Your roof is the unsung hero of your home’s health and efficiency. At Bauerle Roofing, we understand that your roof is much more than just a covering; it’s an essential component of your home’s overall beauty, health, and energy efficiency. We’re passionate about helping you protect your investment.
Your roof plays a crucial role in safeguarding your family and belongings from the elements. A well-maintained and properly installed roof can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency, comfort, and curb appeal. With the ever-changing Midwest weather, having a reliable roof over your head offers invaluable peace of mind.
The Evolution of Asphalt Shingles
While roofing materials have evolved over centuries, asphalt shingles have become the most popular choice for homeowners across the US. In 1903, Henry Reynolds revolutionized the roofing industry by introducing individual asphalt shingles, offering a more affordable and practical alternative to traditional materials.
Before the widespread adoption of asphalt shingles, homeowners relied on wood shakes, slate tiles, and clay tiles for roofing. While these options offered durability and aesthetic appeal, they came with costly drawbacks. Wood shakes required constant maintenance to combat rot and insects, while slate and clay tiles were heavy, expensive, and demanded specialized installation.
These challenges paved the way for the rise of asphalt shingles, which provided a more affordable, easier-to-install, and lower-maintenance alternative. Today’s asphalt shingles are a far cry from their early predecessors. Advancements in technology have led to the development of durable, fire-resistant shingles that can withstand the harshest weather conditions.
The Anatomy of an Asphalt Shingle Roof
A well-functioning roof is more than just shingles; it’s a system of components working together to protect your home. Let’s break down the key elements that make up a typical asphalt shingle roof:

- Roof Ridge: This is the peak of your roof, the highest point where two slopes meet. It’s a crucial area for ensuring proper water runoff and ventilation.
- Ridge Vent: Installed along the roof ridge, this vent allows hot, humid air to escape from your attic, preventing moisture buildup and promoting energy efficiency. (Want to make sure your attic is properly ventilated? Check out our handy ventilation calculator!)
- Flashing: Think of flashing as a shield against leaks. It’s typically made of metal and installed around chimneys, dormers, and other roof penetrations to prevent water from seeping in.
- Hip: This is the sloping edge where two roof planes meet. It adds architectural interest and requires special hip shingles for a finished look.
- Roof Deck: The foundation of your entire roofing system, usually made of wood planks or plywood. It provides the structural support for everything above it.
- Roofing Underlayment: This layer of protection goes on top of the roof deck, adding an extra barrier against water infiltration. Synthetic underlayment is a popular choice due to its long-lasting durability and moisture resistance.
- Roof Valley: The “V” shaped area where two roof slopes intersect. Properly installed valleys are essential for channeling water off your roof.
- Laminated Architectural Shingles: These popular shingles offer a dimensional, eye-catching look and increased durability thanks to their multi-layer construction.
- Roof Gable: This is the triangular section of the wall at the end of a pitched roof. It helps define the shape of your roof and adds visual interest.
- Metal Drip Edge: A small but mighty component! This metal strip is installed along the edges of your roof to protect the underlying fascia boards from water damage.
- Dormer: A dormer is a structural element that protrudes from the roof, often housing a window. It adds architectural charm and can increase living space.
- Ice and Water Barrier: This self-adhering membrane is installed in vulnerable areas like valleys and eaves to prevent leaks caused by ice dams and wind-driven rain.
- Eave: The lower edge of your roof that overhangs the walls. It provides shade and helps protect your home from the elements.
- Undereave Vent: These vents, located under the eaves, allow cool, dry air to enter the attic, promoting proper ventilation and preventing moisture buildup. (Our ventilation calculator can help you determine the right amount of ventilation for your attic.)
Now that you understand the overall roof structure better, let’s zoom in and take a closer look at the anatomy of an individual asphalt shingle…
The Anatomy of an Asphalt Shingle
Now that you have a good overview of the whole roofing system, let’s zoom in and take a closer look at the star of the show: the asphalt shingle! These seemingly simple components are designed with a lot of benefits and features to protect your home. Here’s a peek under the hood:

Asphalt shingles are meticulously engineered to provide lasting protection and enhance your home’s aesthetics. Here’s a breakdown of their key components:
- Fiberglass Mat: This is the strong foundation of the shingle, providing a sturdy base for the other layers. Think of it as the backbone that holds everything together.
- Asphalt Coating: This waterproof layer is what keeps the rain out. It also adds flexibility, allowing the shingle to expand and contract with temperature changes without cracking.
- Protective Granules: These aren’t just any ordinary granules! Owens Corning uses its TruDefinition® color platform to create stunning, vibrant colors that enhance your home’s curb appeal. With StreakGuard® algae resistance protection, these granules help prevent those unsightly black streaks, keeping your roof looking beautiful for years to come.
- Adhesive Strip: The sun’s heat activates this special strip, creating a strong bond between the shingles. This helps prevent wind uplift and keeps water from sneaking in during storms.
- SureNail® Technology: Owens Corning’s patented SureNail® Technology takes shingle performance to the next level. This unique nailing strip provides exceptional gripping power, making your roof incredibly strong and resistant to high winds. It’s like giving your shingles superpowers!
As you can see, much thought and technology go into every shingle. This attention to detail gives us the confidence to offer our customers the best roofing solutions.
Shingles and Energy Efficiency
While shingles primarily protect your home from the elements, they also contribute to its energy efficiency. When selecting shingles for your home, consider those with higher R-values and good solar reflectance properties. These shingles can help reduce energy consumption and improve your home’s comfort.
R-value is a measure of a material’s resistance to heat flow. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation. In simpler terms, a higher R-value means the material is better at preventing heat from passing through it. A shingle’s R-value is primarily dependent on two variables:
- Solar reflectance: A measure of how much solar radiation a material reflects away. Lighter-colored shingles tend to have higher solar reflectance, reducing heat absorption and keeping your home cooler in the summer.
- Thermal resistance: A shingle’s ability to resist heat transfer. Shingles with higher thermal resistance help keep homes cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter by slowing down the transfer of heat through the roof.
R-value measures how well a material resists the flow of heat through it. It’s calculated based on the thickness of the material and its thermal conductivity (how easily heat passes through it). A higher R-value indicates that the material is a better insulator, meaning it will be more effective at keeping your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Asphalt shingles typically have an R-value between 0.2 and 0.5. While this may seem low compared to traditional insulation materials, every bit helps! It’s important to remember that shingles are just one part of your home’s overall energy efficiency equation. Proper attic insulation and ventilation play a much larger role in regulating temperature and reducing energy consumption.
At Bauerle Roofing, we’re experts in energy-efficient roofing solutions. We can help you assess your home’s needs and recommend the best combination of shingles, ventilation, and insulation to maximize energy savings and comfort.
Owens Corning: Unmatched Warranties and Expertise
We believe in providing our customers with the best products and services available. That’s why we partner with Owens Corning, a leader in the roofing industry. Their exceptional warranties cover material defects and labor costs for repairs or replacements, thanks to our factory-trained and certified installation crews. With Bauerle Roofing and Owens Corning, you can rest assured that your investment is protected.
The lifespan of your roof depends on various factors, including shingle type, climate conditions, and maintenance.
- 3-tab Shingles: These economical shingles typically last 15-20 years.
- Architectural Shingles: These shingles offer enhanced durability and a dimensional appearance and can last 25-30 years or more.
- Luxury Shingles: For superior performance and aesthetics, luxury shingles can last 30-50 years.
Regular maintenance, such as cleaning gutters and trimming overhanging branches, can help prolong the life of your roof.
Roofing Shingle FAQs
- Q: What is the typical cost of a new shingle roof?
- A: The cost varies based on roof size, pitch, complexity, shingle type, and labor. Contact us for a free, personalized estimate.
- Q: What different kinds of shingles are there?
- A: Great question! While we mainly talk about those rectangular shingles that cover most of your roof, there are a few different types:
- Field shingles: These are the main shingles that cover most of your roof’s surface. They come in various styles, like 3-tab, architectural, and luxury.
- Hip and ridge shingles: These specially designed shingles cap the peaks and hips of your roof, giving it a finished look.
- Starter shingles: These are used along the eaves and rakes (edges) of your roof. They help with water flow and create a clean, straight line for the rest of your shingles.
- A: Great question! While we mainly talk about those rectangular shingles that cover most of your roof, there are a few different types:
- Q: What kind of specifications do the shingles meet?
- A: Shingles are rigorously tested to ensure they can handle what nature throws at them. They meet standards for:
- Wind Resistance: Shingles are tested to withstand high winds, preventing them from blowing off during storms.
- Fire Resistance: They’re designed to resist fire, protecting your home from potential hazards.
- Impact Resistance: Some shingles are even designed to resist hail damage, a big plus here in the Midwest!
- A: Shingles are rigorously tested to ensure they can handle what nature throws at them. They meet standards for:
- Q: What layers are in an asphalt shingle?
- A: Asphalt shingles are like a high-tech sandwich! They’ve got layers for strength, waterproofing, and protection:
- Fiberglass Mat: This is the strong foundation of the shingle.
- Asphalt Coating: This layer keeps water out.
- Granules: These protect the asphalt from the sun and add color.
- Sealant Strip: This helps seal the shingles together for extra protection against the elements.
- A: Asphalt shingles are like a high-tech sandwich! They’ve got layers for strength, waterproofing, and protection:
- Q: What size are shingles?
- A: Most shingles are roughly 13 inches wide and 39 inches long, but some larger and smaller options are also available.
- Q: Do shingles expand and contract?
- A: Yes, shingles do expand and contract with temperature changes. That’s why they have that flexible asphalt coating and those tiny spaces between the granules. This flexibility helps them withstand the stress of expansion and contraction without cracking or buckling.
- Q: Should I install shingles myself?
- A: While we admire your DIY spirit, roofing can be tricky and dangerous. We recommend leaving it to the pros to ensure your roof is installed correctly and your warranty stays valid. Our team at Bauerle Roofing is expertly trained and ready to get the job done right. Hiring a preferred contractor means your manufacturer’s warranty isn’t at risk, either.
- Q: How can I tell if my roof needs replacement?
- A: Look for signs like missing or curled shingles, granule loss, leaks, and daylight visible through the roof boards.
- Q: How can I maintain my shingle roof?
- A: Regular inspections, gutter cleaning, debris removal, and trimming overhanging branches can extend your roof’s lifespan. We’d be glad to stop by and take a look if you have any concerns.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing Alternatives
While asphalt shingles are a popular choice, other roofing materials offer unique benefits:
- Metal Roofing: Metal roofing is a premium option known for its longevity (50+ years) and energy efficiency.
- Tile Roofing: Clay or concrete tiles provide exceptional durability and fire resistance.
- Slate Roofing: A natural and elegant choice, slate roofs are incredibly durable but require specialized installation.
- Wood Shakes and Shingles: Offering a rustic aesthetic, wood roofs require regular maintenance and are susceptible to fire and rot.
Asphalt shingles remain a popular choice due to their:
- Affordability: They offer excellent value for money.
- Versatility: Available in various styles and colors to complement any home.
- Ease of Installation: Lightweight and easy to install, reducing labor costs.
- Wide Availability: Readily available throughout the US.
Bauerle Roofing: Your Trusted Roofing Partner
Choosing the right roof for your home is an important decision. At Bauerle Roofing, we’re committed to providing you with expert guidance and exceptional service every step of the way. Contact us today to discuss your roofing needs, and let us help you protect your home with a durable and beautiful roof.
Choosing a new roof is a big decision, but you don’t have to go it alone. At Bauerle Roofing, we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’re a family-owned and operated business, and we’ve been keeping folks dry and comfortable for over 24 years. We’ll answer your questions, provide expert advice, and install a roof that will protect your home and family for years. Give us a call today at 317-985-2344, and let’s get started!