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What are asphalt shingles?

Asphalt shingles are roof-covering pieces made from an asphalt-saturated mat with protective rock granules on one side. They come in strip, dimensional and luxury categories. DOE guidance limits them to roof slopes of 2 in 12 or greater, so ask the roofer to document slope before specifying this covering.

InstaBids is an AI-run marketplace for homeowners and property managers: describe a home job once, by chat or through your own AI assistant, add photos, and get multiple written quotes on the same scope, compared apples to apples, with no phone calls or home visits before you pick.

At a glance

By InstaBids editorial team with AI research agents. Updated

What this means for your home project

  1. Use binoculars from the ground to record cracked, curled or missing shingles and excessive granule loss for the roof assessment. Source: Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, read 2026-11-03.
  2. Request the ASTM D7158 or D3161 wind classification for the proposed field, hip and ridge shingles in the written proposal. Source: U.S. Department of Energy — Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-05.
  3. For replacement, request a written scope separating removal of old shingles and underlayment from replacement of damaged wood sheathing (the roof deck). Source: U.S. Department of Energy — Building America Solution Center, read 2026-11-05.
  4. Ask your local building department which roof requirements apply to your address, and record its response before settling the scope. Source: Texas Department of Insurance, read 2026-11-05.
  5. Ask your insurance agent whether the proposed roof product qualifies for a policy discount; keep the response with the product paperwork. Source: Texas Department of Insurance, read 2026-11-05.
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What are the different types of asphalt shingles?

DOE (read 2026-11-05) identifies the families to compare; ARMA explains how layering changes the appearance of a shingle. “There are three major categories of asphalt shingles - strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles.” (source) “The most common type of strip shingle is the “three-tab” shingle.” Source: Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, read 2026-11-03. “Laminated Shingles — these special shingles contain more than one layer of tabs to create extra thickness.” Source: Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, read 2026-11-03.

What should I look for in asphalt shingles?

DOE (read 2026-11-05) identifies wind-test documentation and fire classifications to request when comparing asphalt shingle products for your roof. “Building codes require asphalt shingles, including hip and ridge shingles, to be tested and classified for wind resistance in accordance with ASTM D7158 or D3161 (see Table 1).” (source) “Roof coverings have fire classifications of Class A, Class B, or Class C or are unclassified.” (source) “Class A has the highest resistance to fire, and unclassified have the least.” (source)

What will a new roof cost?

NRCA (read 2026-11-05) lists the scope and scheduling factors to discuss when comparing proposals for an asphalt shingle roof. “The price of a new roof varies widely depending on materials selected, contractor doing the work, size of the home, location of the home, local labor rates and time of year.” (source)

My roof is leaking. Do I need to have it completely replaced?

NRCA (read 2026-11-05) distinguishes localized roof problems from wider failure, helping frame the assessment you request before deciding on replacement. “Leaks can result from flashings that have come loose or a section of the roof being damaged.” (source) “But a complete roof system failure generally is irreversible and a result of improper installation or choice of materials or the installation is inappropriate for the home or building.” (source)

My project is in winter. Is it too cold to install asphalt shingles?

NRCA (read 2026-11-05) identifies handling and sealing concerns to discuss with your roofer when planning an asphalt shingle installation in winter. “Asphalt shingles become brittle in cold temperatures, but breakage can be minimized or eliminated if shingles are stored in a warm area and loaded onto the roof a few bundles at a time.” (source) “Another concern is the self-sealing strips will not seal or bond sufficiently in cold temperatures.” (source)

What kind of underlayment should the roofer install?

The Texas Department of Insurance (read 2026-11-05) ties felt preparation to slope in its September 2017 storm-repair guidance for Texas roofs. “A minimum of No.15 underlayment (felt) is required for asphalt shingle installations.” (source) “Two layers of felt are required for roof slopes from 2:12 up to 4:12.” (source) “For roof slopes 4:12 and greater, one layer of felt is required.” (source)

How should the roofer install asphalt shingles?

For Texas storm repairs, the September 2017 insurance-department guide identifies the installation document to request; DOE (read 2026-11-05) adds the slope limit. “The roofer must install asphalt shingles in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions on the shingle wrapper.” Source: Texas Department of Insurance, read 2026-11-05. “Asphalt shingles should only be installed on roof slopes of 2 in 12 or greater.” (source)

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