For many years, asphalt shingles have been one of the most popular roofing materials in Europe and North America. They are chosen by homeowners and architects alike because they combine durability, attractive appearance, and a wide range of design options.
However, even today, many myths about asphalt shingles continue to circulate online and on social media. Most of these misconceptions originated more than 20 years ago, when inexpensive, low-quality products entered the Latvian market.
Let's take a look at the most common ones.
Myth No. 1. Asphalt shingles wear out quickly
The truth
This myth dates back to the 1990s and early 2000s, when low-cost asphalt shingles with a cellulose base were imported into Latvia. Over time, these materials absorbed moisture, became deformed, and lost their waterproofing properties.
Modern high-quality asphalt shingles are a completely different product.
They are manufactured using a fiberglass reinforcement layer, high-quality bitumen, and natural basalt granules.
This construction provides:
Myth No. 2. Asphalt shingles always become covered with moss
The truth
Moss growth does not depend solely on the roofing material.
It is mainly influenced by:
Myth No. 3. Asphalt shingles are not suitable for Latvia’s climate
The truth
Quite the opposite.
Asphalt shingles are designed to perform in a wide range of climatic conditions.
A high-quality product:
This is particularly important in Latvia, where winter temperatures can fall below −20°C, while roof surfaces may heat up to over +60°C during summer.
Myth No. 4. Asphalt shingles are a cheap, low-quality roofing material
The truth
Like any other roofing material, asphalt shingles are available in different quality levels.
Products from leading international manufacturers are used not only on private homes but also on public buildings and architecturally complex projects.
The main advantages of asphalt shingles include:
Myth No. 5. If there are trees near the house, asphalt shingles are not a good choice
The truth
The presence of trees is not a reason to avoid asphalt shingles.
Leaves, pine needles, pollen, and shade affect all roofing materials.
Whether the roof is made of metal, clay tiles, concrete tiles, or asphalt shingles, regular maintenance is essential.
Cleaning the roof and gutters in time will help any quality roofing material last for many years.
Myth No. 6. Modern asphalt shingles are the same as they were 20–30 years ago
The truth
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Roofing technology has advanced significantly over the past decades.
Modern asphalt shingles are manufactured using:
Myth No. 7. Asphalt shingle roofs are difficult to maintain
The truth
In reality, asphalt shingle roofs are among the easiest roofing materials to maintain.
Unlike smooth roofing materials, the textured surface of asphalt shingles provides better grip, making it safer to walk on the roof when carrying out inspections, cleaning gutters, removing leaves, or performing other maintenance tasks.
If moss or other dirt needs to be removed, maintenance is much easier because moving around the roof is safer and more comfortable.
Many myths about asphalt shingles are based on experiences with low-quality products that were available on the Latvian market more than 20 years ago.
Modern asphalt shingles are a technologically advanced roofing solution that combines durability, safety, attractive appearance, and easy maintenance.
By choosing a high-quality manufacturer and professional installation, an asphalt shingle roof will serve reliably for decades while maintaining its performance even in Latvia's challenging climate.
At TOPHOUSE.LV, we offer only proven roofing solutions for your home: standing seam roofing, metal roof tiles, trapezoidal profiles, asphalt shingles, fibre cement roofing, concrete roof tiles, and clay roof tiles — all available from our warehouse in Riga.
However, even today, many myths about asphalt shingles continue to circulate online and on social media. Most of these misconceptions originated more than 20 years ago, when inexpensive, low-quality products entered the Latvian market.
Let's take a look at the most common ones.
Myth No. 1. Asphalt shingles wear out quickly
The truth
This myth dates back to the 1990s and early 2000s, when low-cost asphalt shingles with a cellulose base were imported into Latvia. Over time, these materials absorbed moisture, became deformed, and lost their waterproofing properties.
Modern high-quality asphalt shingles are a completely different product.
They are manufactured using a fiberglass reinforcement layer, high-quality bitumen, and natural basalt granules.
This construction provides:
- high mechanical strength;
- UV resistance;
- flexibility even in severe frost;
- a long service life.
Myth No. 2. Asphalt shingles always become covered with moss
The truth
Moss growth does not depend solely on the roofing material.
It is mainly influenced by:
- shade;
- nearby trees;
- high humidity;
- roof ventilation;
- regular maintenance.
- metal roofs;
- clay roof tiles;
- concrete roof tiles.
Myth No. 3. Asphalt shingles are not suitable for Latvia’s climate
The truth
Quite the opposite.
Asphalt shingles are designed to perform in a wide range of climatic conditions.
A high-quality product:
- remains flexible at low temperatures;
- does not crack during frost;
- withstands rapid temperature changes;
- provides reliable waterproofing.
This is particularly important in Latvia, where winter temperatures can fall below −20°C, while roof surfaces may heat up to over +60°C during summer.
Myth No. 4. Asphalt shingles are a cheap, low-quality roofing material
The truth
Like any other roofing material, asphalt shingles are available in different quality levels.
Products from leading international manufacturers are used not only on private homes but also on public buildings and architecturally complex projects.
The main advantages of asphalt shingles include:
- excellent waterproofing;
- minimal installation waste;
- ideal for complex roof shapes;
- a wide choice of colours and styles;
- quiet performance during rain and hail.
Myth No. 5. If there are trees near the house, asphalt shingles are not a good choice
The truth
The presence of trees is not a reason to avoid asphalt shingles.
Leaves, pine needles, pollen, and shade affect all roofing materials.
Whether the roof is made of metal, clay tiles, concrete tiles, or asphalt shingles, regular maintenance is essential.
Cleaning the roof and gutters in time will help any quality roofing material last for many years.
Myth No. 6. Modern asphalt shingles are the same as they were 20–30 years ago
The truth
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
Roofing technology has advanced significantly over the past decades.
Modern asphalt shingles are manufactured using:
- fiberglass reinforcement;
- SBS or APP modified bitumen;
- premium-quality basalt granules;
- advanced self-adhesive sealing layers.
Myth No. 7. Asphalt shingle roofs are difficult to maintain
The truth
In reality, asphalt shingle roofs are among the easiest roofing materials to maintain.
Unlike smooth roofing materials, the textured surface of asphalt shingles provides better grip, making it safer to walk on the roof when carrying out inspections, cleaning gutters, removing leaves, or performing other maintenance tasks.
If moss or other dirt needs to be removed, maintenance is much easier because moving around the roof is safer and more comfortable.
Many myths about asphalt shingles are based on experiences with low-quality products that were available on the Latvian market more than 20 years ago.
Modern asphalt shingles are a technologically advanced roofing solution that combines durability, safety, attractive appearance, and easy maintenance.
By choosing a high-quality manufacturer and professional installation, an asphalt shingle roof will serve reliably for decades while maintaining its performance even in Latvia's challenging climate.
At TOPHOUSE.LV, we offer only proven roofing solutions for your home: standing seam roofing, metal roof tiles, trapezoidal profiles, asphalt shingles, fibre cement roofing, concrete roof tiles, and clay roof tiles — all available from our warehouse in Riga.