What Are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material in North America, consisting of a fiberglass or organic mat base coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. These shingles provide weather protection, UV resistance, and fire rating while offering an affordable, versatile roofing solution.
At its core, an asphalt shingle is designed to shed water, withstand weather, and last 15-50 years depending on quality and maintenance. If you’re a homeowner in Colorado Springs, understanding asphalt shingles can help you make informed decisions about roof replacement and insurance claims.
How Asphalt Shingles Are Made
Asphalt shingles are manufactured through a multi-layer process that creates durable, weather-resistant roofing material.
Manufacturing Process
Step 1: Base mat creation
Fiberglass mat creates the foundation—woven glass fibers provide dimensional stability. Older organic mats used cellulose fibers, but these are rarely used today. The mat provides the structural foundation for the entire shingle.
Step 2: Asphalt coating
Hot asphalt saturates the mat, creating the primary waterproof barrier. Modified asphalt with polymers improves flexibility and durability. The thickness of this coating determines both shingle quality and expected lifespan.
Step 3: Granule application
Ceramic-coated mineral granules are pressed into the asphalt surface. These granules provide UV protection, create color and texture, enhance fire resistance, and protect the asphalt from weathering.
Step 4: Backing material
Sand or mineral backing on the bottom surface prevents shingles from sticking together in bundles. This backing also provides texture for proper installation.
Step 5: Adhesive strips
Factory-applied sealant strips activate with heat and time after installation. These strips bond shingles together for wind resistance and create a weather-tight seal.
Quality Indicators
Higher-quality shingles feature thicker asphalt coating, modified asphalt formulations with rubber or polymer additives, multiple layers or laminated construction, larger and more varied granule coverage, enhanced adhesive systems, and stronger backing materials.
Manufacturing standards include ASTM D7158 for wind resistance, ASTM D3462 for tear strength, UL 2218 for impact resistance, and ASTM E108 for fire resistance.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles feature single-layer construction with a flat, uniform appearance. Three distinct tabs per shingle give this style its name. These are the lightest weight option at 200-250 pounds per square and remain the most economical choice.
Typical dimensions: 12 inches by 36 inches, ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, with 5 inches of exposed area per course.
Expected lifespan: 15-20 years is typical, though they can last 20-25 years in ideal conditions. These shingles are less durable than architectural styles.
Best for: Budget-conscious projects, rental properties or temporary solutions, simple roof designs, and areas with mild weather conditions.
Cost considerations: In Colorado Springs, expect $90-$150 per square installed. This makes 3-tab the most affordable asphalt option with lower replacement costs long-term.
Insurance note: 3-tab shingles have higher depreciation rates based on age. They may reach end of useful life quickly, are less wind and hail resistant, and are often fully depreciated by year 15-18.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles—also called dimensional shingles—feature multi-layer laminated construction that creates a dimensional, textured appearance. Varied shadow lines create depth, and the heavier weight (300-400 pounds per square) makes these the most popular residential choice.
Two or more layers bonded together create a random pattern that mimics the look of wood shake roofing. The thicker profile can be up to 1 inch at the tabs, providing enhanced weather resistance.
Expected lifespan: 25-30 years is typical, with 30-40 years possible in ideal conditions. Better durability than 3-tab shingles often comes with lifetime limited warranties.
Best for: Primary residences, long-term ownership, most residential applications, and moderate to complex roof designs.
Cost considerations: In Colorado Springs, expect $150-$250 per square installed. This mid-range investment offers the best value for lifespan-to-cost ratio.
Insurance note: Architectural shingles have slower depreciation schedules, better hail and wind resistance, longer replacement cycles, and often carry Class 3 wind ratings.
Premium Designer Shingles
Premium shingles offer the heaviest construction at 400-500+ pounds per square. These luxury shingles simulate slate, tile, or wood shake with maximum dimensional depth and the highest quality materials and construction.
Types include luxury architectural shingles, synthetic slate replicas, wood shake replicas, and specialty designer lines.
Expected lifespan: 30-50 years is typical, with 50+ years possible with proper maintenance. These offer the best durability and weather resistance, often with transferable warranties.
Best for: High-end homes, historic or custom architecture, severe weather climates, and situations where maximum longevity is desired.
Cost considerations: In Colorado Springs, expect $250-$450+ per square installed. This premium investment provides the highest quality available.
Insurance note: Premium shingles have minimal depreciation rates and are often Class 4 impact rated with the highest wind ratings of 130+ mph. They may qualify for insurance discounts of 10-30% and typically result in better claims outcomes due to their quality.
Impact-Resistant Class 4 Shingles
Impact-resistant shingles form a special category that can span all shingle types. Class 4 shingles pass UL 2218 impact testing, withstanding a 2-inch steel ball dropped from 20 feet. Modified asphalt formulations and reinforced construction provide this enhanced protection.
Key benefits: Superior hail resistance, insurance premium discounts of 10-30% in Colorado, better long-term performance, and reduced claim frequency.
Available options: Most commonly found in architectural styles, some premium lines, and various colors and textures.
Cost premium: Expect $10-$30 more per square than standard shingles. This premium often pays for itself through insurance discounts and provides better ROI in hail-prone areas like Colorado Springs.
Class 4 shingles are increasingly popular due to frequent hail and may be required by some insurance carriers in high-risk areas.
Components of Asphalt Shingles
Granules
Granules serve multiple critical purposes. They provide UV protection by shielding asphalt from sunlight, create color and aesthetic appearance, enhance fire resistance through ceramic coating, offer algae resistance with copper or zinc treatments, and improve reflectivity for energy efficiency.
Crushed rock or mineral particles receive ceramic coating for color durability. Granules measure 1-3mm in diameter and account for 40-50% of total shingle weight.
Granule loss considerations: Some loss during installation and the first year is normal. Excessive loss indicates aging, damage, or manufacturing defects. Accelerated granule loss results from hail, severe weathering, or poor quality manufacturing.
Insurance implications: Granule loss constitutes functional damage, not purely cosmetic damage. Exposed asphalt leads to accelerated UV degradation. Documented granule loss supports insurance claims, and bald spots reduce the roof’s effective lifespan.
Asphalt Coating
The asphalt coating provides the primary waterproofing layer. It bonds the mat and granules together, provides flexibility and elasticity, and determines overall weather resistance.
Asphalt types include straight asphalt (basic formulation), modified asphalt with polymer or rubber additives, oxidized asphalt aged for stability, and filled asphalt with mineral fillers for reinforcement.
Quality indicators include coating thickness, type of modifiers used, percentage of asphalt versus fillers, and saturation depth.
Over time, UV exposure hardens asphalt, thermal cycling between hot and cold causes brittleness, oxidation reduces flexibility, and these factors eventually lead to cracking and failure.
Base Mat
Modern shingles use fiberglass mats made from woven or random glass fibers. These provide dimensional stability, tear resistance, fire resistance, and don’t absorb water.
Fiberglass offers several advantages: stronger than organic mats, better fire rating, lighter weight, longer lifespan, and less susceptibility to moisture damage.
Older organic mats used cellulose fibers from paper or wood. While more flexible when new and heavier in weight, these are moisture susceptible and mostly discontinued.
Insurance note: Mat damage such as bruising or fractures constitutes functional damage covered by insurance, even if the surface appears intact.
Adhesive Strips
Adhesive strips bond shingles together after installation, provide wind resistance, create a weather-tight seal, and prevent shingle blow-off.
Heat from the sun activates the adhesive over time. Proper bonding takes weeks to months, creating a single continuous surface that resists wind uplift.
Proper placement is critical during installation. Cold weather may delay bonding, and hand-sealing may be required in winter installations. Quality varies by manufacturer.
Lifespan and Durability
Expected Lifespan by Type
3-Tab Shingles: Manufacturer warranties typically offer 20-25 years (often prorated). Realistic lifespan averages 15-20 years. In Colorado Springs’ climate, expect 12-18 years typically. End of life shows as curling, cracking, and granule loss.
Architectural Shingles: Manufacturer warranties range from 30-40 years to lifetime (limited). Realistic lifespan averages 25-30 years. In Colorado Springs’ climate, expect 20-28 years typically. End of life shows as loss of granules, sealant failure, and brittleness.
Premium Shingles: Manufacturer warranties offer 40-50 years to lifetime. Realistic lifespan averages 30-50 years. In Colorado Springs’ climate, expect 28-45 years typically. End of life shows gradual degradation, with storm damage more likely than simple wear-out.
Factors Affecting Lifespan
Climate and weather impact:
Colorado Springs’ high altitude sun at 6,035 feet creates intense UV exposure. Temperature extremes range from -20°F to 100°F+. Hail occurs frequently throughout the Front Range. Frequent 40-60 mph winds are common. Heavy snow loads stress shingles. Over 100 freeze-thaw cycles per year damage materials.
Installation quality matters:
Proper nailing requires 6 nails per architectural shingle. Correct nail placement—not too high or low—is essential. Adequate ventilation reduces heat buildup. Proper underlayment protects the roof deck. Code-compliant methods and manufacturer specifications must be followed.
Roof characteristics:
Steeper slopes shed water better and last longer. South and west exposures age faster due to more sun exposure. Poor ventilation shortens lifespan by 30-50%. Trees provide some UV protection but trap moisture. Darker colors absorb more heat and may age slightly faster.
Maintenance requirements:
Regular debris removal prevents damage. Gutter cleaning prevents ice dams and water backup. Prompt minor repairs prevent larger problems. Annual inspections catch issues early. Moss and algae treatment in shaded areas extends life. Tree trimming reduces damage risk.
Colorado Springs Specific Factors
Roofs in Colorado Springs experience shorter lifespans due to intense UV at 6,000+ feet elevation, frequent hail every 1-3 years for many areas, extreme temperature swings with 50°F+ daily variation, high winds especially in foothills, and dry climate causing brittleness.
Insurance implications: Roofs are often replaced due to storm damage before reaching wear-out age. Depreciation schedules may not reflect Colorado’s harsh climate. Class 4 shingles are increasingly necessary. Regular inspection is important for claim documentation.
Insurance Considerations
Depreciation Schedules
Insurance companies depreciate asphalt shingles based on age and expected lifespan.
3-Tab shingles with a 20-year expected life depreciate at 5% per year. A 10-year-old roof is 50% depreciated. A 15-year-old roof is 75% depreciated. Full depreciation often occurs by year 18-20.
Architectural shingles with a 30-year expected life depreciate at 3.33% per year. A 10-year-old roof is 33% depreciated. A 15-year-old roof is 50% depreciated, providing better claim values than 3-tab.
Premium shingles with a 40-50 year expected life depreciate at 2-2.5% per year. A 10-year-old roof is only 20-25% depreciated. A 15-year-old roof is 30-38% depreciated, offering the best claim outcomes.
Example Claim Comparison
Consider a 12-year-old roof with a $20,000 replacement cost:
3-Tab (20-year life): 60% depreciation leaves $8,000 actual cash value. You pay $12,000 plus your deductible out of pocket.
Architectural (30-year life): 40% depreciation leaves $12,000 actual cash value. You pay $8,000 plus your deductible out of pocket.
Premium (40-year life): 30% depreciation leaves $14,000 actual cash value. You pay $6,000 plus your deductible out of pocket.
Coverage Type
Replacement Cost Value (RCV) pays full replacement cost minus your deductible. Depreciation is “recoverable” after repairs are complete. This is standard for newer roofs typically under 10-15 years and represents the best coverage option.
Actual Cash Value (ACV) pays depreciated value only with no recoverable depreciation. This is common for older roofs over 15 years and requires significant out-of-pocket payment.
Age restrictions: Many insurers switch to ACV-only coverage at 15-20 years. Some require roof replacement before renewal. Inspection may be required at certain ages. Requirements vary by carrier and roof type.
Impact Resistance and Discounts
Class 4 impact-resistant shingles earn premium discounts of 10-30% typically in Colorado. Better claim outcomes result from less damage in hail events. Some carriers may require Class 4 shingles. Longer approval periods for RCV coverage may apply.
Wind ratings also matter for coverage. Class 3 shingles withstand 90 mph winds, while Class 4 shingles handle 110+ mph winds. Higher ratings result in better insurance terms.
Manufacturer-certified installation may improve insurance terms. Documentation helps with claims processing. Proper installation photos provide valuable evidence.
Identifying Asphalt Shingle Damage
Hail Damage
Look for bruising—dark spots or circular marks on shingles indicate impact. Soft spots when pressed reveal fractured mats. Loss of granules at impact points shows functional damage even if not obvious from the ground.
Hail damage characteristics include random distribution across the roof, size variation based on hail size, and fresh damage with sharp edges. Ground-level observation may miss damage entirely.
Testing methods: The chalk test involves running chalk across suspected bruises—it catches in fractures. The soft spot test uses gentle pressure to reveal spongy areas. Close inspection looks for mat damage under granules.
Corroborating evidence: Look for dents on vents, flashing, and gutters. Check for dings on AC units and vehicles. Review neighbor damage reports and weather service hail reports.
Wind Damage
Common wind damage includes lifted or missing shingles. Tabs may be lifted but still attached, entire shingles blown off, shingles creased or folded, or underlayment exposed.
Seal failure means shingles are no longer bonded down, making them vulnerable to future wind. This may not be immediately obvious but creates progressive damage risk.
Edge damage is most common—rakes and eaves are most vulnerable to starter strip exposure and drip edge issues.
Aging and Wear
Normal aging shows through gradual granule loss. Thinning of granule coverage concentrates in water runoff paths. Accumulation appears in gutters, and black asphalt shows through worn areas.
Curling happens when edges or corners curl upward or “cupping” occurs in the center of shingles. This results from aging and thermal stress, creating moisture infiltration risk.
Cracking develops from brittleness due to UV exposure, thermal cycling damage, and loss of asphalt flexibility. This represents functional failure.
Algae and moss create black streaks (algae) or green growth (moss). These are mostly cosmetic but can trap moisture. Growth is more common on north-facing slopes.
Common Questions About Asphalt Shingles
How long do asphalt shingles really last in Colorado Springs?
Expect 12-28 years depending on type and conditions, which is shorter than national averages due to Colorado’s climate.
Colorado Springs has harsher conditions than most of the U.S. Intense UV at 6,035 feet elevation means 25% more UV exposure than sea level. Hail occurs frequently—severe hail events happen every 1-3 years in many areas. Daily temperature swings of 50°F+ stress materials. Frequent 40-60 mph winds with gusts to 100+ mph are common.
Realistic lifespans in Colorado Springs: 3-tab shingles last 12-18 years versus 20 years nationally. Architectural shingles last 20-28 years versus 30 years nationally. Premium and Class 4 shingles last 28-40 years versus 40-50 years nationally.
Most roofs are replaced due to storm damage (60-70% of replacements), premature aging from climate (20-25%), or normal end-of-life (10-15%).
Are Class 4 impact-resistant shingles worth it in Colorado Springs?
Yes, absolutely. Class 4 shingles typically pay for themselves through insurance discounts alone, plus they provide superior hail protection.
Additional cost ranges from $1,500-$3,000 more than standard architectural shingles—about 8-12% premium over standard options.
Insurance savings include 10-30% discounts varying by carrier. Average Colorado Springs policies cost $2,000-$3,000 per year, providing annual savings of $200-$900. Payback period is typically 2-5 years.
Additional benefits include reduced hail damage in future storms, fewer claims leading to better insurance rates long-term, better resale value, longer lifespan, and peace of mind in hail-prone areas.
Colorado Springs reality: Hail season runs April through September. Probability of hail damage is high, varying by neighborhood. Some carriers now require Class 4 for new policies. This is increasingly standard in the market.
What’s the difference between architectural and dimensional shingles?
They’re the same thing—”architectural” and “dimensional” are interchangeable terms for laminated, multi-layer shingles.
Names you’ll hear include architectural shingles, dimensional shingles, laminated shingles, and sometimes designer shingles. All refer to multi-layer construction thicker than 3-tab with textured, dimensional appearance, 25-30 year lifespan, and mid-range price point.
These differ from 3-tab shingles (single layer, flat, 20-year lifespan) and premium/luxury shingles (highest quality, 40-50 year lifespan).
Multiple names exist due to marketing by different manufacturers, regional preferences, “architectural” emphasizing enhanced appearance, and “dimensional” emphasizing depth and texture.
Can I mix different types of asphalt shingles on my roof?
Not recommended. Mixing creates performance issues, warranty problems, and aesthetic concerns.
Performance issues arise because different weights and thicknesses don’t integrate well. Varying wind resistance and water-shedding capabilities create problems. Uneven thermal expansion and contraction occurs. Inconsistent aging rates develop.
Warranty concerns include voided manufacturer warranties typically. Insurance may question patchwork repairs. Documentation of future damage becomes harder. Claims become more complicated.
Aesthetic problems include visible color and texture differences, obvious pattern mismatches, reduced curb appeal and resale value, and unprofessional appearance.
Mixing might happen during emergency repairs with discontinued shingles, additions or dormers built later, or partial damage repairs.
Better approaches include replacing entire roof planes if possible, using same style and color if matching is necessary, and considering full replacement if significant differences exist.
How do I know if my asphalt shingles are failing?
Look for granule loss, curling, cracking, missing shingles, or leaks. These indicate your roof is nearing the end of its life.
Minor warning signs (monitor, not urgent) include light granule loss in gutters, slight algae staining, minor edge lifting, and isolated missing tabs.
Moderate concerns (plan replacement within 1-2 years) include widespread granule loss creating bald spots, curling or cupping edges, cracked or brittle shingles, multiple missing shingles, and interior stains appearing.
Severe problems (replace immediately) include extensive granule loss with black asphalt visible, severe curling or cupping, widespread cracking, large sections missing, active leaks, visible daylight through roof, and sagging areas.
Age-based considerations: 3-tab at 15+ years requires annual inspection with replacement expected soon. Architectural at 20+ years needs close monitoring. Premium at 30+ years should be assessed for condition but may have life remaining.
Professional inspection is recommended after major storms, when selling your home, if age reaches 75% of expected life, when visible damage appears, and every 3-5 years for maintenance.
Related Roofing Terms
Shingle bruising: Impact damage to asphalt shingles from hail that fractures the underlying mat even when surface appears intact.
Granule loss: Loss of protective ceramic granules from shingle surface, exposing asphalt to UV damage and accelerated aging.
Class 4 shingles: Impact-resistant asphalt shingles rated under UL 2218 for superior hail resistance.
Architectural shingles: Multi-layer dimensional asphalt shingles offering enhanced durability and appearance compared to 3-tab.
Depreciation: Age-based reduction in roof value used by insurance companies to calculate claim settlements.
RCV vs. ACV: Replacement Cost Value coverage pays full replacement cost while Actual Cash Value coverage pays depreciated value only.
Wind rating: Shingle’s tested resistance to wind speeds, typically Class 3 (90 mph) or Class 4 (110+ mph).
Fire rating: Shingle’s resistance to fire spread, rated as Class A (best), Class B, or Class C.
Need help assessing your asphalt shingle roof or filing an insurance claim? Contact us today for a free professional inspection. We’ll evaluate your shingle condition, document any damage, and help you navigate the insurance process for maximum coverage.
