or garden fork. If you are working on an older house, you can cover the siding with plywood so you won’t damage it. You can also pry up old nails from the ridge cap.
In cold weather, you must warm up the ridge cap shingles first. This is a critical step in cold-weather roofing, and many contractors will pre-warm them in the cab before installation. Moreover, drawing chalk lines on the hip and ridge peaks is a good idea to have a clean installation.
If you have a new roof, you can choose a type of asphalt shingle with a ridge cap. A ridge cap will protect the ridge and provide a lovely accent to your house’s exterior. In South Jersey, ridge caps are prevalent in most roof installations. They are made of the same material as regular shingles but smaller and thicker. This is because ridges get a lot of wind and sunlight and are prone to leaks.
After you have installed the first row of shingles, it is time to install the ridge. The ridge should have about 13cm of exposure, and you should cut the remaining shingles into three equal pieces. When you have completed this, you should nail the shingles onto the roof. As with any other shingle, if you are using continuous ridge vents, you must cut them short to make room for the vents.
Once you have installed the ridge shingle, you should consider applying asphalt cement on the exposed nail heads. This will prevent water from leaking through the shingles.
How Can I Extend the Lifespan of My Shingles?
Although asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material, they aren’t immune to aging or damage. Even if you live in a moderate climate, they can still break down over time. That’s why following certain maintenance practices is essential to help your shingles last as long as possible.
First, clear debris from your roof at least twice a year. This is especially important if you have a tree-casting shade on your house. Falling leaves can trap moisture in the shingles and lift the pebbly outer surface, which helps them last a long time. You may also need to clear debris more often after a strong storm or if trees regularly drop debris.
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in the United States. There are hundreds of different types available. Some are inexpensive and not built for durability, while others are built to last for 25 or even 50 years. It’s important to note that the lifespan of your asphalt shingle roof depends on several factors.
First of all, your roof takes a beating from the elements. In addition to the sun and rain, your shingles can be damaged by UV rays and storms. If you spot a damaged shingle, replace it as soon as possible so the surrounding shingles won’t be damaged. It’s also essential to clean your gutters regularly to prevent erosion and rot beneath your shingles.
Algae growth is another problem that can negatively affect the lifespan of asphalt shingles. Algae typically grows on north-facing slopes and in areas that receive mostly shade. It appears as dark green streaks along the roof. There are many opinions about how algae impact roofs, but many roofers suggest that the algae are primarily an aesthetic issue.
