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What To Know About Asphalt Shingles: The Benefits, Cost, Installation Process, & More

If you’re considering a new roof, asphalt shingles are probably one of the first options you’ve looked at—and for good reason. They’re durable, versatile, and available in a wide range of styles that complement everything from historic farmhouses to newer homes.

But choosing a new roof involves more than picking a shingle color. The quality of the installation, the materials beneath the shingles, and the condition of your existing roof all affect how well your roof protects your home for years to come.

Here’s what we think every homeowner should know before deciding if asphalt shingles are the right choice.

Why Homeowners Choose Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roofing materials because they offer a balance of appearance, performance, and value.

Many homeowners choose asphalt shingles because they:

Offer a lower upfront investment than many premium roofing materials
Come in a wide variety of colors and styles
Complement many architectural styles
Can often be installed in a single day, depending on the size and complexity of the roof

While the shingles themselves are important, they’re only one part of a complete roofing system. The flashing, ventilation, underlayment, and installation all work together to help protect your home from the elements.

What Affects the Cost of an Asphalt Shingle Roof?

Two homes with similar square footage can have very different roofing costs depending on the condition of the existing roof and the amount of work involved.

Some of the biggest factors include:

Roof size and pitch
Whether the existing roof needs to be removed
The condition of the roof deck
Chimneys, skylights, valleys, and other roof features
Ventilation and flashing improvements
The style of shingle you choose

When we prepare an estimate, we explain exactly what’s included so you know what to expect before work begins. Our goal is to help you make an informed decision—not leave you guessing.

How Long Does an Asphalt Shingle Roof Last?

A properly installed asphalt shingle roof can provide decades of reliable protection, but no two roofs age exactly the same.

Several factors influence how long your roof will perform, including:

Installation quality
Proper attic ventilation
Weather exposure
Routine maintenance
The quality of the roofing materials

One of the biggest misconceptions is that the shingles alone determine the life of the roof. In reality, every part of the roofing system matters.

That’s why we don’t just look at the shingles. We also evaluate flashing, ventilation, underlayment, and the condition of the roof deck to help ensure your new roof performs the way it’s designed to.

Choosing the Right Style

Today’s asphalt shingles come in more styles than many homeowners realize. We can help explain the differences between traditional 3-tab shingles, dimensional architectural shingles, and more distinctive designer options, helping you narrow down what may work best for your home and budget.

Choosing the Right Color

When choosing a shingle color, think about how it works with your siding, trim, brick, or stone—not just how it looks on a sample board.

We always recommend looking at full-size samples whenever possible because colors often appear different outdoors than they do online or inside a showroom.

If you’re not sure which option is right for your home, we’ll review the choices with you and help narrow them down.

What Happens During a Roof Replacement?

Many asphalt shingle roof replacements can be completed in as little as one day, although larger or more complex homes may take longer.

A typical installation includes:

Protecting your landscaping and property
Removing the existing roofing materials
Inspecting the roof deck
Replacing damaged wood if necessary
Installing leak protection, underlayment, flashing, and shingles
Cleaning the property and performing a final inspection

While homeowners naturally focus on the shingles they’ll see every day, the materials underneath are just as important.

That’s why we install complete GAF residential roofing systems. Proper flashing helps direct water away from vulnerable areas, underlayment adds another layer of protection, and balanced ventilation helps manage heat and moisture in the attic. Together, these components help your roof perform better over the long term.

Should You Repair or Replace Your Roof?

Not every roofing issue means it’s time for a replacement.

A repair may be the right solution if the damage is limited to one area and the rest of the roof is still in good condition.

Replacement is often the better long-term investment when:

Damage affects multiple areas of the roof
Shingles are curling, cracking, or becoming brittle
Leaks continue to return
The roof has already had several repairs
The roofing system is nearing the end of its service life

If you’re unsure which option makes sense, we’ll inspect your roof, explain what we find, and recommend the solution that best fits your home’s condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can asphalt shingles be installed during the winter?

Yes. We install asphalt shingles throughout much of the year when weather conditions allow and manufacturer installation guidelines can be followed safely.

Can damaged shingles be repaired?

Often, yes. If the damage is isolated and the rest of the roof is in good condition, a repair may be all that’s needed. During our inspection, we’ll let you know whether a repair is likely to solve the problem or whether replacement is the better long-term investment.

Why are granules collecting in my gutters?

Some granule loss is normal as shingles age. However, excessive granules or bare spots on the shingles can be signs of wear or storm damage. If you notice a significant amount of granules in your gutters, we’re happy to inspect your roof and help determine whether there’s cause for concern.

What warranties come with a new roof?

We offer lifetime workmanship warranty on all our installations. We also offer a Master GAF 50-year warranty from the manufacturer for shingle roof installations.

A lifetime shingle warranty doesn’t mean your roof is covered forever. In most cases, it protects against manufacturing defects for as long as you own your home, but it doesn’t cover issues like improper installation, storm damage, or normal wear and tear. That’s why choosing an experienced roofing contractor and understanding the details of your warranty are just as important as selecting the shingles themselves.

A Quality Roof Is More Than Just Shingles

The shingles you choose are important, but they’re only one part of a roof that will protect your home for years to come. Proper installation, quality materials, ventilation, flashing, and attention to detail all contribute to a roofing system that performs as it should.

As a GAF Master Elite® Certified Roofing Contractor, we’re committed to helping homeowners make informed decisions about their roofs. Whether you’re replacing an aging roof or exploring your options for the first time, we’ll answer your questions, explain the process, and provide a detailed estimate without pressure.

If you’re considering an asphalt shingle roof, we’d be happy to help. Contact Sheeley Roofing to schedule a roof evaluation and see which roofing system is the best fit for your home.

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