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ASPHALT SHINGLES

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingle roofing is the most common roofing material:

  • Easy to Install

  • Budget Friendly

  • Multiple Color Options

  • Lasts 15 - 20 years

DESCRIPTION

Asphalt shingles make up 70% of all roofs out there. You’re probably reading this because it’s an option you’re considering for your home. Because of its popularity, it’s easy to find quality materials and experienced installers. Also because of its popularity, you’ve got plenty of options to explore before making a purchase.

Although your roof may have organic shingles, all currently produced asphalt shingles use the same basic structure: fiberglass matting with an asphalt binding and embedded granuals and some type of backing. You’ll often find the two terms – fiberglass and asphalt– used interchangeably, but they’re essentially the same thing.

Shingles come with varying lengths of warranty and life expectancy. Most strip shingles only last around 20 years, but dimensional and above can last up to 50 years.


To choose the best asphalt shingles for your home, you’ll need to take into consideration a few factors, including:

  • Grade and Budget:Choose from 3-tab, dimensional or designer luxury models. Each grade increases the cost to install asphalt shingles, it’s quality and the available design options.

  • Climate: Climate dictates ratings and color. Lighter colors can reflect heat while dark colors are best for colder regions. Choose ratings for wind, fire and hail depending on your weather.

  • Design and Color: The higher the grade, the more styles and colors you’ll get to choose from.

TYPES & STYLES

Asphalt shingle roofs are the most affordable as far as installation goes. They are the most common type of roof replacements or new home roof installations that homeowners choose.

There are three main types of asphalt shingles: Premium, luxury or designer shingles, Dimensional roofing shingles, and Three-tab asphalt shingles.


Grades or Types of Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt roof shingles are available in three primary grades:

  1. Best:Premium, luxury or designer shingles. High-end architectural design which mimics slate, tile or shake shingles.

  2. Better: Dimensional roofing shingles.Also known as laminate or architectural shingles. Currently the most installed type. Come in a wide variety of colors, styles and profiles, each designed to fit a range of looks and budgets.

  3. Good: Three-tab asphalt shingles. Also called strip shingles. Most affordable, linear, traditional style. Rapidly declining in popularity and gradually disappearing altogether.

Despite which type you go with, asphalt shingles all have a fiberglass base mat layered with a waterproof, fire resistant and UV protective asphalt and granular coating.


Luxury or Designer

Technically a high-end dimensional shingle, luxury asphalt shingles, often called designer or 3D dimensional shingles, represent the top tier of asphalt. They come in a wide range of styles, colors and shapes. They’re sometimes made to mimic wood shake, slate or clay.

Pros:

  • Widest selection of styles and colors

  • Highest ratings for wind, fire and impact

  • Lighter than stone or tile

Cons:

  • Expensive

  • Heavier than 3-tab or dimensional

  • Takes longer to install properly than cheaper shingles


Architectural or Dimensional

Architectural shingles are more durable than three-tab shingle options in comparison. They give off a sculpted look and have an extra laminate layer which contours them to look a bit more designed. Architectural shingles cost a bit more to install compared to three-tab shingles.

They come in more luxurious looking styles that homeowners prefer and can even simulate wood shake designs. Though they are more expensive, they can last up to twice as long as 3-tab asphalt shingles. Architectural asphalt shingles can last from 20 to 50 years or more with proper maintenance.

Also known as laminated, these dimensional shingles make up most new installations. They come with 20- to 50-year warranties.

Pros:

  • Moderate to high quality

  • Highest levels of ratings for wind, fire and impact

  • Wide range of colors for almost any home

Cons:

  • More expensive than strip shingles (3-tab)

  • Doesn’t mimic slate or shake shingles

  • Heavier than 3-tab


3 Tab Asphalt Shingles

3 tab asphalt shingles are the most affordable shingle to install but they are thinner, have an organic-mat paper base, and wear out more quickly than fiberglass or architectural shingles.

Three-tab shingles are thin and inexpensive but have a 20- to 30-year lifespan. They have cutouts running along the bottom edge, which makes it

Pros:

  • Least expensive option

  • Quick to install

Cons:

  • Lowest warranty

  • Lowest fire, wind and impact ratings

  • Lasts an average of 20 years

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