When is it time to replace a shingle roof?
It is time to replace a shingle roof when the shingles are brittle, curling or losing granules across most of the roof, when leaks keep coming back after repairs, or when the roof has reached the end of its life, typically 20 to 30 years. Sagging decking and widespread storm damage also point to replacement.
Use these questions to sort out where your roof stands:
- Age. Is the roof past 20 years, or close to it?
- Spread. Is damage on one slope, or on most of them?
- Leaks. Has the same area leaked again after a repair?
- Repair costs. Are you paying for repairs every year?
- Structure. Does the roof line sag, or does the deck feel soft?
- Energy use. Have cooling bills risen, which can point to roof or attic ventilation problems?
If you answer yes to one, a repair may still do. Several yeses usually mean replacement. Our article on the warning signs of a worn-out Phoenix roof goes into more detail. If your roof only has a few problem areas, start with our shingle repair service instead.
Why do shingle roofs wear out faster in Arizona?
Shingle roofs wear out faster in Arizona because of the sun and heat. Strong UV breaks down the asphalt, granules loosen and wash away, and bare shingles dry out and crack. A hot attic bakes the shingles from below. Monsoon winds then lift shingles that have lost their seal, and hail knocks off more granules.
Good attic ventilation is one of the few things you control. Intake vents at the eaves and exhaust vents near the ridge let hot air escape, which keeps the shingles cooler from below. We check and correct ventilation as part of every shingle replacement.
What does Icon Roofing’s shingle replacement process include?
Our shingle replacement process has five stages: inspection, consultation, tear-off and deck repair, installation, and a final quality check. The crew removes the old roof down to the deck, replaces damaged decking, installs new underlayment, drip edge and flashing, then lays the new shingles, vents and ridge cap. We clean up before we leave.
We use GAF shingle systems, which include matched underlayment, starter strips, ridge cap and ventilation parts made to work together. That matters for performance and for warranty qualification. Shingle lines range from standard architectural shingles to designer styles, and we can explain the differences in look, wind rating and cost.
What is the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?
Three-tab shingles are a single flat layer cut into three tabs, which gives the roof a flat, uniform look. Architectural shingles are made of two or more bonded layers, so they are thicker, look more dimensional and usually carry higher wind ratings. Most shingle replacements in Metro Phoenix today use architectural shingles.
Roofers group shingles into four broad types: traditional 3-tab, architectural, performance and premium or designer. Performance shingles add features like impact or algae resistance. Designer shingles mimic slate or wood shake. All four are fiberglass-based asphalt shingles with a granule surface, and the right one depends on your budget, your HOA and how long you plan to stay in the home.
Is a shingle roof a good choice for an Arizona home?
Yes, for many homes. Asphalt shingles cost less than tile or metal, weigh less, come in a wide range of colors, and are quick to install and repair. The trade-off is a shorter life in Arizona heat than tile or metal, so ventilation, shingle quality and installation matter more here than in milder places.
Shingle also suits homes that were built for it. Switching a shingle home to tile means checking that the framing can carry the extra weight. If you are weighing materials, our comparison of tile against shingle for Valley homes covers cost, weight and lifespan side by side.
What warranty comes with a new GAF shingle roof?
Every new shingle roof comes with the Icon Way warranties on our craftsmanship and materials, plus GAF’s manufacturer coverage. Because Icon Roofing is a GAF Master Elite contractor, we can also offer GAF’s enhanced limited warranties, including the Golden Pledge limited warranty, when the system qualifies with the required GAF components.
As we describe it, Golden Pledge includes 50-year material coverage, 25-year workmanship coverage and a 40-point factory inspection. GAF only lets Master Elite contractors offer it. You can confirm our status on the GAF contractor directory listing for Icon Roofing, and read more on our page about Master Elite certification.
How do you choose a shingle color for an Arizona home?
Choose a shingle color that fits your home, your HOA rules and the heat. Lighter shingle colors reflect more sunlight than dark ones and can keep the attic cooler. Many HOAs in Gilbert, Queen Creek and Chandler require approval of roof color and material, so check the approved list before you fall in love with a color.
Look at full-size samples outdoors, in morning and afternoon light, since colors change a lot in Arizona sun. Drive past homes with the same shingle if you can. We bring samples and can point you to finished roofs in your area.
How can you pay for a shingle roof replacement?
You can pay for a shingle roof replacement with savings, financing, or an insurance claim when a storm caused the damage. Icon Roofing offers financing through Wisetack. You can prequalify online and see monthly payment options before you commit. If wind or hail damaged the roof, your homeowners policy may cover all or part of the replacement.
See Wisetack financing for a new shingle roof for how prequalifying works. If a storm caused the damage, start with our guide to roof insurance claims after a storm.
Where does Icon Roofing replace shingle roofs?
We replace shingle roofs across the East Valley and Metro Phoenix, with many jobs in Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek and Apache Junction. Shingle is common in the newer subdivisions of Gilbert and Queen Creek and on many homes near the Superstition Mountains in Apache Junction. Our office is in Mesa.
See our page on roof replacement for Queen Creek homes, or browse all roof replacement options. Building new or changing materials? See our new roof installation service.
