Professional installation and replacement of Missouri's most popular residential roofing system
Asphalt shingles are the most common residential roofing material in Missouri—and for good reason. They offer an excellent balance of durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness that makes them the practical choice for most homeowners in Crystal City, Jefferson County, and throughout South St. Louis County.
When properly installed and maintained, asphalt shingle roofs withstand Missouri's challenging weather conditions—from intense summer heat and UV exposure to winter freeze-thaw cycles, wind storms, and hail. They provide reliable protection at a price point that fits most budgets, with a lifespan of 20-30 years depending on shingle quality and installation practices.
Best value for long-term protection
Handles Missouri climate extremes
20-30 year lifespan when properly installed
Understanding the differences helps you choose the right shingles for your home and budget
3-tab shingles are the traditional, economical choice for asphalt roofing. They're called "3-tab" because each shingle has three distinct tabs that create a uniform, flat appearance on the roof. These shingles are thinner and lighter than architectural shingles.
Architectural shingles (also called dimensional or laminated shingles) are thicker, heavier, and more durable than 3-tab shingles. They're constructed with multiple layers of material that create a textured, three-dimensional appearance resembling wood shake or slate.
Our Recommendation: Most homeowners in Jefferson County choose architectural shingles because they offer better wind and hail resistance—important considerations in Missouri's storm-prone climate. The longer lifespan also means you'll replace your roof less frequently, which can offset the higher initial cost over time. We can help you evaluate both options based on your home, budget, and long-term plans.
These warning signs indicate it's time to consider a new roof
Asphalt shingles are covered with ceramic granules that protect the underlying asphalt from UV damage. As shingles age, these granules loosen and wash into gutters or accumulate in downspouts. If you notice granules collecting in your gutters or see bald spots on your shingles where the black asphalt layer is exposed, your shingles are losing their protective coating and approaching the end of their lifespan.
Shingles that curl at the edges or cup in the middle indicate deterioration from age, heat exposure, or moisture damage. Curled shingles are more susceptible to wind damage and allow water to penetrate underneath. When you see widespread curling across your roof—not just a few isolated shingles—it usually means the entire roof is aging and needs replacement soon.
Missing shingles expose your roof deck to the elements and create leak risks. One or two missing shingles after a windstorm can usually be replaced. However, if shingles are blowing off frequently or if large sections are missing, it often indicates that the seal strips have failed due to age, which is a sign the entire roof is reaching the end of its useful life.
If you're constantly patching leaks or replacing damaged shingles in different areas of your roof, it's often more cost-effective to replace the entire roof rather than continuing to pay for repairs. Once a roof starts requiring frequent attention, other problems usually follow quickly. Replacement gives you a fresh start with a warranty and years of worry-free protection.
Most asphalt shingle roofs last 20-25 years with proper maintenance. If your roof is approaching or exceeding this age, it's wise to have it inspected even if you haven't noticed obvious problems. Aging roofs become more vulnerable to storm damage, and planning for replacement on your schedule is better than waiting for an emergency after a leak develops or storm damage occurs.
Not sure if your roof needs replacement? We offer free inspections where we'll evaluate your roof's condition, take photos of any problem areas, and give you an honest assessment of whether repairs or replacement make the most sense for your situation.
Proper installation is critical to roof performance and longevity
We remove all existing shingles, underlayment, and old roofing materials down to the bare roof deck. This allows us to inspect the decking thoroughly and start with a clean surface. Some contractors overlay new shingles over old ones to save time, but this practice can hide problems, voids warranties, and shortens the lifespan of your new roof. We always perform complete tear-offs.
With the old roof removed, we inspect every inch of your roof deck (the plywood or OSB boards that support your shingles). We check for soft spots, rot, water damage, and structural issues. Any damaged decking is replaced before we proceed. A solid, intact deck is essential for a long-lasting roof—new shingles won't perform well if they're installed over compromised decking.
We install high-quality underlayment across the entire roof deck. Underlayment is a waterproof or water-resistant barrier that provides an additional layer of protection against moisture. In vulnerable areas like valleys, eaves, and around penetrations, we use ice and water shield—a self-adhesive, rubberized underlayment that seals around nails and prevents ice dams and wind-driven rain from causing leaks.
Flashing is critical for preventing leaks at roof transitions and penetrations. We install new flashing around chimneys, vents, skylights, and in roof valleys. Proper flashing installation requires skill and attention to detail—improperly installed flashing is one of the most common sources of roof leaks. We use durable materials and proven installation techniques to ensure flashing remains watertight for the life of your roof.
We install your chosen shingles according to manufacturer specifications, starting from the eaves and working upward. Each shingle is properly aligned and nailed with the correct number of fasteners in the right locations. Starter strips are installed at eaves and rakes to prevent wind uplift. Ridge cap shingles are installed along all ridge lines for a finished appearance and additional weather protection.
Proper attic ventilation is essential for roof longevity. We evaluate your existing ventilation system and recommend upgrades if needed. This might include adding ridge vents, increasing soffit ventilation, or installing additional attic vents. Adequate ventilation prevents heat and moisture buildup that shortens shingle lifespan and can void manufacturer warranties.
After installation, we conduct a final walkthrough to ensure everything meets our quality standards. We clean up all debris, haul away old roofing materials, and perform a thorough magnet sweep of your property to pick up any stray nails or metal debris. Your yard should look as clean—or cleaner—than it did before we started.
Attic ventilation might not seem directly related to your roof, but it's one of the most important factors affecting shingle lifespan and performance. Inadequate ventilation causes heat and moisture to build up in your attic, which damages your roof from the inside out.
During Missouri summers, attic temperatures can exceed 150°F without proper ventilation. This extreme heat "cooks" your shingles from underneath, causing premature aging, cracking, and granule loss. It also makes your air conditioning work harder, increasing energy costs. Proper ventilation allows hot air to escape, keeping your attic cooler and extending shingle life.
In winter, warm air from your living space rises into the attic. Without adequate ventilation, this warm, moist air condenses on cold surfaces, causing mold, mildew, and wood rot in your attic. Moisture also deteriorates insulation and can lead to ice dams on your roof edges. Ventilation allows moisture to escape before it causes problems.
The most effective ventilation system combines intake vents (usually in soffits) and exhaust vents (typically ridge vents along the roof peak). This creates natural airflow: cool air enters through soffit vents, travels through the attic, and hot air exits through ridge vents at the top.
Ridge vents run along the entire length of your roof peak, providing continuous exhaust ventilation without the need for multiple roof penetrations or unsightly box vents. When we install a new roof, we evaluate your ventilation system and recommend upgrades if needed to ensure proper airflow and protect your investment.
Important: Many shingle manufacturers require adequate attic ventilation to honor their warranty. Insufficient ventilation can void your warranty even if the shingles fail prematurely due to heat damage. We ensure your ventilation meets or exceeds manufacturer requirements.
Missouri's severe weather—especially hail and high winds—can damage asphalt shingles in ways that may not be immediately obvious. Understanding how storms affect shingles helps you recognize when professional inspection and possible replacement are needed.
Hail impacts bruise shingles by compressing the asphalt layer and dislodging protective granules. These bruises appear as dark spots or circular indentations that expose the asphalt mat underneath. While bruised shingles may not leak immediately, they've lost their protective coating and will deteriorate much faster than undamaged shingles.
Hail damage severity depends on hail size, wind speed, and shingle age. Older shingles that are already weathered are more vulnerable to hail damage than newer, more resilient shingles. After a hailstorm, we inspect for impact marks, missing granules, fractured fiberglass mats, and damage to soft metals like vents and flashing that indicate hail severity.
High winds lift shingles by getting underneath them and breaking the adhesive seal strips that hold them down. Once the seal is broken, shingles can flap in the wind, crease, crack, or blow off entirely. Even if shingles appear to settle back into place after a storm, broken seals create entry points for water and make those shingles more vulnerable to future wind events.
Wind damage often occurs at roof edges, ridges, and valleys where wind forces are strongest. We inspect for lifted, creased, torn, or missing shingles, as well as exposed nail heads and damaged flashing. Architectural shingles generally resist wind damage better than 3-tab shingles due to their heavier weight and stronger construction.
Not all storm damage requires full roof replacement. A few missing shingles or localized damage can often be repaired. However, if storm damage affects a significant portion of your roof (typically 8-10 "test squares" or more with qualifying damage), insurance companies usually approve replacement rather than patchwork repairs. We provide honest assessments and help you understand whether repairs or replacement make sense for your situation and whether filing an insurance claim is appropriate.
After a Storm: Have your roof inspected within a reasonable time after severe weather. Insurance companies typically have one-year deadlines for filing storm damage claims. Waiting too long to document damage can mean missing the window to file a claim, leaving you responsible for repair or replacement costs.
Most asphalt shingles come with manufacturer warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years, depending on the product line. However, it's important to understand that warranty length doesn't necessarily predict how long your roof will actually last. Proper installation, adequate ventilation, and regular maintenance have a bigger impact on roof longevity than the shingle brand or warranty duration.
Shingle manufacturers warranty their products against manufacturing defects. These warranties typically cover material defects but often have pro-rated coverage, meaning the reimbursement decreases over time. It's also important to note that many warranties have conditions—like requiring adequate attic ventilation—that must be met for coverage to remain valid.
Equally important is the workmanship warranty provided by your roofing contractor. This covers installation-related issues like leaks from improper flashing, nail placement errors, or ventilation problems. A strong workmanship warranty backed by a reputable local contractor gives you protection against installation defects that manufacturer warranties don't cover.
The reality is that proper installation affects roof lifespan more than the brand name on the shingles. A premium shingle installed incorrectly will fail faster than a mid-grade shingle installed properly. Key installation factors that affect longevity include:
Our Approach: We focus on proper installation techniques rather than pushing specific brands. We work with quality materials from reputable manufacturers, but we believe the craftsmanship behind the installation is what determines whether your roof will reach or exceed its expected lifespan. That's why we take the time to do it right the first time.
Crystal City and Jefferson County experience weather extremes that put stress on asphalt shingles. Understanding these local conditions helps you appreciate why proper installation, quality materials, and regular maintenance are important for roof longevity.
Missouri summers bring extended periods of 90°F+ temperatures with high UV exposure. Roof surface temperatures can exceed 150°F, which accelerates the aging process of asphalt shingles. UV radiation degrades the asphalt binder and causes protective granules to loosen over time. Adequate attic ventilation helps mitigate heat damage from below, but prolonged sun exposure is inevitable.
Missouri's humidity—especially during summer—creates conditions that promote algae and moss growth on shingles. Those dark streaks you see on many roofs are actually algae colonies that feed on the limestone filler in asphalt shingles. While mostly a cosmetic issue, heavy algae growth can trap moisture and accelerate shingle deterioration. Algae-resistant shingles contain copper granules that inhibit growth.
Missouri is part of "Hail Alley," experiencing frequent severe thunderstorms with large hail during spring and summer. Hail impacts bruise shingles and compromise their protective granule layer, shortening their lifespan even if leaks don't appear immediately. Wind gusts during storms can lift and tear shingles, especially on older roofs where seal strips have weakened. Impact-resistant shingles offer better protection against hail damage.
Winter brings repeated freeze-thaw cycles as temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing. Water that seeps into small cracks or under lifted shingles freezes, expands, and widens those openings. This cycle accelerates damage progression—minor issues in fall can become significant problems by spring. Ice dams caused by inadequate ventilation and insulation can also force water under shingles, causing leaks and wood rot.
Local Experience Matters: We've been installing shingle roofs in Jefferson County and South St. Louis County for over 9 years. We understand how Missouri weather affects roofing systems and use installation practices that help your roof withstand our climate's unique challenges—from summer heat waves to winter ice storms and everything in between.
Whether your roof is showing signs of age, you've experienced storm damage, or you're planning ahead for replacement, we're here to help you understand your options.
We'll inspect your current roof, explain what we find, discuss shingle types and options that fit your budget, and provide a detailed written estimate. There's no pressure—just honest information to help you make the right decision for your home.
Schedule a free inspection and get answers to your roofing questions from local contractors who've been serving Jefferson County for over 9 years.
Quality Installation
Proper techniques for long-lasting results
Detailed Estimates
Clear, written pricing with no surprises
No Pressure
Honest assessments, no sales tactics
Serving Jefferson County and South St. Louis County
Crystal City • Festus • Herculaneum • Pevely • Arnold • Imperial • Barnhart • Hillsboro and surrounding communities