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Asphalt Roofing Company

Every asphalt roof is a system built on more than the shingles you see. According to Malarkey’s official installation guidelines, a properly installed asphalt roof includes:

• Roof Deck (also called roof sheathing): The plywood or OSB base, free of deteriorated or rotted boards, on which everything else is installed.
• Drip Edge Flashing: Required along the eave and rake edges of the roof under building code.
• Ice and Water Shield: In cold-climate regions (like ours) prone to ice dams, a self-adhering underlayment is installed along the eaves, extending at least 24 inches beyond the home’s interior warm wall or to the expected ice-dam level, whichever provides more protection.
• Underlayment: Covers the rest of the deck beneath the shingles, and lower-slope roofs typically require a double layer.
• Shingle Courses and Nail Pattern: Installed in horizontal, staggered courses with four fasteners per shingle under normal conditions, placed within a designated nailing area, never staples, which is essential to wind performance and warranty coverage.
• Flashing: Installed around valleys, chimneys, sidewalls, and vent pipes to keep water out at the roof’s most vulnerable points, with asphalt roof cement used to seal shingle ends and penetrations in several of these areas.
• Ventilation and Ridge Shingles: Roof vents at the ridges and eaves allow air to circulate beneath the roof deck, while factory-made ridge and hip shingles finish the roof’s peak and edges.

Manufacturer guidelines also specify roof slope requirements: standard shingles are designed for roofs with at least a 2:12 slope, and lower slopes require modified installation methods.

Ice dam formation isn’t caused by cold weather alone. It usually results from heat escaping from inside the home, creating uneven roof temperatures and allowing melted snow to refreeze at the roof’s edge. This can lead to water intrusion in walls, ceilings, and insulation. Proper attic ventilation, air sealing, and insulation play a bigger role in preventing ice dams than shingles alone. For a deeper look at what causes ice dams and how to prevent them, the University of Minnesota Extension has a helpful guide on dealing with and preventing ice dams.

Dark roofing materials absorb more solar energy. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, on a hot summer afternoon, a conventional roof can reach surface temperatures of 150°F or more. However, in Minnesota, your roof is likely covered in snow during the winter months, and snow reflects 80 to 90% of sunlight. In our state, roofing color and cooling cost savings are more nuanced. Proper insulation and ventilation have a much bigger impact on your heating and cooling bills than your shingle color. Learn more about roof color in our blog post.

Spring in Minnesota brings relief from snow and a familiar shift in weather patterns. As storms return, bringing high winds and hail, roofing contractors move through neighborhoods, sometimes knocking on doors to offer quick answers and tight timelines. For homeowners, that moment often brings uncertainty. Is the roof damaged enough to file an insurance claim? Is filing a claim the right step? Have questions?  Our role is to slow the conversation down, share what we see, and help homeowners decide what fits their situation without pressure or urgency. Read more in our blog post.