Asphalt shingle roofing
Asphalt shingle roofs, installed to the spec on the bundle
Shingles are the right roof for most houses. The difference between a shingle roof that lasts thirty years and one that fails in twelve is almost entirely in the installation. Josh installs them the way the manufacturer's spec sheet says to, every time.
In short
Asphalt shingles cover about four out of five houses in Lancaster County. They are the most economical roof, they come in every color, and a properly installed architectural shingle roof will last twenty-five to thirty years here. Josh installs architectural shingles from GAF, Owens Corning and CertainTeed, the three manufacturers whose products are stocked by the suppliers in Ephrata and Lancaster.
Josh does not install three-tab shingles. They are rated for less wind, they are thinner, they look flat, and the savings are small. Architectural shingles are the standard.
What makes a shingle roof last
Shingle manufacturers publish an installation specification. Most roof failures come from a contractor ignoring it to save time. Josh's installation follows it.
- Full tear-off, no second layer
- Ice and water shield at eaves, valleys and penetrations: a self-sealing membrane that stops water that gets under the shingles
- Synthetic underlayment, not felt, over the rest of the deck
- Drip edge under the underlayment at the eaves and over it at the rakes
- Starter strip with the adhesive at the eave edge, not cut-up shingles
- Six nails per shingle in the nail zone, driven flush, not overdriven. Four nails is the minimum and is not enough in Lancaster County wind
- Shingles offset at the manufacturer's pattern so joints never line up
- Open or closed-cut valleys done correctly, never woven on architectural shingles
- Step flashing at every wall, counter-flashing at chimneys, new boots at every pipe
- Ridge vent and matching ridge cap shingles, not cut-up field shingles
Choosing a shingle
The three brands are more alike than different. Each has a standard architectural line and a heavier premium line, and each offers an upgraded warranty when their underlayment, starter, ridge cap and ventilation are installed together by a credentialed contractor. Josh will walk through the lines and what the upgrade actually buys you.
Color is the real decision. Josh brings full-size sample boards, not a brochure, and lays them against the siding and brick. Mid-greys, weathered wood, charcoal and brown are the common choices in the county. Algae-resistant shingles, which have copper granules mixed in, are worth the small premium on north-facing roofs under trees, where the black streaks show up.
| Manufacturer | Standard architectural | Premium | Material warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| GAF | Timberline HDZ | Timberline UHDZ, Grand Sequoia | Lifetime limited |
| Owens Corning | Duration | Duration Premium, Woodcrest | Lifetime limited |
| CertainTeed | Landmark | Landmark Pro, Presidential | Lifetime limited |
Roofs in this county
Lancaster County roofs are mostly 6-in-12 to 9-in-12 pitches on colonials, Cape Cods and ranches, with dormers, chimneys and the occasional skylight. Cape Cods, which are everywhere to Elizabethtown, are the hardest to do right because of the dormer flashing and the short valleys. Ranches are the easiest. Two-story colonials need staging and a day longer.
Open ground means wind. Six nails per shingle and a proper starter strip are what keep shingles on the roof when a storm comes across the fields.
Price guide
What this usually costs
Typical shingle roof replacement ranges in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, 2026. Exact numbers after Josh measures.
- Ranch, 16 to 20 squares
- $9,000 to $13,500
- Cape Cod with dormers, 18 to 24 squares
- $11,000 to $17,000
- Two-story colonial, 24 to 34 squares
- $14,000 to $21,000
- Premium shingle line, added
- $80 to $150 per square
- Upgraded system warranty, added
- $400 to $900
A square is 100 square feet. Prices include tear-off, disposal, underlayment, ice and water shield, flashing, ridge vent and cleanup.
How a job goes
From the first call to the walkthrough
- 1
Call or send the form
Josh calls back the same day, usually within a couple of hours. Tell him what is going on and he will ask a few questions.
- 2
Josh comes out and looks
On the roof, in the attic, under the deck. He measures, takes photos, and brings samples in the truck. No sales presentation.
- 3
You get a written estimate
Materials named by brand, the scope spelled out, a price that does not expire at midnight. Over $500 it is a written contract, as Pennsylvania requires.
- 4
The work gets done
Materials delivered, the job done by Josh with help as the job needs, the site cleaned every day, permits and inspections handled.
- 5
Walkthrough, then you pay
Josh walks the finished job with you. Anything on the list gets done. Final payment when you are satisfied.
Questions people ask
Which shingle brand is best?
GAF, Owens Corning and CertainTeed all make good architectural shingles. Installation matters more than the brand. Josh usually recommends whichever has the color you want in stock.
What is the difference between a lifetime warranty and a 30-year warranty?
A lifetime limited warranty covers manufacturing defects for as long as you own the house, with full coverage for the first 10 years and prorated after. It does not cover installation errors, which is why the workmanship warranty matters.
Do you install algae-resistant shingles?
Yes, and Josh recommends them on shaded or north-facing roofs where the black streaks show.
How many nails per shingle?
Six. Four is the minimum in the spec and is not enough for the wind in open parts of the county.
Can you match the shingles on an addition to the existing roof?
If the existing roof is recent, usually yes. If it is more than a few years old the color will have faded and a close match is the best anyone can do.
Free estimate
Get a number, not a pitch.
Tell Josh what the house needs. He will call back, come out, measure, and give you a written estimate with the materials named.
(717) 598-7728Calls and texts answered seven days a week. Estimates by appointment, Monday to Saturday.
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