Your roof takes a beating every year from Pittsburgh’s freeze-thaw cycles, heavy snow loads, and summer storms. When it’s time to replace it, asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice for Western PA homeowners because they balance cost, durability, and curb appeal better than almost any other material. Whether you’re hiring a contractor or want to understand what professional asphalt shingle installation involves, this guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
Key Takeaways
- Asphalt shingles are the most cost-effective roofing material for most Pittsburgh homes, with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years when properly installed.
- A successful installation depends on more than just the shingles themselves. Proper underlayment, flashing, and drip edge are just as important as the shingles on top.
- DIY installation is possible for experienced homeowners, but improper nailing patterns, poor flashing, or skipped underlayment can void your manufacturer warranty.
- Most asphalt shingle roof replacements take one to two days for a professional crew. Preparation and cleanup are a significant part of that timeline.
- Maintenance matters. Regular inspections after severe weather and keeping gutters clear can add years to your roof’s life.
Understanding Asphalt Shingles
What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing material made from a fiberglass or organic base mat, coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. They come in a variety of styles, colors, and textures, offering a versatile and attractive option for residential roofs.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles come in a variety of forms, including:
- Three-Tab Shingles: The most basic and economical option, featuring a flat, uniform appearance.
- Architectural Shingles (also known as dimensional or laminate shingles): These offer a more textured, layered look and provide better durability.
- Luxury Shingles: These imitate the appearance of more expensive roofing materials like slate or wood shakes, offering premium aesthetics and performance.
Benefits of Asphalt Shingles
An asphalt shingle roof comes with a wide range of benefits to help protect your home.
- Affordability: Asphalt shingles are one of the most cost-effective roofing materials available.
- Durability: With proper installation, asphalt shingles can last between 20 to 30 years.
- Variety: Available in numerous colors and styles to match any home’s exterior.
- Ease of Installation: Asphalt shingles are straightforward to install, making them a suitable option for DIY projects.
Why Pittsburgh Homeowners Should Choose Architectural Shingles
Western Pennsylvania’s climate is genuinely tough on roofs. Pittsburgh averages around 40 inches of snow per year, and the region’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles put constant stress on roofing materials as water expands and contracts inside any weak points in the system. Three-tab shingles, while cheaper upfront, are a single layer of material with limited wind resistance, typically rated to around 60 mph. That makes them a poor fit for a region that sees ice dams, heavy snow loads, and strong storms rolling through the Ohio Valley.
Architectural shingles are a smarter investment for most Pittsburgh homes. Their laminated, multi-layer construction handles wind speeds up to 130 mph depending on the product, resists cracking through temperature swings, and sheds water and ice more effectively along the roof’s surface. They also carry longer manufacturer warranties, typically 30 years to lifetime, which matters when you’re making a decision that’s meant to last through Pittsburgh winters for decades to come.
If you’re unsure which shingle is right for your home’s pitch, age, or exposure, that’s exactly the kind of question the team at McCormick Renovations can answer before you commit to a product.
Preparation for Installation
When it’s time to install roof shingles, a little preparation goes a long way.
Assessing Your Roof
Before you start, inspect your roof for any damage or structural issues that need addressing. Look for:
- Rotten or damaged deck boards
- Loose or missing flashing
- Signs of water damage or leaks
Gathering Materials and Tools
Ensure you have the following materials and tools:
- Asphalt shingles
- Roofing nails
- Underlayment
- Drip edge
- Flashing
- Roofing cement
- Chalk line
- Hammer or pneumatic nail gun
- Utility knife
- Ladder
- Safety harness
Removing Old Shingles
If you’re replacing an existing roof, you’ll need to remove the old shingles. Use a roofing shovel or pitchfork to lift and dispose of the old materials. Be cautious to avoid damaging the roof deck during this process.
A Simple 8 Step Installation Guide
Whether you’re looking to install asphalt shingles on your own, or are interested in hiring a professional, it’s important to know what to expect. Here are the key steps when it comes to installing shingles.
Step 1: Install the Drip Edge
Start by installing a metal drip edge along the eaves and rakes of your roof. The drip edge prevents water from seeping into the roof deck and directs it away from the fascia board.
- Use roofing nails to secure the drip edge, spacing them about 12 inches apart.
- Overlap sections of the drip edge by at least 2 inches to ensure continuous protection.
Step 2: Lay the Underlayment
The underlayment acts as a secondary barrier against water infiltration.
- Roll out the underlayment horizontally across the roof deck, starting from the eave and working your way upward.
- Overlap each row by at least 4 inches.
- Secure the underlayment with roofing nails or staples, ensuring it’s taut and wrinkle-free.
Step 3: Install Flashing
Flashing is essential for waterproofing areas where the roof meets vertical surfaces, such as chimneys, skylights, and vents.
- Cut pieces of flashing to fit around the protrusions.
- Secure the flashing with roofing nails and seal the edges with roofing cement for added protection.
Step 4: Apply Starter Shingles
Starter shingles provide an extra layer of protection along the eaves and rakes.
- Cut off the tabs from a row of three-tab shingles to create starter shingles.
- Lay the starter shingles along the eaves, ensuring they overhang the drip edge by about 1/4 to 3/4 inch.
- Secure the starter shingles with roofing nails, placing them about 6 inches apart.
Step 5: Install the First Row of Shingles
Now comes the main part of the installation—the asphalt shingles themselves.
- Begin at the bottom corner of the roof and work your way across the eaves.
- Lay the first row of shingles, ensuring they overhang the starter shingles slightly.
- Use the chalk line to ensure the shingles are aligned properly.
- Secure each shingle with four roofing nails, placing them just below the adhesive strip and about 1 inch from each edge.
Step 6: Continue Installing Rows of Shingles
- Lay the second row of shingles, staggering the seams to prevent water infiltration.
- Use the cut-off pieces from the previous row to start the next row.
- Continue this process, working your way up the roof. Ensure each row is aligned properly using the chalk line.
Step 7: Install Ridge Cap Shingles
Ridge cap shingles protect the roof’s peak and add a finishing touch.
- Cut three-tab shingles into individual caps.
- Bend each cap to fit over the ridge and secure it with roofing nails.
- Overlap each cap slightly, working your way across the ridge.
Step 8: Final Inspection and Cleanup
- Inspect the roof for any missed nails or shingles that need securing.
- Clean up any debris from the installation process, ensuring your gutters are clear of materials.
Maintenance Tips for Asphalt Shingle Roofs
After installing your new shingles, you’ll want to ensure that they stay in top-notch shape! Here are the ultimate maintenance tips to keep your roof healthy.
Regular Inspections
Conduct regular inspections, especially after severe weather, to check for:
- Loose or missing shingles
- Damaged flashing
- Debris buildup
Moss and Algae Prevention
Clean your roof periodically to prevent moss and algae growth. Use a mixture of water and bleach, applying it gently with a soft-bristle brush.
Gutter Maintenance
Ensure your gutters are clean and free of debris to allow proper drainage and prevent water damage to your roof.
Hire a Pittsburgh Asphalt Shingle Roofing Contractor
Asphalt shingle installation done right starts long before the first shingle goes down. It requires proper assessment of the existing deck, correctly installed underlayment and flashing, and a crew that understands how Western Pennsylvania’s climate affects every layer of the roofing system.
McCormick Renovations has been serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding Westmoreland County area for over 30 years. As a family-owned and operated contractor, we’ve installed and replaced hundreds of asphalt shingle roofs across the region and we stand behind the quality of every job we complete.
If you’re ready to replace your roof or just want an honest assessment of what you’re working with, reach out to our team today. We’ll walk you through your options, help you choose the right shingle for your home and budget, and give you a clear estimate with no pressure.
Get in touch with McCormick Renovations to schedule your free roof inspection.
