It’s time for a new roof, and the shingle samples all look about the same in the brochure. One contractor says architectural, another mentions impact-resistant, and a third quotes a lower-priced brand you’ve never heard of. If you’re shopping for asphalt shingle roofing in Overland Park, you want to know which differences matter for your house and which are just color names.
That’s worth getting right. You’ll live under this roof for a long time, and a shingle that suits Kansas hail and winters will save you headaches that a bargain one won’t.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified contractor, licensed and insured, and in business since 2017. Your inspection and estimate are free. Call 913-398-5020 and a roofer will look at your current roof and help you match the shingle to the house.
Why asphalt shingles cover most Overland Park homes
Drive through almost any Johnson County neighborhood and you’ll see mostly asphalt shingles. They’re affordable compared with metal or tile, they come in a wide range of colors and styles, and nearly every roofer knows how to install and repair them. They also handle Kansas weather well when they’re the right product and they’re installed correctly.
What the weather here does to them is predictable. Hail knocks the protective granules loose and can bruise the mat underneath. Spring winds test the seal between each shingle and the one above it. Winter freeze-thaw and ice at the eaves work on the edges, and summer sun slowly dries the asphalt out.
The types of asphalt shingles
3-tab shingles
The traditional flat look, with evenly spaced cutouts. They’re thinner and lighter than architectural shingles and usually carry lower wind ratings. Fewer colors are made today, but they’re still an option if you’re matching an older roof. More on 3-tab shingle roofing in Overland Park.
Architectural shingles
Two or more layers laminated together, which gives the roof a thicker, dimensional look. They’re the most common choice on new roofs because they’re heavier, hold up better in wind and hide small imperfections in the deck. See architectural shingle roofing in Overland Park.
Premium and designer shingles
Heavier still, and cut to look like slate or wood shake. They’re a step up in price and in curb appeal.
Impact-resistant shingles
Made with a tougher mat or a rubberized asphalt so they resist cracking when hail hits. Look for a Class 4 impact rating (UL 2218) on the product. In a metro that sees hail most springs, they’re worth pricing out. Some insurance companies treat them differently, so ask your agent how it affects your policy.
Details that make a shingle roof last in Kansas
The seal strip. Each shingle has a band of adhesive that bonds it to the one below once the sun warms it. Shingles installed in cold weather may not seal until spring, which leaves them more open to wind in the meantime. Good installers follow the manufacturer’s cold-weather guidance, which can include hand-sealing.
Nailing. Shingles hold against wind because the nails go in the right spot and at the right depth. Nails set too high or driven crooked are one of the most common reasons shingles blow off.
Ice protection. A self-adhering membrane along the eaves and in the valleys keeps meltwater from backing up under the shingles when ice forms at the roof edge.
Algae resistance. Those dark streaks on shaded, north-facing slopes are algae. Many shingle lines now include algae-resistant granules, which help keep a roof looking newer longer in humid Kansas summers.
Color. Darker shingles absorb more heat. Lighter colors and “cool roof” shingles reflect more of it, which can help with summer attic temperatures.
Signs your asphalt shingles are wearing out
- Granules collecting in your gutters or at the bottom of the downspouts
- Shingles that curl at the edges or cup in the middle
- Cracked, creased or missing shingles after a windstorm
- Bald spots where the black asphalt shows through
- Water stains on a ceiling or on the roof boards in the attic
One or two of those on a younger roof usually means a repair. Several of them across the whole roof usually means it’s time to talk about replacement. For the install side of things, see shingle roof installation in Overland Park.
How it works
- Book your free inspection. Call 913-398-5020 or request a free estimate online.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos of your roof and get a written estimate with the shingle options that fit your home and your budget, so you can compare quotes line by line. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Your roof gets done and the site gets cleaned up. Many residential shingle roofs are finished in a single day, and the crew cleans up before they leave.
Worn shingles don’t fail all at once. They let in a little water at a time, and by the time it shows on your ceiling, the deck underneath may need work too.
Asphalt shingle questions from Overland Park homeowners
Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab?
For most homes, yes. They’re heavier, carry better wind ratings and look better from the street. 3-tab still makes sense when you’re matching an older roof.
Do impact-resistant shingles stop all hail damage?
No shingle is hail-proof. Class 4 shingles resist cracking from hail better than standard shingles, but very large hail can still damage them.
What causes black streaks on my roof?
Usually algae, especially on shaded slopes. It’s mostly cosmetic. Algae-resistant shingles help prevent it on a new roof.
Can you put new shingles over my old ones?
Codes often allow one layover, but a tear-off lets the deck get inspected and fixed, and it’s usually the better choice for a long-lasting roof.
Get help choosing asphalt shingle roofing in Overland Park
Call 913-398-5020 or book your free inspection online. You can also see every shingle option on our Overland Park shingle roofing page.
You’ll end up with a shingle that fits your house and the weather it lives in, and a roof you don’t have to worry about every time the sky turns green.
