Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Santa Clarita, CA

Asphalt shingles cover many older Santa Clarita Valley homes, particularly 1960s and 1970s tracts in parts of Newhall, Saugus, and Canyon Country, and plenty of newer homes as well. Shingles handle rain well, but strong sun and Santa Ana winds are hard on them. Heat speeds up aging, and wind can break the seal strip that holds each shingle tab down.

What does shingle wear look like?

Granule loss: bald patches, or lots of granules in gutters and at downspout outlets.
Curling and cupping: edges turning up or the middle sinking, common on slopes that get afternoon sun.
Cracking: brittle shingles that split, especially along ridges and hips.
Lifted or missing tabs: often after wind events.
Exposed nails and failed sealant at vents, pipe boots, and flashing.

Can wind-damaged shingles be repaired?

Often, if the damage is limited and the rest of the roof still has life left. A roofer can replace torn or missing shingles and reseal lifted ones. On an older roof, though, the surrounding shingles may be too brittle to lift without cracking, and new shingles may not match in color. In that case, replacing a whole slope or the whole roof may make more sense. See wind and storm damage.

What goes into a shingle re-roof?

Tear-off of existing shingles and underlayment down to the deck.
Deck inspection and replacement of damaged sheathing. Some older homes have skip sheathing (spaced boards from an earlier wood shake roof) that has to be covered with solid sheathing before shingles go on.
New underlayment, drip edge, and flashing at walls, valleys, chimneys, and skylights.
Ventilation check: intake at the eaves and exhaust at or near the ridge, so the attic doesn't trap heat.
Shingle installation following the manufacturer's nailing pattern, especially important in windy areas.
Cleanup, including a magnetic sweep for nails, and final inspection.

Do shingles meet fire zone rules?

Many asphalt shingle products are rated Class A when installed as specified. In mapped fire hazard severity zones, re-roofs are generally required to use a Class A roof assembly, and ember-resistant vents are typically required. Confirm the rating of the specific product and check your address on the CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal maps. See fire-resistant roofing.

Heat, color, and energy rules

Santa Clarita summers often get very hot, and attic temperatures climb with them. Lighter colors and reflective "cool roof" shingles can reduce heat gain. California's Title 24 energy code may require cool roof products for certain re-roofs depending on slope and climate zone. Good attic ventilation also helps shingles last. HOAs may limit color choices, so check before you pick.

Older roofs and materials

Homes built before 1978 may have lead paint on fascia, eaves, and trim; ask the roofer about lead-safe work practices. Some older roofing felts and mastics can contain asbestos. A roofer should know when testing is appropriate before tear-off.

Shingle repair or replacement: how to decide

If the roof is relatively young and damage is in one spot, repair is usually reasonable. If leaks are appearing in more than one place, or the shingles are brittle and balding across the roof, replacement is often the better long-term choice. Ask for photos of every slope. See roof repair and roof replacement.

Before you hire

Check the contractor's license at cslb.ca.gov, ask for proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation, and get a written estimate listing the shingle product, underlayment, flashing, ventilation, deck repair pricing, permit, and warranty terms. We don't publish prices because they vary widely.

Frequently asked questions

Why are my shingles curling?

Heat, age, and poor attic ventilation are common reasons. Curling often shows up first on slopes facing south and west. A roofer can tell you whether it's isolated or a sign the roof is near the end of its life.

Are architectural shingles better than 3-tab?

Architectural (dimensional) shingles are heavier and many carry higher wind ratings than basic 3-tab shingles. Most shingle re-roofs today use them. Ask the roofer for the specific product's ratings.

What is skip sheathing?

Spaced boards that were used under wood shake roofs. Shingles need a solid deck, so roofers usually add plywood or OSB over skip sheathing during a re-roof.

Shingle Roofing help around Santa Clarita

We take requests from 22 nearby communities. Local guides:

Back to Santa Clarita Roofing Pros

Asphalt Shingle Roofing in Santa Clarita