What is the typical lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof?
Standard architectural (laminated dimensional) asphalt shingles last 25 to 30 years under typical residential conditions. Manufacturer warranties commonly run 30 years to "lifetime limited" (often 50 years prorated). 3-tab shingles last 15 to 20 years. Premium architectural shingles can last 40 to 50 years. Tennessee summer heat and storm exposure can shorten lifespan if attic ventilation is inadequate. Midway Supply carries Tamko Heritage and Owens Corning Duration / Oakridge architectural shingles for Middle Tennessee builders.
What is the difference between architectural and 3-tab shingles?
Architectural (or laminated dimensional) shingles are made by laminating two layers, creating depth and a thicker, more storm-resistant profile. 3-tab shingles are single-layer with three uniform tabs cut into each piece, creating a flat, repeating pattern. Architectural shingles cost about 25 to 50 percent more, last 50 to 100 percent longer, and carry stronger wind ratings (typically 110 to 130 mph vs. 60 to 70 for 3-tab). Architectural is now the residential standard; 3-tab is mostly used for rentals and budget re-roofs. Midway stocks both.
What is a roofing square?
A roofing square is the measurement unit for roof area: 100 square feet. A 25-square roof covers 2,500 square feet. Shingle bundles are sold by square coverage. A typical architectural shingle takes 3 bundles to cover one square (33-1/3 square feet per bundle). Underlayment, drip edge, and other accessories are also calculated per square. Midway estimators quote roofing packages by square count.
Does Midway sell metal roofing?
Yes. Midway Supply sells metal roofing through GingCo Supply, a metal-roofing manufacturer in Burkesville, Kentucky that rolls its own Tuff Rib and PBR-Panel through-fastened panels, standing seam, metal shingles, and matching trim in more than 20 colors. Midway keeps a limited quantity of common panels and trim on hand at the yard; most metal orders are quoted through GingCo and made to the job's measurements, with lead times confirmed on the quote. Asphalt shingles remain the yard's deepest-stocked roofing lines: Tamko (the primary) and Owens Corning.
What metal roofing profiles does Midway offer?
Through GingCo Supply, Midway offers Tuff Rib through-fastened panel in 29 or 26 gauge, PBR-Panel in 26 gauge for commercial and heavier-duty work, and Board & Batten profile for vertical applications, all with 36-inch coverage, plus standing-seam panels and metal shingles, with matching metal soffit and trim. Finishes are Sherwin-Williams WeatherXL coatings: more than 20 colors in 29 gauge (including textured, Copper Metallic, and Acrylic Galvalume) and 15 in 26 gauge. Panels are rolled to order at GingCo's Kentucky plant, so sheets come cut to the job's lengths rather than trimmed on site. Midway quotes the package, including underlayment, fasteners, closures, and trim, and confirms the lead time on the quote.
What is ice and water shield and where is it required?
Ice and water shield is a self-adhering bitumen-based membrane applied to the roof deck before underlayment to seal nail penetrations and block water from ice dams. Building codes require it at eaves (usually 24 inches inside the exterior wall line), in valleys, around penetrations, and in low-slope sections. Common brands include Grace Ice and Water Shield, GAF StormGuard, and Owens Corning WeatherLock. Midway stocks ice and water shield alongside synthetic underlayment.
What is ridge venting and is it required?
Ridge venting is a continuous vent installed at the peak of a sloped roof that lets hot, moist attic air escape, paired with intake vents (soffit vents or shingle-over starter vents) to create natural attic airflow. It's required by code in most attic configurations to prevent moisture buildup, ice damming, and shingle premature failure. Net-free area requirements vary by attic square footage and intake-vent area. Midway carries Tamko and Owens Corning ridge vents matched to the shingle lineup, plus generic ridge vents and accessories.
What wind ratings do shingles need in Tennessee?
Standard architectural shingles are rated 110 mph; manufacturers offer 130 mph "enhanced" wind ratings with prescribed installation patterns (six nails per shingle plus starter strip). Tennessee tornado-prone corridors and storm-frequent counties often spec 130 mph. Some insurers offer premium discounts for impact-rated (Class 4) shingles in hail-prone areas. Midway can match the right wind and impact rating to the project location.