Asphalt Shingles
Are you looking to have your roof replaced and are wondering if asphalt shingles are the right choice?
Determining if asphalt shingles are right for your home depends on a couple of different factors: what style preference you have, and what sort of budget you are working with. Asphalt shingles are a popular choice because they hold up well in any kind of climate, are cost-effective, and are easy to maintain.
Mountain West Roofing provides high-quality asphalt roof repairs and replacements to Coquitlam and surrounding areas. We offer an exemplary roofing experience with our customer service and workmanship.

What are Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt roofing shingles are one of the most used roofing materials because they are relatively inexpensive and simple to install. There are three different design styles of asphalt shingles: 3-tab (or strip), architectural shingles, and luxury (also called premium).
- 3-tab asphalt shingles are basic shingles that lay flat. They come with a strip of material with 3 tabs. The tabs are generally 3 times the length to height of the shingle. This makes each shingle look like three different pieces, while actually being one long piece.
- Architectural shingles are composed of a heavy fibreglass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules that are tightly embedded in carefully refined, water-resistant asphalt. These give you a textured pattern and unique style of a wood shake roof.
- Another variation of architectural shingles are luxury asphalt shingles. They are composed much the same way as architectural shingles; however, they are typically larger and thicker than other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate.
Asphalt Shingle Colours
If you want your roof to compliment your house design, then you are in luck. Asphalt shingles come in an unlimited number of colour and style choices. There is no shortage of tones to choose from. Traditional grays, blacks, and browns will give you a traditional roof. Looking for something more modern and unique? Asphalt shingles come in varieties of blues and greens as well. With the choices available today, the only problem you’ll have is deciding which colour and style will look the best on your home.
Asphalt Shingle Cost
Asphalt shingles are popular due to their affordability!
One of the biggest appeals of asphalt shingles is the price. They are one of the most cost-effective roofing shingles available.
Not only are asphalt shingles a less expensive material option, but the labour cost for installation is also less due to how easy they are to install – making asphalt shingles the most economical roofing option available.

Pros of Asphalt Roofs
Cost is not the only thing that should be considered when purchasing a new roof. Fortunately, asphalt shingle roofs have lots of other benefits that we can share with you. There is a reason why asphalt shingle roofs are the most common style of roof that you will see in all neighborhoods of the Lower Mainland.
Here is a list of why roofing contractors and homeowners choose asphalt for their roofing projects:
- Affordability (materials and labor)
- Longevity of the roof
- Materials are easily available
- Impact resistance
Cons of Asphalt Roofs
Now that we have outlined all the benefits of asphalt shingle roofs, what are the downsides?
Regular roof maintenance is required if you choose asphalt for your new roof. It is recommended that you have a roof inspection and routine maintenance performed on your asphalt roof every 2–3 years.
Asphalt shingle roofs are also not the greatest for insulation, so you won’t be saving on your energy consumption. Additionally, since asphalt shingles are made from petroleum, they are not the most environmentally friendly option available.
- Requires periodic maintenance
- Low insulation value
- Environmental impact
Mountain West Roofing is a full-service roofing company that serves the Fraser Valley and the Greater Vancouver area. At Mountain West Roofing, we understand that one of the most important home-related decisions that you can make is to invest in a new roof.
Related Services

Residential Roofing
Our roofing specialists know that you want your new residential roof to be durable as well as beautiful. With our expertise and quality roofing products we provide, you can rest assured that your roofing project will be all you hoped for – and more!

Commercial Roofing
We are proud to be recognized as one of the top roofing contractors in the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. Our roofing experts offer commercial and industrial roofing solutions that are completed on time and on budget.

Multi Family and Strata Roofing
You need a roofing company with the expertise to steer large-scale projects. We have tremendous expertise in working with multi-family and strata roofing services.

Roof Repair and Maintenance
Common roofing issues can be avoided with consistent checkups and maintenance. Stopping leaks and repairing broken or missing shingles can preserve the life of your roof, which can help reduce the need for a full-on roof replacement.