You’ve decided the old roof has to go, and now you’re flipping through shingle brochures that all seem to promise the same things. Every product line claims wind resistance, good looks and long life. If you’re shopping for asphalt shingle roofing in Altamonte Springs, the hard part is telling which details matter in Central Florida and which are just packaging.
You’re about to spend real money on something you’ll live under for a long time, so it makes sense to want the choices explained plainly, without a sales pitch.
APC Roofing is GAF Certified, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured, and has been putting roofs on Central Florida homes since 2017. Your inspection and estimate are free. Call 407-270-1129 and we’ll walk you through your options on your own roof.
What’s inside an asphalt shingle
A fiberglass mat sits in the middle and gives the shingle its strength. Asphalt coats that mat and makes it waterproof. Crushed mineral granules are pressed into the top to shield the asphalt from sunlight and give the shingle its color.
Two shingles that look alike on a sample board can be built very differently. A heavier shingle generally carries more asphalt and holds up better over time. The manufacturer’s spec sheet, not the color chip, tells you what you’re actually buying.
The main types of asphalt shingles
3-tab shingles are one flat layer with slots cut into the bottom edge. They’re lighter and simpler, and they’ve mostly given way to thicker shingles on new roofs. Our page on 3-tab shingle roofing covers where they still fit.
Architectural shingles, also called laminated or dimensional, are two or more layers bonded together. They’re the most common choice for Florida homes now. See architectural shingle roofing in Altamonte Springs for more.
Premium or designer shingles are heavier still and are shaped to look like slate or wood shake.
Asphalt shingle roofing in Altamonte Springs: the specs that matter here
Wind rating
Every bundle lists a wind rating, and that rating only holds when the shingle is installed the way the manufacturer specifies, including how many nails go in and where. With summer storms that gust hard and a hurricane season that runs June 1 through November 30, ask two questions: is this shingle rated for high-wind areas, and how will it be nailed?
Algae resistance
The black streaks on so many roofs around Seminole County are usually algae feeding on the shingle surface. Lots of shingles now come with algae-resistant granules that slow the streaking. In a climate this humid, that’s worth asking for, especially on slopes shaded by trees.
Color and heat
Dark shingles absorb more sun and run hotter on the surface, while lighter colors reflect more of it. Some product lines use reflective granules and publish a reflectance number you can compare. If your neighborhood has an HOA, check its approved colors before you fall for one.
Impact resistance
Impact-rated shingles are built to take hail hits better. Hail isn’t as common in Central Florida as in some parts of the country, but strong thunderstorms can still drop it. It’s an option to ask about, not a must-have for most homes here.
How asphalt shingles age in Central Florida
A brand-new roof sheds a few loose granules in its first months. That’s normal and tapers off. Years later, a steady pile of granules in the gutters means the surface is wearing thin.
The south and west slopes usually wear first, because they take the hardest afternoon sun. As the asphalt dries, the shingle stiffens, the corners start to curl and small cracks open across the face. The sealant strip that bonds each row to the one below also weakens with age, so tabs that rode out earlier storms start lifting.
Algae streaks can show up at any age. Skip the pressure washer. High-pressure water blasts off granules, and a roof that looks clean afterward can be worse off. A low-pressure cleaner made for roofs is the safer route.
Asphalt shingles compared with metal and tile
Asphalt shingles cost less up front than most metal or tile roofs, they’re quick to install and they’re straightforward to repair after a storm. That’s why they cover so many homes in Altamonte Springs.
Metal and tile generally last longer and handle Florida weather well, but they cost more and take longer to put on. If you plan to stay in your home for many years, it’s worth comparing standing seam metal roofing and clay tile roofing before you decide.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 407-270-1129 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You get photos of your roof, a recommendation on whether to repair or replace, and a written estimate that names the shingle line and color. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Your new roof goes on and the site gets cleaned up. Many residential shingle roofs are finished in a single day.
Asphalt shingle questions from Altamonte Springs homeowners
What asphalt shingle do most Florida homes get now?
Architectural shingles. They’re thicker than 3-tab, generally carry higher wind ratings and come in a wide range of colors.
Are algae-resistant shingles worth it?
In Seminole County’s humidity, usually yes. They slow the dark streaking that shows up on shaded slopes, which keeps the roof looking newer longer.
Can asphalt shingles handle a hurricane?
A high-wind-rated shingle that’s nailed to the manufacturer’s specs holds up well in strong wind. No roof is storm-proof, though, so have it checked after a big storm.
How do I get rid of black streaks on my shingles?
Don’t pressure-wash them. A low-pressure, roof-safe cleaner removes the algae without stripping granules. If the streaks keep coming back, algae-resistant shingles are worth considering at your next replacement.
Pick the right shingle once
The wrong shingle, or the right one nailed the wrong way, shows up in the first big storm as lifted tabs and a call to the roofer. Getting the product and the installation right the first time is what keeps that from happening.
Call 407-270-1129 to book your free inspection, and end up with a roof that suits your house, stands up to Florida weather and doesn’t come with a surprise bill.
