The workhorse roof, installed the way the manufacturer intended.
Architectural and designer shingles — the right choice for most homes in our region.
Most of the roofs we install are architectural asphalt shingle, and that is not a compromise — it is the right answer for the overwhelming majority of homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. Architectural shingles are laminated from multiple layers, which gives them the depth and shadow line that flat three-tab shingles never had, along with meaningfully better wind resistance and a much longer service life.
What separates one shingle roof from another is almost entirely what sits underneath and around it. Ice-and-water membrane at the eaves and in every valley. Synthetic underlayment across the field. Starter strip at the rakes and eaves so the first course is properly sealed rather than relying on adhesive alone. Correct nailing — in the nail zone, the right number, driven flush rather than overdriven through the mat. Ridge ventilation sized to the intake at the soffit.
Skip any of those and the roof still looks finished on handover day. It just fails early, and it fails in ways the manufacturer will decline to cover, because almost every shingle warranty is conditional on installation to specification.
Above architectural shingle sits the designer tier — heavier, dimensional profiles that imitate slate or shake at a fraction of the weight and cost. They are worth considering on a house whose architecture asks for it, and unnecessary on one that does not.
What's included
- Architectural and designer laminated shingle systems
- Ice-and-water membrane at eaves and valleys, synthetic underlayment across the field
- Starter strip at rakes and eaves; correct nail placement and count
- Balanced ridge and soffit ventilation as part of every quote
- Installation to manufacturer specification so the material warranty stands
Where we do this work
We run 15 local offices across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland, and every one of them handles asphalt shingle roofing. Find the office nearest you:
Exton, PA · Allentown, PA · Lancaster, PA · Media, PA · Carlisle, PA · Doylestown, PA · Harrisburg, PA · Albrightsville, PA · Willow Grove, PA · Mt Laurel Township, NJ · Vineland, NJ · Williamstown, NJ · Hampton, NJ · Longport, NJ · Belcamp, MD
Not sure which office covers you? The service area index lists every county and town we cover. Or call (856) 292-7046 and we will route you.
Related services
Roof Installation · Roof Repair · Roof Replacement · Gutter Installation & Guards · Roof Inspection · Storm Damage Roof Repair
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Asphalt Shingle Roofing — common questions
What is the difference between architectural and 3-tab shingles?
Three-tab shingles are a single flat layer with cut-outs that create the tab pattern. Architectural shingles laminate two or more layers together, which gives them a dimensional look, a higher wind rating, and a considerably longer service life. Three-tab is now rare on new work outside of budget-driven projects.
How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?
Service life depends far more on ventilation, installation quality, and sun exposure than on the shingle itself. A well-ventilated, correctly installed architectural roof on a shaded northern slope will considerably outlast the same shingle on an unventilated attic facing full afternoon sun.
Can you install new shingles over the old ones?
Codes in our states often permit a second layer, but we recommend a full tear-off in almost every case. Layering hides the decking, so nobody sees the rot or the failed fasteners underneath; it adds weight; and it traps heat that shortens the life of the new shingles.
What is granule loss and should I worry about it?
The granules are the ceramic coating that shields the asphalt from ultraviolet light. A little shedding after installation is normal. Bald patches, or a steady accumulation of granules in the gutters years later, means the shingle is past its useful life and the asphalt underneath is now exposed.
Do I need ice and water shield?
In this climate, yes — and we install it as standard rather than as an upgrade line item. It is the self-adhering membrane at the eaves and in the valleys that stops water backing up under the shingles when an ice dam forms at the roof edge.
Need asphalt shingle roofing? Get a free estimate today.
Free, no-obligation estimates. Licensed & insured in PA, NJ, MD & DE.