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Roofing Education & Guidance

Roofing 101 Guide

Expert Help from Square One

The Roofing 101 Guide goes step-by-step through a roofing project, including how to:

  • Check for warning signs
  • Understand project costs
  • Explore shingle colors
  • Pick your products
  • Find the right contractor

Warning Sign Awareness

Is This Your Roof?

If you’re seeing these things, your roof may need attention.

Closeup of roofing shingles with dark streaks caused by algae

Dark Streaks

Airborne algae cause dark streaks on your roof. While not necessarily harmful, it may not look good.

What to do about algae
Closeup of roof with missing shingles

Storm Damage

Are you missing shingles after high winds or seeing dents in your shingles from hail storms?

What to do after a storm
Closeup of roof with ice and snow encroaching into gutter

Ice Build-up

This can be a sign of poor attic ventilation and can cause water damage to walls and ceilings.

What to do about ice dams

Warning Signs

Where to Start

Project Checklist

Know the Next Step

Just need a quick "to do list" to keep your roofing project on track? Use this helpful checklist to always know what to do next.

Total Protection Roofing System®

SEAL. DEFEND. BREATHE.®

When most people think “roofing” they only picture shingles. While they are the most visible, they don’t work alone. Moisture-resistant underlayment and proper ventilation are just as important for your whole roof to last.

Remember these three words: Seal. Defend. Breathe. Your roof needs to seal out moisture, defend against the weather, and breathe to create a balanced airflow. Your shingles are just part of the story!

Roofing 101 GuideComplete Project Guidance

Download our free guide and get expert help from square one.

ROOF-A-Q™

We can help right now

Have a question listed below? We can answer it right here!

Q: Should I repair or replace my roof?

A: It can be tricky to know when the wear on your roof stops being repairable and needs replacement.

Here’s one good rule of thumb: a small spot of wear or storm damage can generally be repaired. Depending on where you live if it affects more than 30% of your roof, the cost may be high enough to warrant replacement. Some areas may require replacement in certain cases, so always consult your local building codes. Extensive damage to deeper layers below the shingles may also require replacement.

We discuss roof replacement vs. repair in more detail here.

Contractor working at the peak of a roof

Q: How much does a new roof cost?

A: Many factors can affect your cost, including the size and slope of your roof, the type of shingle, color and system accessories you choose, the warranty protection you choose and the amount of damage to your existing roof. Check out this article to understand all the factors affecting the cost of your new roof.

Exterior of a home focused on the roof

ROOF-A-Q™

Didn’t see your questions?

Compare Duration® Series and Oakridge® Shingles

Selecting the right Shingle

A quick guide to the benefits of some of our most popular lines.

Closeup of a shingle sample highlighting color granules

Duration® Designer Shingles

Duration®️️️ Designer Shingles feature the advanced performance of SureNail®️️️ Technology and the high contrast tones of unique color blends for a distinctive view from the curb.

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Closeup of a shingle sample highlighting color granules

Duration® Shingles

Duration®️️️ Shingles are our most popular because of the advanced performance of SureNail®️️️ Technology and their exceptionally rich colors.

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Closeup of a shingle sample highlighting color granules

Oakridge® Shingles

Oakridge®️️️ Shingles provide eye-catching curb appeal and premium protection.

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Illustration depicting a nail going through a triple-layer Duration Shingle

Duration® Series Shingles

Shingles have a dedicated “nailing zone” to assure proper installation, but not all are the same. Duration® Series Shingles feature patented triple-layer SureNail® Technology for excellent holding power in high winds.

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Illustration depicting a nail going through a double-layer Oakridge Shingle

Oakridge® Shingles

A full double layer in the nailing zone gives Oakridge® Shingles greater integrity and better holding power compared to shingles with single layer wide nail zones.

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Home exterior with text stating Limited Lifetime Warranty, 130 MPH wind resistance, 25-Year algae resistance

Duration® Series Shingles

Duration® Series Shingles are covered under our Limited Lifetime Warranty, which means that as the owner of a single-family detached home, your warranty is in effect for manufacturing defects as long as you own your home1.

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Home exterior with text stating Limited Lifetime Warranty, 110/130 MPH wind resistance, 25-Year algae resistance

Oakridge® Shingles

Having your roof installed by an Owens Corning Roofing Preferred Contractor or an Owens Corning Roofing Platinum Preferred Contractor can have an impact on your warranty coverage.

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1 See actual warranty for complete details, limitations and requirements.

TOTAL PROTECTION ROOFING SYSTEM®

One System.
One Brand.
Total Protection.™

Regardless of the shingle you choose, always remember your roof is a system of highly engineered components. Owens Corning created the Total Protection Roofing System® to make it simple to get everything you need in one complete system. One that’s been designed, built and tested to deliver total protection for years to come.

Illustration of a roof with separated layers of vents, shingles, underlayment, roof deck, rafters and attic insulation

Gallery

For a roof you’ll really love™

Your roof represents up to 40% of your home’s exterior. Don’t settle for less than a look you really love!

As you look at these homes, notice how well each roof coordinates with the rest of the exterior. That’s what using a Style Board can do for you. Browse our curated styles or check out our blog on how to create your own!

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Midnight Plum - TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles
Woman gazing out her car window at a home's roof

Warning May Cause Roof Gawking™

Scouring the neighborhood for great-looking roofs and experiencing the head-turning, stop-and-stare sensation when you find them. That’s what Roof Gawking is all about.

Take a good look around—go Roof Gawking—and notice the stunning impact a beautiful roof has on curb appeal. Discover what Owens Corning has long known – that awe-inspiring roofs can be the envy of the neighborhood!

Roofing Blog

Expert Insights

Our roofing blog is full of helpful advice from the expert Owens Corning team.

Mood board of home exterior elements including shingle sample, paint swatches, outdoor lighting fixture

Discover your StyleHow to Create a Mood Board

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to help you decide on a final roof shingle color is to create a home exterior mood board.

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Two people in a driveway looking at an installer working on a roof

Choosing a ContractorHow to Find Reliable Roofers

Searching online for roofing contractors can bring up dozens of results. How can you quickly narrow down your list?

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Home exterior focused on the roof

Comparing ShinglesLearn Roofing Shingle Options

Learn the available types of roofing shingles and discover which is the right choice for your roof.

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Silhouette of a roofing installer working at the peak of a roof

Find a pro you can trust

Hiring a Contractor

Who you trust to install your roof is obviously very important. First, you need a short list of reputable contractors in your area, and then you need to choose the one you prefer. We can help with both.