Shingle: What Every PA Homeowner Should Know

Shingles are the individual overlapping elements that form the outermost layer of a roof. Asphalt shingles are by far the most common in PA, available as 3-tab (flat, uniform) and architectural/dimensional (layered, textured). They're made from fiberglass mat coated in asphalt and topped with ceramic granules for UV and weather protection. Other shingle types include cedar shake, slate, and composite. Shingle selection affects appearance, lifespan, wind resistance, and energy efficiency. For PA homes, architectural shingles rated for 110+ mph winds and carrying a 30–50 year warranty are the standard recommendation.

Understanding shingle is important for homeowners in the Poconos and Lehigh Valley because Pennsylvania's climate puts unique demands on your home's exterior. With heavy snowfall, ice storms, and 80-120+ freeze-thaw cycles annually, the quality of your roofing directly impacts your home's protection and your family's comfort.

Amero Exteriors has been helping PA homeowners navigate these decisions since 2013, with 500+ completed projects across Monroe, Pike, Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.

Learn more about related topics:

• Square (Roofing): A unit of measurement equal to 100 square feet of roofing material.
• Underlayment: A water-resistant layer installed directly on the roof deck beneath shingles.