3-tab shingles
A single layer with cut-outs that form three tabs. This is the basic, least expensive shingle and a flat look. It is more common on new construction than on replacements today.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Northern Virginia
Asphalt shingles cover most houses in the region, and the same shingle can be installed well or badly. This page explains the shingle types, what goes under and around them, how an installation runs and when a shingle roof should be repaired instead of replaced. Sterling Roofers works on shingle roofs across Northern Virginia, Washington DC and Maryland.
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Shingle roofsRepair and replacement
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What it is
What is an asphalt shingle roof made of?
The Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association lists the same core materials in every asphalt shingle: a fiberglass mat, asphalt that sheds water and holds the granules, mineral fillers, ceramic-coated granules on the face and a mineral back surface. The granules give the color and shield the asphalt from ultraviolet light.
That is why "fiberglass shingle" and "asphalt shingle" usually describe the same product. It is also why a worn roof sheds granules into the gutters: the surface that protects the asphalt is wearing away. If you are still comparing coverings, the roofing materials compared page sets shingles beside metal, synthetic and flat systems.
Shingle types
Which asphalt shingle types are there?
Manufacturers group their products into three families.
Laminated shingles
Two layers joined together for depth and shadow lines. Also called architectural or dimensional shingles, this is the most common asphalt shingle sold.
Premium and designer shingles
Shaped or colored to imitate shake, tile or slate. Some lines also add performance features such as higher impact resistance.
Beyond the family, compare four ratings on the product data sheet. Wind resistance is tested to ASTM D3161 (Class F is the highest) or ASTM D7158 (Class H is the highest). Impact resistance follows UL 2218, from Class 1 to Class 4. Fire resistance follows UL 790 or ASTM E 108, and most asphalt shingle roof assemblies reach Class A. Algae-resistant shingles carry copper granules that slow the dark streaks algae causes, which spoil the look of a roof but do not damage the shingle.
| Question | 3-tab | Laminated | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Look | Flat, uniform | Dimensional | Imitates shake, tile or slate |
| Cost position | Lowest of the three | Middle | Highest |
| Check first | Wind class and availability | Exact product line and ratings | Whether the HOA allows the profile |
Installation
How is an asphalt shingle roof installed?
The shingles are the visible layer. The order of work below is what keeps water out.
1. Tear-off and deck check
The old covering comes off so the roof deck can be seen. Soft or damaged boards are replaced.
2. Edges and underlayment
Edge metal goes on, then water-resistant underlayment over the deck, with self-adhered ice and water barrier in vulnerable areas such as eaves, valleys and flashings.
3. Starter and field shingles
A starter row at the eaves helps prevent blow-offs. Shingles then follow the manufacturer's nailing pattern.
4. Flashing and penetrations
Walls, chimneys, skylights and pipes get flashing sized to the opening, not just sealant.
5. Ridge, vents and cleanup
Hip and ridge caps and ventilation are installed, then debris is hauled away.
The full project checklist is on our roof replacement page.
Ventilation and flashing
Why do ventilation and flashing decide how long shingles last?
Ventilation is the quiet factor. Balanced intake and exhaust lowers attic temperature and removes moisture, which the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association says helps extend the service life of a shingle roof. A ridge vent with blocked soffit intake does little, so check both ends of the air path.
Flashing is where most shingle roofs actually leak. Shingles shed water downhill, but water has to be diverted around every chimney, wall, valley and vent pipe. Those joints fail long before the field of shingles does, which is why a roof can look fine from the street and still stain a ceiling. Our roof repair page walks through how a leak is traced back to its entry point.
Repair or replace
When should a shingle roof be repaired and when replaced?
Lifespan depends on the product, installation, ventilation and exposure, so age alone does not settle it.
Repair usually fits when
Damage is limited to a few shingles, a failed vent boot or a flashing joint, and the surrounding shingles are still flexible and sealed. See roof shingle repair costs and the guide to missing shingle repair.
Replacement usually fits when
Granule loss is widespread, shingles are curling or cracking, leaks keep returning in different places or the deck is soft. Repairs would then chase the next leak.
After wind, hail or a fallen limb, start with a roof inspection and read the storm damage roof inspection guide. If you think insurance may apply, see roof insurance claim help and storm damage roofing. Low-slope porch or addition roofs are not shingle jobs, and our flat and commercial roofing page covers them.
Permits and approvals
Do I need a permit to replace asphalt shingles in Northern Virginia?
It depends on the jurisdiction and the scope. Fairfax County guidance lists replacement of roof shingles as work that does not need a building permit, while roof repairs and chimney repairs are listed as permit items, and the building official decides. Other localities differ, so confirm the scope with the one that covers your parcel before work starts. An HOA architectural committee may also approve the shingle profile and color even when the county needs nothing. Browse the service areas by jurisdiction for how places compare, or see Fairfax, Reston, Herndon, Arlington and Alexandria. We also work in Washington DC and Maryland, including Bethesda and Silver Spring.
Reviews
A review from a Google customer
Word for word from the Google profile, rated 5.0 across 28 reviews.
★★★★★
“I chose Sterling Roofing to install my new roof due to their 5 star reviews online. I am very happy I did. Their estimate was extremely reasonable and their employees are very professional. They did an excellent job!”
Before you sign
What should a shingle proposal spell out?
Ask for the exact shingle line and color, the underlayment and ice barrier locations, the starter, ridge and vent products, how flashing is handled at each wall and chimney and what happens if the deck needs boards replaced. Compare debris removal, exclusions and warranty documents line by line, because two proposals using the same shingle can still differ in everything underneath it. Our guide to questions to ask a roofing contractor has a longer list, and roof replacement in Fairfax gives local context.
FAQ
Asphalt shingle questions
What is the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?
A 3-tab shingle is a single flat layer with three tabs. An architectural, or laminated, shingle joins two layers for a dimensional look and is the most common type. Compare the specific product ratings rather than the family name alone.
Are fiberglass shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing?
Usually yes. Modern asphalt shingles are built on a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt and granules, so the two names describe one product. Older organic-mat shingles are rarely sold today.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?
There is no single number. The shingle line, ventilation, installation quality and weather exposure all change it, and a warranty term is not a promised lifespan. Condition on the roof tells you more than age.
What do the F and H wind classes on a shingle mean?
They come from two wind tests. ASTM D3161 rates Class F as its highest, and ASTM D7158 rates Class H as its highest. A rating only holds when the shingles are nailed as the manufacturer specifies.
Is a Class 4 impact-rated shingle hail-proof?
No. UL 2218 rates impact resistance from Class 1 to Class 4, and Class 4 is the highest, but it lowers risk and does not remove it. Some insurers discount premiums for Class 4 shingles, so ask your insurer.
Can new shingles go over the old layer?
Sometimes a recover is possible, but a tear-off lets the deck and flashing be inspected and avoids added weight. Ask any contractor proposing a second layer to explain what they will not be able to see.
Why does my shingle roof have dark streaks?
Usually algae. It affects appearance but does not damage the shingle. Algae-resistant shingles use copper granules to slow it. Streaks are different from bare patches where granules have worn off.
What does the starter row do on a shingle roof?
It is the first row of specially sized shingles at the eaves and helps prevent blow-offs along the edge, where wind lifts shingles first.
Talk through the next step
Discuss your roof with Sterling Roofers
Share the property address, the condition you are seeing and the decision you need to make.