Deciding on the right shingles for your home or business depends on several factors, including personal preferences, budget, and your local climate. In Calgary and Edmonton, asphalt shingles are a common roofing choice thanks to their durability. A sturdy fibreglass base helps asphalt shingles withstand hail, high winds, ice, snow, sun, and other harsh weather conditions.
If you’re in the market for a new roof, several asphalt shingle styles and performance options can match your home’s style and your budget.
Main Types of Asphalt Shingles
Whether your roof has been hit by hail or strong winds, or it’s showing its age, it’s worth considering the different types of asphalt shingles.
3-Tab Shingles
3-Tab Shingles, also called transitional shingles, are consistent, flat shingles that are often a cheap option for your home but offer limited colour choices, including two-tone black, slate/pewter gray, or autumn brown.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural Shingles, also called laminate shingles or dimensional shingles, are popular for residential roofs. Often confused with 3-tab shingles, these are made from 2 layers (asphalt and fibreglass), which gives them extra durability in harsh weather. The thicker shingle pattern, which mimics the look of shakes or tiles, gives your home a pleasing, unique, and dramatic look with less upkeep.
Designer Shingles
Designer Shingles are considered high-end asphalt shingles; they are more aesthetically pleasing, durable, and heavier than standard asphalt shingles. These types of shingles replicate the look of slate, wood shake, or tile.
How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last?
Asphalt roof shingles typically last between 15 and 30 years, depending on many factors, including:
- Type of shingle (3-tab, architectural)
- Sun, wind, ice, snow exposure
- Weather conditions
- Roof pitch (high slope is ideal)
- Shingle colour (dark colours are not always better)
- Installation quality
- Attic ventilation (poor ventilation will shorten life)
- Roof shingle materials (premium shingles should last longer than standard shingles)
While maintenance, repairs, and other factors also affect your roof’s longevity, price matters.
What Determines the Cost of Asphalt Shingles?
Many considerations can influence the cost of asphalt shingles in Edmonton and Calgary, including:
- Labour and time
- Roof size and complexity
- Quality of shingles
- Components and other materials installed on your roof (underlayment, drip edge)
- The amount of decking (i.e. wooden boards) that may need to be replaced
- Tarp and other material to protect the rest of your home
- Roof accessibility
- Roof pitch (roof slope) steepness
- Number of roof penetrations (vents, chimneys, skylights)
- Dump fees
- Roofing company’s operating costs
- Warranty options
New sections for review in green
How to Choose Quality Shingles?
Choosing the best shingles for your home matters for your roof’s longevity. While aesthetics matter, choosing a durable, sustainable option is key to a long-lasting roof. In many cases, you can balance high-quality shingles with an appealing look for curb appeal.
Class 3 and class 4 ratings are often preferred for Calgary and Edmonton homes and businesses because of the severe hailstorms. But what about impact-resistant shingles?
What Are Impact Resistant Shingles?
All shingles offer some protection against the elements, but no shingle type is completely weatherproof. Impact-resistant shingles, like asphalt shingles, are specially built to withstand impacts from wind, rain, and sometimes hail. Impact-resistant shingles offer many benefits, including minimizing the damage your roof shingles sustain during a storm, which can reduce repairs and replacements over your roof’s lifespan. Other advantages include long-term savings and potential insurance discounts.
Impact resistant shingles come with different ratings. Underwriters Laboratory (UL) developed a universal standard in 1996 to help homeowners choose which shingles are best for their home.
Why Quality Roofing Matters
A quality roof installation helps prevent leaks, shortens installation time and minimizes disruption to the client – all of which build confidence with the roofing company you choose.
A few things to consider when choosing a roofing company:
- Roofers’ skills (quality craftsmanship equals a professional, lasting job)
- Clear communication with clients (written estimates, warranty)
- Required licenses and insurance (ask to see)
- Great reputation and reviews
- Manufacturer’s warranty (roofing materials are covered for any defects)
- Helpful information on shingle options and what works best
- Minimal disruptions at property (property protection, clear communication, extensive clean-up at end of day)
Ready to Choose Your Roof Materials?
Knowing which asphalt shingles to install, whether you’re repairing or replacing your roof, is essential for its long-term performance. Choosing reliable, cost-effective materials and working with a reputable roofing company sets you up for success. Contact A.Clark Roofing & Siding today for a quote for your roof installation needs in Calgary or Edmonton.
New section for review below
Frequently Asked Questions
Can new asphalt shingles be installed over existing shingles?
Installing new shingles over old asphalt shingles depends on many factors, including building codes and the number of shingle layers already on your roof, to name a few. We must inspect the roof first before giving a definite answer, as there are risks to consider.
Can asphalt shingles be installed during winter in Calgary or Edmonton?
It’s possible but limited. While the best time to replace shingles is late spring to early fall, some emergencies allow asphalt shingles to be installed in winter in Alberta. Asphalt shingles need the right conditions to seal properly, and roofing crews also need the right weather, so always consult your roofing company. If you’re concerned about your roof in the colder months, contact your roofing company.
How do hail and wind affect asphalt shingles?
Yes. Hail, wind, and other weather conditions can affect asphalt shingles, including granule loss (check your gutters), shingle bruising and fracturing, and premature cracking. Roof damage may not show up right away, but it can appear as water damage on your ceiling.
Do asphalt shingles require regular maintenance?
Yes. Regular maintenance is necessary over the life of your roof (sometimes 15-30 years). Roofing experts can inspect your roof from the top, but homeowners can often spot a few issues from the ground (never go up on your roof yourself). You can see water staining on the roof rafters and deck from the ground. Roofing experts, such as A. Clark Roofing & Siding, handle regular roof maintenance. To keep your shingles dry, it’s best to keep your gutters free of debris to help water and leaves flow through.
Can damaged asphalt shingles be repaired individually?
If your roof has localized damage, you can often repair individual shingles. Strong winds, hail, and age-related brittleness can damage one or more shingles. The right fix depends on what caused the damage and how extensive it is. Always contact a roofing professional for help or advice.
