What Asphalt Shingles Are Made Of
An asphalt shingle is built in layers. At its core is a fiberglass mat that gives the shingle its shape and strength. That mat is saturated and coated with asphalt, which makes the shingle waterproof. The top surface is covered in ceramic-coated mineral granules that shield the asphalt from sunlight and add color and fire resistance.
Asphalt shingles generally come in two styles: 3-tab shingles, which are thinner and lie flat in a uniform pattern, and architectural (laminate) shingles, which are thicker, multi-layered, and create a dimensional, shadowed look. Architectural shingles are heavier and typically carry stronger wind and warranty ratings.
Why They Are So Popular
Asphalt shingles dominate the residential market for a few practical reasons:
- Cost — they deliver solid protection at a lower price point than metal, tile, or slate.
- Versatility — they come in a wide range of colors and profiles to match almost any home.
- Repairability — individual damaged shingles can be replaced without redoing the whole roof.
- Proven performance — when installed correctly with proper underlayment and ventilation, a quality shingle roof can protect a home for decades.
How Asphalt Shingles Perform in the Inland Northwest
Spokane and North Idaho put roofing materials through a brutal annual cycle, and asphalt shingles respond to each stress in specific ways. Heavy snow load sits on the roof for months, so the deck and shingles must be installed to shed and support that weight. Freeze-thaw cycling is especially hard on asphalt: meltwater seeps into tiny cracks, refreezes, and gradually wears the shingle surface and seals.
Ice dams are the biggest threat. When attic heat melts snow that then refreezes at the cold eaves, water can back up under the shingles, which is why a self-adhered ice-and-water membrane along the eaves is critical here. Add summer hail and gusty winds, and the granule loss and lifting that follow make shingle quality and installation skill matter enormously. Choosing wind- and impact-rated architectural shingles, paired with correct attic ventilation, dramatically improves how a roof survives our climate.
Getting the Most From a Shingle Roof
A shingle is only as good as the system around it. The underlayment, ice-and-water barrier, flashing, ventilation, and installation craftsmanship determine whether your roof reaches its full lifespan in our snow country. Cutting corners on any of these is where premature leaks and ice-dam damage begin.
If your shingles are curling, losing granules, or showing missing tabs after a hard winter, it may be time to plan a roof replacement. As a GAF Master Elite contractor, DG Contracting installs shingle systems built for the Inland Northwest and backs the workmanship for 15 years. Reach out for a free estimate.