What Is Shingle Roofing? A Lebanon Homeowner’s Guide

When it is time for a new roof, you will hear about metal, tile, slate and more. But the roof most homes in Lebanon, Ohio already have is a shingle roof, and for good reason. Shingles are affordable, hold up well to Ohio’s mix of sun, wind and heavy rain, and come in enough styles to suit almost any house. This guide explains what shingle roofing is, the main types, and how to tell when yours is due for replacement.

What is shingle roofing?

A shingle roof is made of individual overlapping pieces laid in courses from the eave up to the ridge. Each course covers the joints of the one below it, so together they shed water, block wind and shield the roof deck from sunlight. Most homes in the United States use asphalt shingles, though shingles also come in metal, wood, slate and composite.

The main types of shingles

Asphalt shingles

The most common and the most cost-effective, in three broad styles:

• 3-tab shingles: flat and uniform, the traditional budget option.
• Architectural (dimensional) shingles: thicker and layered, with better wind resistance and a richer look. This is what most homeowners choose today.
• Designer shingles: heavier premium lines made to resemble slate or cedar.

Metal shingles

Light, reflective and long-lived. For homeowners weighing metal, our metal roofing page covers the options in full.

Wood shakes

Natural and rustic, but they need regular upkeep and are mostly seen on custom and historic homes.

Slate and composite

Very durable and high-end, but heavy and costly. Composite versions give the look at a lower weight and price.

Why shingles suit Lebanon homes

Humid summers, windy falls and snowy winters ask a lot of a roof. Asphalt shingles answer most of it:

• Durable: they stand up to rain, snow and moderate hail.
• Affordable: less expensive than metal or tile while still protecting the home well.
• Versatile: dozens of colors and textures to match the house.
• Serviceable: a damaged section can often be addressed without redoing the whole roof, which an inspection will confirm.

How long does a shingle roof last?

A well-installed asphalt roof typically lasts 20 to 30 years, and architectural shingles often go longer. Ventilation, installation quality and exposure all play a part. To get the most out of yours, keep the gutters clear, trim back overhanging branches, and have the roof looked at every few years and after any severe storm.

If the shingles are aging but the decking and flashing are still sound, roof life extension can restore flexibility and water resistance to the shingles you already have, with a 6-year warranty.

Signs it may be time to replace

• Missing, curling or cracked shingles across the roof
• Granules collecting in the gutters
• Water stains in the attic or on ceilings
• Moss or dark algae streaks
• A roof more than 20 years old

Why installation matters as much as the shingle

A shingle roof is only as good as the way it goes on. Poor installation leads to early leaks, trapped attic heat and voided warranties. We install complete GAF roof systems, with the underlayment, flashing and ventilation that go with them, by factory-trained crews, with every job signed off by a certified project manager.

The bottom line

Shingles remain one of the best all-round choices for Lebanon homes: affordable, proven in Ohio weather and available in styles for any house. If you are weighing a replacement, or just want to know how much life your roof has left, a free inspection with photos and a written estimate is the place to start.