Understanding Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles cover approximately 80% of residential roofs in North America. They're affordable, proven, and available in hundreds of colors and styles. But not all asphalt shingles are created equal — especially in Fraser Valley's demanding climate.

This guide explains everything you need to know about asphalt shingles: how they're made, what makes them fail, which brands perform best in BC, and how to maximize their lifespan in our wet, windy environment.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

At their core, asphalt shingles are a fiberglass mat saturated with asphalt and coated with ceramic granules. This simple construction has evolved significantly since the 1980s, when organic felt-based shingles dominated the market.

Modern Fiberglass Shingle Construction (top to bottom):

1. Ceramic Granules: Colored stone particles that provide UV protection and aesthetic appeal
2. Asphalt Coating: Waterproofing layer (petroleum-based or modified with polymers)
3. Fiberglass Mat: Structural core (replaced organic felt in the 1980s)
4. Asphalt Coating: Second waterproofing layer
5. Back Surfacing: Sand or talc to prevent shingles from sticking together in bundles
6. Adhesive Strip: Self-sealing strip that bonds shingles together after installation (critical for wind resistance)

The Evolution: Organic vs. Fiberglass

Understanding this history explains why older roofs fail and why modern shingles perform better:

Organic Shingles (pre-1990s):

• Base Material: Felt paper (cellulose fibers) saturated with asphalt
• Lifespan: 15-20 years in Fraser Valley climate
• Failure Mode: Absorbed moisture, became brittle, cracked
• Weight: Heavy (240-400 lbs per square)
• Status: Discontinued by most manufacturers in the 1990s

Fiberglass Shingles (1990s-present):

• Base Material: Woven fiberglass mat (non-absorbent)
• Lifespan: 20-30 years in Fraser Valley (with proper installation)
• Failure Mode: Granule loss, thermal cycling, wind damage
• Weight: Lighter (200-250 lbs per square)
• Status: Industry standard

Why This Matters: If you have an organic shingle roof from the 1980s or early 1990s, it's living on borrowed time. The felt base absorbs Fraser Valley's 1,800mm+ annual rainfall, leading to accelerated deterioration.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

1. Three-Tab Shingles (Basic/Economy)

Construction:

• Single-layer design
• Flat profile with three distinct tabs
• Uniform thickness
• Minimal dimensional appearance

Performance:

• Lifespan: 15-20 years in Fraser Valley
• Wind Rating: 60-70 mph (inadequate for Hope's wind zones)
• Warranty: Typically 20-25 years (prorated)
• Cost: $3,000-5,000 installed (average home)

Our Recommendation: We rarely install three-tab shingles. The cost savings ($1,000-1,500 vs. architectural shingles) don't justify the shorter lifespan and inferior wind resistance. In Hope and exposed Chilliwack areas, three-tab shingles are a liability.

2. Architectural Shingles (Standard/Recommended)

Construction:

• Multi-layer laminated design
• Dimensional profile (mimics wood shake appearance)
• Thicker construction (2-3x the weight of three-tab)
• Random pattern for natural look

Performance:

• Lifespan: 25-30 years in Fraser Valley (with proper installation)
• Wind Rating: 110-130 mph (suitable for most Fraser Valley locations)
• Warranty: 30-50 years (limited lifetime on some products)
• Cost: $4,500-7,000 installed (average home)

Popular Brands We Install:

• IKO Cambridge: Our most popular choice — excellent value, proven Fraser Valley performance
• Owens Corning Duration: Superior wind resistance (SureNail technology)
• CertainTeed Landmark: Good color selection, reliable performance
• BP Everest: Budget-friendly architectural option

Our Recommendation: Architectural shingles are the sweet spot for most Fraser Valley homes. They offer excellent performance, aesthetic appeal, and value. This is what we install on 70% of our projects.

3. Premium/Designer Shingles

Construction:

• Multi-layer laminated with enhanced dimensional profile
• Thickest construction (up to 4x the weight of three-tab)
• Advanced granule technology (enhanced color, algae resistance)
• Some include copper or zinc for moss/algae prevention

Performance:

• Lifespan: 30-40 years in Fraser Valley
• Wind Rating: 130+ mph
• Warranty: Limited lifetime (50+ years)
• Cost: $8,000-12,000 installed (average home)

Examples:

• IKO Dynasty: Premium architectural with enhanced granules
• Owens Corning Berkshire: Luxury appearance, excellent performance
• CertainTeed Grand Manor: Mimics slate appearance

Our Recommendation: Premium shingles make sense for high-end homes, properties with complex roof lines where aesthetics matter, or customers who plan to stay in their home 20+ years. The cost premium ($3,000-5,000) buys 5-10 additional years of lifespan.

How Asphalt Shingles Fail in Fraser Valley Climate

Understanding failure modes helps you make informed decisions about material selection and maintenance:

1. Granule Loss

What It Is: Ceramic granules detach from the asphalt coating, exposing the underlying asphalt to UV degradation.

Causes in Fraser Valley:

• UV exposure (summer sun at elevation)
• Thermal cycling (freeze-thaw in Hope, Harrison)
• Impact damage (hail, falling branches)
• Poor manufacturing (inadequate granule adhesion)

Timeline: Normal granule loss is 10-15% over 20 years. Excessive loss (bare spots visible) indicates premature failure.

Prevention: Choose shingles with advanced granule technology (IKO ArmourZone, Owens Corning StreakGuard). Trim overhanging branches to reduce impact damage.

2. Thermal Cycling Damage

What It Is: Repeated expansion and contraction from temperature swings causes shingles to crack, curl, or lose adhesive bond.

Fraser Valley Risk Zones:

• High Risk: Hope (rapid temperature swings from mountain weather)
• Moderate Risk: Harrison Hot Springs, Mission (lake effect and elevation)
• Lower Risk: Abbotsford, Chilliwack (more stable temperatures)

Prevention: Proper attic ventilation (reduces thermal stress), quality underlayment (synthetic, not felt), and premium shingles with polymer-modified asphalt.

3. Wind Uplift

What It Is: Wind gets under shingle edges and lifts them, breaking the adhesive seal and potentially tearing shingles off.

Fraser Valley Risk Zones:

• Extreme Risk: Hope (wind shear from converging mountain passes)
• High Risk: Exposed Chilliwack slopes, Mission hillsides
• Moderate Risk: Abbotsford (open agricultural areas)

Prevention: Our 6-nail high-wind protocol (vs. code minimum 4 nails), architectural shingles with enhanced adhesive strips, proper starter strip installation.

4. Moss and Algae Growth

What It Is: Organic growth on shingle surfaces that retains moisture and accelerates deterioration.

Fraser Valley Risk Zones:

• Extreme Risk: Agassiz (river fog), north-facing roofs in all locations
• High Risk: Tree-shaded roofs throughout the valley
• Moderate Risk: Open, south-facing roofs

Prevention: Algae-resistant shingles (copper or zinc granules), zinc strips at ridge, regular cleaning, tree trimming to increase sun exposure.

Brand Comparison: What We Actually Install

After 8+ years and hundreds of installations, here's our honest assessment of major brands:

IKO (Our #1 Choice)

Why We Prefer IKO:

• Local Availability: Stocked at Roofmart Chilliwack/Abbotsford, Pioneer, Canex
• Proven Performance: Excellent track record in Fraser Valley climate
• Value: Best performance-to-price ratio
• Warranty Support: Responsive Canadian warranty department
• Color Selection: Wide range including popular Dual Black, Weatherwood, Driftshake

Popular IKO Products:

• Cambridge: Our workhorse — 70% of our shingle installations
• Dynasty: Premium option for high-end homes
• Marathon: Mid-range option (less common in our market)

Real-World Performance: We've installed 200+ IKO Cambridge roofs since 2017. Zero material warranty claims. Excellent granule retention. No premature failures.

Owens Corning

Strengths:

• SureNail Technology: Reinforced nailing zone for superior wind resistance
• StreakGuard: Excellent algae resistance
• Brand Recognition: Well-known, trusted name
• Warranty: Strong warranty coverage

Considerations:

• 10-15% more expensive than IKO Cambridge
• Less readily available locally (longer lead times)
• Excellent product, but cost premium doesn't always justify the difference

When We Recommend Owens Corning: Extreme wind exposure (Hope hillsides), customers who specifically request the brand, projects where SureNail technology provides measurable benefit.

CertainTeed

Strengths:

• Color Selection: Industry-leading color options
• Landmark Series: Solid mid-range performer
• Availability: Stocked at Canex

Considerations:

• Similar performance to IKO at similar price point
• We install when customer prefers specific CertainTeed color

BP (Boral)

Strengths:

• Value: Budget-friendly architectural shingles
• Adequate Performance: Meets code requirements

Considerations:

• Shorter track record in Fraser Valley
• We install primarily for budget-conscious customers
• Not our first recommendation, but acceptable for cost-sensitive projects

The Bottom Line: What Should You Choose?

For 90% of Fraser Valley Homes:

IKO Cambridge architectural shingles in a color that complements your home. Proven performance, excellent value, readily available, strong warranty. Installed with our 6-nail high-wind protocol in Hope/exposed areas, synthetic underlayment, and extended ice & water shield.

Expected Lifespan: 25-30 years
Cost: $5,000-7,000 (average home)
Warranty: Limited lifetime (50 years prorated)

For High-End Homes or Long-Term Ownership:

IKO Dynasty or Owens Corning Berkshire. Enhanced aesthetics, superior granule technology, extended lifespan. Worth the premium if you're staying in your home 20+ years.

Expected Lifespan: 30-40 years
Cost: $8,000-12,000 (average home)
Warranty: Limited lifetime (50+ years prorated)

For Budget-Conscious Projects:

BP Everest architectural shingles. Adequate performance at lower cost. Not our first choice, but acceptable for customers with strict budget constraints.

Expected Lifespan: 20-25 years
Cost: $4,000-5,500 (average home)
Warranty: 30 years limited

Questions about shingle selection? Call (604) 997-1292 and we'll bring samples to your home.