Asphalt roof replacement

Asphalt roof replacement

What is an asphalt roof replacement?

An asphalt shingle roof is a roof system made primarily out of asphalt shingles and other asphalt roofing components. But what does it mean to replace your asphalt roof? 

An asphalt roof replacement is tearing off your old roofing materials down to the decking and installing all-new asphalt roofing components (underlayment, shingles, etc.). 

Be aware, you can choose to bypass the tear-off process and nail-over your existing asphalt roof to save money. However, your old asphalt roof has to be in the right condition for this to happen.

With that in mind, most asphalt roofs aren’t going to be a good candidate for a nail-over. To learn if this could be an option for you, read this article on nail-over vs. roof replacement. 

4 things you need to know about your asphalt roof replacement

Now that you know what an asphalt roof replacement is, you’re ready to learn some things you need to know about it. Knowing things like your asphalt shingle options, the replacement process, and more helps prepare you for your asphalt roof replacement. 

Continue reading to learn the 4 things you need to know about your asphalt roof replacement. 

1. The 3 types of asphalt shingles 

For your asphalt roof replacement, you’ll have the option to keep your current type of asphalt shingle or upgrade to a different one. But what are your asphalt shingle options?

The three types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. While 3-tab used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury style shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price. 

3-tab asphalt shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip. They’re the cheapest of the 3 types of asphalt shingles.

Dimensional shingles give you a good looking random pattern or simulate the look of a wood shake roof. This is the most popular asphalt shingle on the market today.

Luxury or premium shingles are actually larger than the other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate. They are the most expensive of 3 types of asphalt shingles.

This is just a brief explanation of the types of asphalt shingles. To help you find the right asphalt shingle for your roof replacement, read this article on which asphalt shingle is right for you. 

2. The roofing materials included in your asphalt roof replacement

Now that you know your asphalt shingle options, you need to know the rest of the roofing materials that are part of your asphalt roof replacement. 

Your asphalt roof replacement will be a combination of different key roofing components and materials to ensure your home stays leak-free. While the asphalt shingles are the bulk of an asphalt roof, all the other roofing materials are just as important. 

The main materials and components that make up your asphalt roof are: 

• Roof decking
• Roof flashing 
• Underlayment 
• Drip edge 
• Ice and water shield 
• Shingles 
• Ridge capping 
• Roof vents 
• Pipe boots
• Flashing

All of these materials are important to help your asphalt roof do what it does best, protecting you and your family. To learn more about the functions of each roofing component and material, read this article on the 9 materials included in your roof replacement.

3. The asphalt roof replacement process 

The day your asphalt roof is installed is the most important day in the life of your roof. It must be installed using correct roofing techniques to truly give you peace of mind. But what does the asphalt roof replacement process look like?

The first step to your asphalt roof replacement is getting all the roofing materials delivered to your home. Then on the day of your replacement, your local roofing contractor will ensure all the vehicles are moved out of your driveway or garage.

After making sure everything is clear for them to start, they’ll start setting up protection for your property and begin the tear-off process. After your old roof is torn off to a clean decking, they’ll begin installing all of your new roofing materials. 

Once your new roof is properly installed, your contractor will clean up your property and inspect your new roof to ensure the workmanship reaches the high standards you expect. 

This is a short summary of what your replacement looks like. To go into more details about the entire replacement process, read this article on the 8-step process to replace your roof.

4. How long your new asphalt roof will last 

Now that you know the asphalt roof replacement process, you’re ready to learn how long your new asphalt roof will last. 

Your new asphalt roof should get as close as possible to the manufacturer’s specified lifespan as long it’s properly installed and properly ventilated. With that in mind, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of your asphalt roof replacement.

For example, a dimensional asphalt shingle roof (the most common type of roof) has a lifespan of 30 years. This means you can expect to get 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.

To learn more about how much life you can expect to get out of your asphalt roof replacement, read this article on how long your asphalt roof will last. 

How much will your asphalt roof replacement cost?

Now you know what an asphalt roof replacement is and 4 things you need to know about it. After reading this, you have a better understanding and what to expect out an asphalt roof replacement.

But there’s still one crucial thing we didn’t cover, the cost of an asphalt roof. Unlike other roofing companies, we’re not afraid to answer pricing questions. 

That’s why we wrote another article to help you understand the cost of a new asphalt roof.