Tar Roof Shingles

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Tar Roof Shingles – When it comes to roofing, homeowners and commercial property owners seek materials that combine durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Among the many options available, tar roof shingles have been a traditional favorite, especially in regions with fluctuating climates. Though modern alternatives like asphalt shingles, metal, and synthetic materials have emerged, tar shingles still hold an important place in roofing history and continue to be used in certain applications today.

This article explores what tar roof shingles are, their benefits, installation methods, common issues, maintenance tips, and whether they’re still worth considering today.

What Are Tar Roof Shingles?

Tar roof shingles, sometimes referred to as coal-tar shingles or roofing tar shingles, are a roofing material that combines tar (a sticky, black byproduct of coal or petroleum) with roofing felt or fiberglass mats. They are similar in appearance to asphalt shingles, but the binder material is tar instead of asphalt.

Historically, tar was one of the earliest waterproofing substances used in roofing. For centuries, builders applied coal tar pitch to flat and low-slope roofs because of its excellent water resistance and ability to seal cracks. When combined with shingles, tar provided a durable, protective surface that resisted heavy rains, wind, and moderate foot traffic.

Benefits of Tar Roof Shingles

Despite being considered a more traditional roofing option, tar shingles offer a range of benefits that explain their continued use in some areas.

Waterproofing Strength

Tar is naturally water-resistant, making tar shingles highly effective in areas with frequent rainfall or snow. The tar creates a protective layer that prevents water penetration, reducing the risk of leaks and moisture damage.

Durability

Tar roof shingles are tough and can withstand harsh weather conditions. They resist cracking and splitting better than some cheaper asphalt shingles, and they can last 20–30 years with proper maintenance.

Adhesive Properties

Unlike some roofing materials, tar has adhesive qualities that help seal the shingles together. This makes the roof more resistant to wind uplift and storm damage.

Cost-Effective Option

Though not as cheap as basic asphalt shingles, tar shingles remain affordable compared to high-end roofing systems like slate, metal, or tile.

Fire Resistance

Coal-tar shingles often have better fire resistance ratings compared to asphalt, offering added protection to the home.

Drawbacks of Tar Roof Shingles

While tar shingles have advantages, they also come with certain limitations that make them less popular in modern roofing projects.

Environmental Concerns

Coal tar contains compounds that are considered hazardous to the environment and human health. This has led to a decline in its use, especially in residential roofing.

Odor and Fumes

Freshly installed tar roofs emit a strong odor that can linger for weeks. Prolonged exposure to tar fumes can be unpleasant and, in large quantities, potentially harmful.

Limited Aesthetic Appeal

Compared to architectural asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or designer options, tar shingles have a plain, utilitarian look that may not suit modern architectural styles.

Availability

Because asphalt has largely replaced tar as the go-to material for shingles, tar roof shingles may not be as widely available in the market.

Installation of Tar Roof Shingles

The installation process for tar shingles is similar to asphalt shingles but includes additional steps involving tar application. Below is a simplified overview:

Step 1: Roof Preparation

  • The roof deck is inspected and repaired if necessary.

  • Underlayment (roofing felt or synthetic sheets) is installed to provide an additional water barrier.

Step 2: Applying Tar Adhesive

  • A layer of hot or cold tar adhesive is spread over the underlayment.

  • This creates a sticky base to hold the shingles in place.

Step 3: Shingle Placement

  • Shingles are laid starting from the bottom edge of the roof, overlapping each other.

  • Each shingle is pressed firmly into the tar adhesive, which seals the edges.

Step 4: Sealing and Finishing

  • Additional tar is applied at vulnerable points like valleys, chimneys, and flashing.

  • The final surface is checked to ensure all shingles are properly sealed.

Installing tar shingles requires professional expertise due to the handling of hot tar and the need for precise alignment to avoid leaks.

Maintenance of Tar Roof Shingles

Proper care and maintenance can extend the lifespan of tar roof shingles significantly. Here are some essential maintenance practices:

Regular Inspections

Inspect the roof at least twice a year (spring and fall) and after heavy storms. Look for missing shingles, cracks, or areas where tar may have deteriorated.

Cleaning

Remove debris such as leaves, branches, and moss. Organic matter traps moisture, which can lead to tar breakdown.

Re-Tarring

Over time, the tar may dry out and lose its adhesive qualities. Reapplying roofing tar to problem areas can restore water resistance and seal small cracks.

Flashing Repair

Ensure that flashing around chimneys, skylights, and vents is intact and well-sealed with tar.

Avoid Excessive Traffic

Walking on tar shingles during hot weather can cause indentation or displacement, so minimize roof traffic.

Common Problems with Tar Roof Shingles

Even with proper installation and care, tar shingles can develop issues over time:

  • Blistering – trapped moisture beneath shingles can cause bubbles.

  • Cracking – prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause tar to become brittle.

  • Fading – tar shingles usually come in dark shades and may fade with UV exposure.

  • Granule Loss – protective granules may wear off, reducing the roof’s resistance to UV rays and weathering.

Tar Shingles vs. Asphalt Shingles

Though often confused, tar shingles and asphalt shingles are not the same.

  • Material: Tar shingles use coal tar, while asphalt shingles use petroleum-based asphalt.

  • Durability: Tar is slightly more resilient in terms of waterproofing, but asphalt shingles are more UV-resistant.

  • Availability: Asphalt shingles dominate the market today and come in a wider variety of styles and colors.

  • Environmental Impact: Asphalt shingles are considered less hazardous compared to coal tar.

In modern roofing, asphalt shingles have largely replaced tar shingles due to better aesthetics, lower environmental impact, and easier manufacturing.

Are Tar Roof Shingles Still Worth It?

Today, tar roof shingles are less common in residential projects but can still be a viable option for specific cases, such as:

  • Flat or low-slope roofs that need excellent waterproofing.

  • Industrial or commercial buildings where appearance is less important than function.

  • Budget-conscious projects where cost and durability are the main priorities.

However, for most homeowners, asphalt shingles, metal roofing, or synthetic shingles are considered more practical, attractive, and environmentally friendly alternatives.

Conclusion

Tar roof shingles hold an important place in the history of roofing and remain valued for their durability, waterproofing, and cost-effectiveness. While they may not be as popular today due to environmental concerns, limited aesthetics, and competition from asphalt shingles, they still serve specific needs in commercial and industrial settings.

For homeowners considering roofing options, tar shingles may not be the first choice, but understanding their properties helps in comparing them to modern materials. Ultimately, whether you choose tar shingles or alternatives depends on your budget, aesthetic goals, environmental concerns, and roofing requirements.

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