Asphalt shingles offer great beauty and exceptional performance at a price that won’t hurt your wallet. But despite asphalt shingles being both cost-effective and reliable, you may have heard a few unappealing stories that made you think twice about getting them for your home. You should know that most of these misconceptions aren’t even remotely true, so we’ve debunked some of the most common roofing misconceptions ones below:
Common Asphalt Shingle Roofing Misconceptions
Myth: Dark Shingles Decrease Energy Efficiency
Truth: Dark-colored surfaces naturally retain more radiant heat than lighter-colored ones, even in asphalt shingles. But you should understand that the difference is hardly enough to affect your home’s overall energy consumption. Dark-colored shingles are generally recommended in colder climates because they tend to absorb more radiant heat and keep homes warmer.
It’s true that dark-colored surfaces, including roofing shingles, naturally absorb and retain more heat from the sun than lighter-colored ones. This is why some homeowners worry that choosing dark shingles will dramatically raise indoor temperatures and increase their cooling costs during warm weather.
However, the actual impact of shingle color on your home’s overall energy efficiency is often overstated. While dark shingles do absorb more radiant heat, the difference in energy consumption is usually minimal, especially if your attic is properly insulated and ventilated. In most modern homes, insulation and ventilation play a far more significant role in regulating indoor temperature than the color of the roof alone.
In fact, dark-colored shingles can actually be beneficial in certain situations. In colder climates, they can help homes stay warmer by absorbing additional heat, which can slightly reduce heating costs during the winter months. This makes them a practical and even recommended choice in regions where extended cold seasons are common.
Furthermore, many modern shingles — regardless of color — are now designed with advanced reflective granules and energy-efficient technologies that help reduce heat absorption. These “cool roof” options can be found in both light and dark shades, allowing homeowners to choose the aesthetic they like without compromising energy performance.
When choosing shingle color, it’s important to consider not just energy efficiency but also your local climate, architectural style, and personal preference. Consulting with a roofing professional can help you weigh all these factors and select the best option for your home.
Myth: Shingles Have Asbestos
Truth: This isn’t true for today’s asphalt shingle roofs, but if you’re remodeling a home built during the midcentury, you might need a professional inspection. Up until the middle of the 20th century, asbestos was a component in manufacturing shingles. This changed in the 1960s when the health risks associated with asbestos fibers were discovered. Fire safety codes were also updated at the time so asbestos was phased out almost completely to promote the usage of safer materials such as inert mineral stabilizers.
This concern doesn’t apply to today’s asphalt shingle roofs. Modern asphalt shingles are manufactured using safe, non-toxic materials, and homeowners don’t need to worry about asbestos when installing a new roof today.
However, if you’re remodeling or replacing a roof on a home that was built during the mid-20th century — particularly before the 1960s — it’s a different story. Up until that time, asbestos was commonly used as an additive in various building materials, including roofing shingles, siding, and insulation. Manufacturers included asbestos fibers in shingles to improve fire resistance and increase durability.
It wasn’t until the 1960s that the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure became widely recognized. Inhalation of asbestos fibers was linked to severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. As these health concerns came to light, fire safety codes and building standards were updated, and asbestos was gradually phased out from roofing materials and other construction products.
Since then, manufacturers have switched to much safer alternatives, such as inert mineral stabilizers and fiberglass mats, to achieve fire resistance and durability without posing health risks.
If your home was built before the 1960s and still has its original roof or siding, it’s critical to have a professional inspection before starting any renovation or removal work. Only a qualified professional can safely assess whether asbestos is present and recommend proper abatement or removal procedures to protect your health and comply with safety regulations.
In summary, while modern asphalt shingles are completely free of asbestos, older homes might still contain these materials, so it’s important to proceed cautiously and consult experts if you’re dealing with an older roof.
Myth: Shingle Adhesives Cure Too Fast
Truth: An adhesive “cures” when it goes through a chemical process to attain its final properties and strength. Some can cure instantly, but the ones typically used on asphalt shingles must be exposed to solar heat for a few days to take effect. This ensures a successful installation against wind damage and other weather elements.
State Roofing & Exteriors is a trusted contractor you can rely on for top-notch roof repair and replacement services. Call us today at (360) 794-7164 to get a free estimate! You can also reach us online to get started. We serve clients in Seattle, Bothell and Everett, WA, and the rest of the Puget Sound region.
