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Asphalt shingles have varying thicknesses across the length, so failing to stagger shingles from one row to the next will leave you with bulges and bumps if the thicker sections stack on top of each other. Not only is this unappealing, but it increases the risk of water intrusion. Stagger each new row by 6 inches to avoid this issue.

There are two main types of roofing shingles: 3-tab and architectural. Architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab but offer a more unique look and can last longer. However, 3-tab shingles are lightweight and affordable, and many people use them for both patching roofs and installing new roofs. Ultimately, the best type for you depends on your budget and your home’s aesthetic.

There should be small gaps between your roof and the walls of your home, and other buildings. These small gaps let building materials shift, expand, and contract with weather and other outside forces, and they prevent moisture from wicking down walls from roofing and gutter systems. Without these strategic gaps, your home’s exterior and its finishes can sustain water damage, decay, peel, delaminate, and crack. However, there is a fine line between a smart gap and a problematic gap—all  gaps should be small, intentional, and covered or filled in with foam insulation to prevent pests from using them as access points.

Shingle roofing can last anywhere from 15 to 50 years, depending on the type and quality of shingle, your local climate, and how well you maintain your roof. If you live in an area that sees extreme weather, like strong winds, hail storms, or hurricanes, the average life span of a shingle roof will often be on the shorter end, especially if you choose a more affordable roof shingle that isn’t designed to persist through extreme weather.