- Orland Park, IL
- Monday - Friday | 9:30 AM to 5 PM
- 708-334-1948
- mikemoussa@americanshieldexteriors.com
When you need a dependable, cost-effective roofing solution for your pitched or sloped roof, American Shield Exteriors’ Asphalt Shingle Roofing service has you covered. Serving homeowners across Orland Park and surrounding areas, we bring expertise, high-quality materials, and meticulous installation to deliver a roof that protects and beautifies your home.
Asphalt shingle roofing (also called composition shingles) is one of the most widely used roofing materials in North America thanks to its balance of cost, durability, ease of installation, and appearance.
• 3-tab (strip) shingles — the more budget / basic option with a flat, uniform look.
• Architectural / dimensional shingles — thicker, layered, more visually appealing, better performance (wind, hail resistance)
• Luxury / designer shingles — premium, replicating slate or shake textures, with greater weight and lifespan.
Because of its modular nature (many small shingles, overlapped), asphalt roofing does well on standard residential roof pitches (steeper than a minimum slope) and offers flexibility in shapes, rooflines, dormers, valleys, hips, etc.
While asphalt shingle roofs aren’t ideal for every scenario, they are often the go-to for many homeowners. Here are situations where this roofing type shines — and when you might consider alternatives.
Pitched roofs & homes with slopes
Asphalt shingles require a certain minimum slope to drain properly. They are not meant for flat or low-slope roofs.
Budget-conscious projects
They offer a favorable cost-to-performance ratio — more affordable per square foot than many premium roofing types.
Wide aesthetic options
With many colors, textures, and styles, homeowners can match the roof to their home’s architectural style or desired curb appeal.
Good durability in typical weather
In a climate like ours (Illinois — with snow, wind, hail, freezing, thawing), a properly installed asphalt shingle roof with adequate underlayment and flashing holds up well.
Simplicity of repair & maintenance
Individual shingles or small patches can be replaced without re-roofing large sections, which reduces maintenance cost and complexity.
Very low-slope or flat roofs — such roofs require waterproofing membranes or modified systems; asphalt shingle isn’t suited for ponding water.
Extreme longevity / premium lifespan demands — premium materials like metal, slate, or tile may last many decades longer.
High-wind zones / hurricane risk — cheaper shingles may be more vulnerable to uplift; high-performance rated shingles are better.
Thermal / energy performance goals — while certain “cool shingles” exist, asphalt is not as inherently reflective or insulating as some alternatives.
At American Shield Exteriors, we’ll evaluate your roof’s pitch, structure, drainage, and local exposure to determine if asphalt shingles are the right fit.
We treat every roof as a custom project — no cookie-cutter installs. Below is our standard workflow for a full asphalt shingle roof replacement or installation, from evaluation to final inspection.
We visit your property in Orland Park (or surrounding area) to evaluate your existing roof: slope, decking condition, ventilation, flashing, chimneys, dormers, skylights, and other penetrations.
We identify any structural damage, wood rot, or substrate issues.
We present you with options (3-tab vs architectural vs luxury), expected lifespans, warranties, and a transparent estimate and schedule.
We remove existing roofing materials (shingles, underlayment, flashing, nails).
Debris is safely hauled away and the site is kept as clean as possible.
We inspect the roof deck (plywood or OSB) for damage or rot, and replace or reinforce as needed, making it a solid foundation for the new roof.
We install underlayment over the deck. This may be roofing felt or modern synthetic underlayment. The underlayment acts as a secondary barrier to water intrusion.
In critical areas (eaves, rakes, valleys, around penetrations) we may install ice & water shield or self-adhering membranes to prevent leaks from ice dams or wind-driven rain.
We install metal drip edge flashing along roof edges (eaves and rakes) to prevent water from getting under the shingles.
We begin with starter strips at the eaves / lower edge so the first row of shingles has something to bond to properly.
Shingles are installed in overlapping rows from bottom to top, typically offset so joints don’t line up (staggered). Nails are placed according to manufacturer specs (commonly 4-6 nails per shingle, or more in high-wind regions).
For roof valleys, we use proper valley flashing techniques or woven valley systems.
Around penetrations (vents, pipes, skylights, chimneys), we carefully flash using step flashing, boot flashing, etc.
At the ridge / hip, we use ridge cap shingles or special ridge caps to properly seal and finish the peak.
We inspect all shingles, flashing, fasteners, and edges to ensure proper alignment, coverage, and secure installation.
We walk the homeowner through the finished roof, explaining maintenance items, warranty information, and any care tips.
We clean the job site thoroughly — we pick up nails, debris, and ensure the surroundings are safe and clean.
We offer maintenance contracts or periodic inspections (e.g. biannual or after storms) to look for loose shingles, damaged flashing, moss/algae growth, etc.
Many manufacturer warranties require proper ventilation, underlayment, and flashing; we make sure your roof meets those to keep warranties valid.
If damage ever occurs (wind, hail, fallen branches), our team can perform repairs or replacements of shingles or sections in a timely fashion.
A well-installed asphalt shingle roof can last 20 to 30 years (or more) depending on the quality of shingle, underlayment, ventilation, and climate stresses. Some premium shingles may offer longer lifespans.
In some cases, a “overlay” (shingles over existing) is feasible if the existing roof is in good condition and local building code allows it. But for best performance, full tear-off and fresh installation is preferred to avoid hidden damage and to improve durability.
The work is noticeable (crews on the roof, knocking nails, disposing old shingles), but we plan to minimize disruption. Most residential re-roofs are completed in 1–2 days (weather and size permitting).
Regular inspections (twice yearly), clearing debris, checking flashing, repairing missing or damaged shingles promptly. Ensure gutters are clean so water doesn’t back up under the roof edge.
It tends to be on the lower end of cost per square foot compared to premium materials (metal, tile, slate). But total cost depends heavily on roof complexity, tear-off, deck repairs, ventilation, and shingle grade.
Most shingles include a manufacturer warranty (often 20, 25, 30 years or more) covering defects. Additionally, we offer workmanship warranties on our installations. Warranty terms depend on meeting installation standards (e.g. proper underlayment, ventilation, flashing).
Ready to explore a reliable Modified Roofing solution for your home or business? Contact American Shield Exteriors in Orland Park, IL, and let our experienced team assess your roof, explain your options, and deliver a top-tier installation that stands up to our Illinois climate.
From start to finish, we handle your property with care, respect, and attention to detail.
We install only top-grade materials to ensure long-lasting performance and durability.
Your satisfaction is our priority — we stand behind every project we complete.
