Your roof is due, maybe from age, maybe from the last hailstorm, and every estimate you get mentions architectural shingles. You’d like to know what you’re actually paying for, whether they hold up better in Springfield storms than what’s on the house now, and how to pick a color you won’t regret. Architectural shingle roofing in Springfield, MO is the most common choice for a new roof, but common doesn’t mean every install is the same.

New dark gray architectural shingle roof

You deserve to understand the choice before you make it, not just sign the line at the bottom.

APC Roofing is a GAF Certified contractor, licensed and insured, and we install architectural shingle roofs on Springfield homes. The inspection and estimate are free. Call 913-398-5020 to set one up.

What architectural shingles are

Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminated shingles, are made from two layers of asphalt-coated mat bonded together. The bottom layer shows through cut-outs in the top layer, which creates shadow lines and an uneven, textured look that resembles wood shake or slate from the street.

Compared with the older flat 3-tab style, they’re thicker and heavier, and they usually carry higher wind ratings. If your home has 3-tab shingles now, our 3-tab shingle roofing in Springfield page explains the differences.

How architectural shingle roofing in Springfield, MO handles storms

Wind. Spring thunderstorms in southwest Missouri bring strong straight-line winds. The heavier, laminated build and the wider sealant strip on many architectural shingles help them stay down when lighter shingles would lift.

Hail. Standard architectural shingles take hail better than thin 3-tab, but they can still bruise and lose granules. If your roof has been hit repeatedly, impact-resistant architectural shingles are worth asking about. They’re tested to handle hail better, and some insurance companies offer a discount for them, so it’s worth a call to your agent.

Freeze-thaw and ice. Shingles alone don’t stop ice dams. An ice and water barrier along the eaves and in the valleys, installed under the shingles, keeps meltwater that backs up from getting into the house.

Summer heat and algae. Humid summers mean algae streaks on many roofs, especially shaded ones. Many architectural shingles are made with algae-resistant granules.

Installation details that matter

A good shingle doesn’t save a poor install. These are the details worth asking about:

  • Nailing. Architectural shingles have a marked nailing zone. Nails placed high or crooked reduce how well the shingle resists wind.
  • Cold-weather sealing. The sealant strip needs warmth from the sun to bond. Shingles installed in cold weather may not seal fully until warmer days, so some installs add hand-sealing in exposed spots.
  • Starter strip and ridge caps. Made-for-purpose starter shingles at the eaves and rakes, and ridge cap shingles at the peaks, hold up better than cut-up field shingles.
  • Decking, underlayment and flashing. During a tear-off, soft decking gets replaced, underlayment covers the whole roof, and flashing at walls, chimneys and pipes is redone, not reused if it’s worn.

Our shingle roof installation in Springfield page covers the full process.

Choosing a color

Color is the part most homeowners worry about, because you’ll live with it for a long time. Look at full-size samples on your own house, in morning and afternoon light, because a color looks different on a roof than in a brochure. Lighter colors reflect more heat; darker colors hide streaking a little better. Think about how the roof works with your siding, brick and trim. And if the house might sell in the next several years, a neutral color tends to be the safer pick.

Repairing an architectural shingle roof

Architectural shingles can be repaired when damage is limited to one area. A close color match is usually easier than with older 3-tab roofs, though weathering means a new shingle can look a shade different at first. For repairs on any shingle roof, see shingle roof repair in Springfield, or read about everything we do on shingle roofing in Springfield.

How it works with APC Roofing

  1. Book your free inspection. Call 913-398-5020 or request a free online estimate.
  2. Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll get photos of your current roof and a written estimate that names the shingle line, underlayment and flashing work.
  3. Get your new roof installed and the site cleaned up. Many residential roofs are finished in a single day, and the crew cleans up nails and old shingles before they leave.

Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.

Architectural shingle questions

Are architectural shingles worth it over 3-tab?

For most homes, yes. They’re heavier, generally rated for higher winds and have a more dimensional look. 3-tab mostly comes up today for repairs and matching.

Do architectural shingles hold up to hail?

Better than 3-tab, but large hail can still bruise them. Impact-resistant architectural shingles are made for hail-prone areas like southwest Missouri.

Can architectural shingles go over my old roof?

Code limits how many layers a roof can have, and an overlay hides the condition of the decking. A tear-off is usually the better route.

Can you install a shingle roof in winter?

Yes, on suitable days. Sealant strips may not bond fully until it warms up, so extra care at edges and exposed spots helps.

A new roof you feel good about

An aging roof tends to cost more the longer it waits, because small leaks reach the decking and the ceilings below. There’s no rush to decide today. Just get a clear picture first.

With the right shingle installed the right way, the next spring storm blows through and you don’t think twice about the roof. Call 913-398-5020 to book your free inspection.