Asphalt Shingle Roofing Myths Debunked: What Norwich, VT Homeowners Should Know

Asphalt Shingle Roofing Myths Debunked: What
Norwich, VT Homeowners Should Know
Determine Fact From Fiction With
The Pros At Jancewicz & Son
Is your roof getting up there in years? Do you spend more money repairing your roof than you’d care to admit? Are you worried about the coming storm season and whether your roof will make it through? Sounds like a job for tough, durable asphalt shingle roofing in Norwich, VT.
Wait, you may ask. Asphalt shingle roofing? Isn’t that ___(fill in the blanks)?
Unfortunately, many myths about asphalt shingles circulate among New England homeowners, and few – if any – are actually true.
At Jancewicz & Son, we’ve heard a lot of these myths in our 90+ years of serving Norwich, VT homeowners, and they never fail to astonish us. That’s why we’re taking a stand and helping homeowners determine fact from fiction.
Let’s look at some of the most common myths about asphalt shingle roofing and why they’re untrue!
Myth 1: Asphalt Shingle Roofing Contains Asbestos
This myth began when asphalt shingles were first developed as roofing materials. Like many other building materials, early asphalt shingles contained asbestos before 1960.
However, once it was discovered that asbestos was harmful, it was no longer used in the manufacture of asphalt shingles.
Myth 2: The Darker Your Shingles, The Hotter Your
Norwich, VT Home Gets In The Summer
While it’s no secret that darker colors absorb more sunlight, your roofing system is designed to keep your home insulated no matter the time of year. Your shingle color doesn’t matter as long as you have adequate attic ventilation.
If you want dark-colored shingles for your home, don’t worry! You won’t have to overwork your A/C unit during the summer months.
At Jancewicz & Son, we know how important your home’s curb appeal is. That’s why we carry a range of colors and styles from CertainTeed. Your roof’s color won’t fade over time, and you can count on premium protection from the elements.
Myth 3: Asphalt Roofing Is Poor Quality
While asphalt shingle roofing may not have the same lifespan as tile, metal, or slate, it’s made of durable, high-quality roofing shingles that are built to last.
Unlike the early days of asphalt shingle manufacturing, when the shingles were flimsy and difficult to install, modern asphalt shingles are designed for peak performance.
At Jancewicz & Son, we believe in quality first, meaning we only use CertainTeed asphalt shingles because of their track record for outstanding performance. Our shingles come in the following styles, depending on your budget and needs:
- Standard strip shingles – 25 – 30-year warranty
- Architectural or laminated shingles – 30-year to lifetime warranty
- Super Shangle – lifetime warranty
It’s true that some manufacturers produce poor-quality asphalt shingles. But you won’t have to worry about your roof when you choose Jancewicz & Son!
Myth 4: New Shingles Shouldn’t Lose Their Granules
The granules on asphalt shingle roofing, which make the texture rough and look like a freshly poured road, are designed to prevent damage from UV rays.
However, sometimes, it’s normal for them to lose their adhesive properties and fall off. The granules your new shingles lose will be excess granules, so there’s no need to worry that your roof will suffer UV damage.
If you have an old roof, your shingles will lose granules for a vastly different reason. Over time, your shingles will grow brittle, losing their elasticity and protective granules. If you notice excessive granules building up in your gutters and bald patches on your roof, it’s time for a roof replacement.
Myth 5: There’s Nothing Wrong With Installing
New Asphalt Roofing Over Old Shingles
There is ABSOLUTELY a problem with installing new shingles over old asphalt roofing.
When you get a roof replacement, all the old material, including the underlayment and some of the decking (if damaged), needs to be removed. That way, you have a new roofing system throughout.
Any roofer who tries to convince you to “re-roof” (another term for installing new shingles over old ones) doesn’t have your best interests in mind. This approach is lazy, adds unnecessary weight on your home’s structure, and does little – if anything – to solve problems such as water damage or rot.
When you need new asphalt shingle roofing, you need it done right by the professionals. Contact Jancewicz & Son today for your free estimate!