Are you looking for an innovative roofing material for your home to enhance its value and boost curb appeal?
Architectural shingles are the perfect solution.
These durable and stylish roofing materials offer a range of aesthetically pleasing looks and can be customized to fit any home design.
In addition, with their superior energy efficiency and low maintenance requirements, architectural shingles are quickly becoming one of the most sought-after roofing options on the market today.
In this blog post, we’ll explore six spectacular benefits of installing architectural shingles on your home.
What Are Architectural Shingles,
And What Do They Offer?
Architectural roofing shingles are a popular roofing option for homes, businesses, and other buildings.
Architectural roofing shingles come in various styles, shapes, and colors.
These roof shingles comprise two layers of asphalt of different sizes and shapes. The top layer is typically more significant than the bottom, giving it an attractive dimensional look that can add depth to any roof’s appearance.
Compared to traditional 3-tab shingles, architectural roofing shingles offer more aesthetic appeal because of their unique shape. The dimensions allow more visual creativity while providing excellent protection from the elements.
They are also more durable than other shingle materials, such as cedar shakes or slate, because they are treated with a special sealant that prevents water leakage.
Architectural shingles have become increasingly popular in the roofing industry because of their many benefits. They are cost-effective, easy to install and maintain, and can be used on almost any roof type.
They come in various colors and styles, so you can customize the look of your home while still keeping it protected from the elements.
These dimensional shingles also require less maintenance than traditional asphalt shingles, making them an attractive choice for the long-term costs of owning a home.
Exploring the Different Types of Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, are popular for roofing because of their durability, aesthetic appeal, and wide range of options.
Here are some of the different architectural shingles:
- 3-tab shingles: While not technically an architectural shingle, 3-tab shingles are the most basic and affordable option for roofing. They are made of a single layer of asphalt and are available in various colors.
- Standard architectural shingles: They make standard architectural shingles of two layers of asphalt with a layer of fiberglass in between. They are thicker, more durable than 3-tab shingles, and have a more textured, layered appearance.
- Luxury architectural shingles: These high-end shingles mimic the look of natural materials, such as slate or cedar, and are often more textured and multi-dimensional than standard shingles. They may also have added features like UV rays resistance, impact resistance, or algae protection.
- Specialty architectural shingles: Specialty styles are designed for specific purposes, such as high wind resistance, energy efficiency, or eco-friendliness. For example, they make specialty shingles with reflective granules to reduce heat absorption and lower energy costs.
Overall, the type of architectural shingle you choose will depend on your budget, desired aesthetic, and specific roofing needs.
Why Should You Choose Architectural Shingles for Your Roof?
6 Spectacular Benefits to Know
✅ Variety
Architectural shingles are available in many colors, textures, and patterns that are crafted to resemble other materials, including slate, tile, and cedar.
Having variety makes it easy to find shingles that match the style of your home for a unique look without worrying about the additional cost of premium materials.
✅ Installation and Replacement
Architectural shingles are relatively easy to install and replace, making them a popular roofing material choice for contractors and homeowners.
In addition, unlike other materials, such as tile or metal, architectural shingles do not require specialized tools or extensive installation training.
Installation of architectural shingles involves laying down a layer of underlayment followed by the shingles. We typically nailed the shingles into place and overlapped them to ensure a secure and waterproof seal. We repeat the process until the entire roof is covered.
The process is relatively straightforward if an architectural roof shingle becomes damaged or needs to be replaced. First, the damaged roofing shingle is removed, and a new one is inserted. Because architectural shingles overlap, we can secure the replacement shingle without disrupting the surrounding shingles, making repairs quick and easy.
The durability and longevity of architectural shingles make them a cost-effective investment for homeowners. With proper installation, architectural shingles can last up to 30 years, making them a reliable and practical choice for roofing.
✅ Durability
Traditional 3-tab shingles are vulnerable to damage from severe weather, such as heavy rain and winds, hail, etc. This is because they only have a single layer of material stacked on top of either a cloth or fiberglass mat.
They make architectural shingles from multiple layers of asphalt and granules that are laminated together, creating a more robust and durable roof. For example, traditional shingles can withstand 60-80 mph of wind, while architectural shingles can withstand up to 130 mph.
✅ Energy Efficient
Architectural shingles provide more insulation and deflect more light than traditional shingles, reducing the heat transference your home receives yearly.
Three layers of the right roofing material remain cooler in the summer, and you benefit from lower heating and cooling bills for your home.
✅ Life Span
Standard shingles have a life span of between 15 and 20 years. Architectural shingles can last between 25 and 30 years at a minimum. Some super-premium variants can last up to 50 years; the highest-quality variants can come with up to 75 years of warranties.
✅ Value
Architectural roof shingles can come with a higher initial cost (25-30% higher) than other asphalt-type shingles. However, the longer life span—double or longer than asphalt variants—means you get far more value for money than alternatives.
Advantages and Disadvantages of
an Asphalt Shingle Roof
Asphalt-type shingles have dominated the roofing industry for decades, and for a good reason. Asphalt shingles are durable, cost-effective, and widely available.
The most common type of shingles is 3-tab shingles, which are thin and flat and typically come with a 20 to 30-year warranty.
✚ Advantages
One of the most significant advantages of asphalt roofing shingles is their affordability. As a result, they are one of the most cost-effective options for residential roofing, making them an attractive choice for homeowners on a budget.
Another advantage of asphalt roofing shingles is their durability. When installed properly, they can withstand harsh weather, including high winds and heavy rains.
They also have a Class A fire rating, which means they are highly resistant to fire. Asphalt shingles are also relatively easy to install, saving homeowners time and money during roof replacement.
⎻ Disadvantages
However, there are also some disadvantages to consider regarding asphalt shingles.
One of the significant disadvantages is that they are less eco-friendly than other materials. For example, they make asphalt shingles from petroleum, a non-renewable resource, and can take up landfill space after removal.
Because they are not as thick as other materials, they may provide less insulation or energy efficiency than alternatives.
Another disadvantage of asphalt roof shingles is that they may only last for a short time, as are other materials. While they typically come with a 20 to 30-year warranty, they may need to be replaced sooner depending on weather and other factors.
They can be easy to install but more challenging to repair than other materials. This can be a drawback for homeowners who want to make minor repairs rather than replace the roof shingle.
When considering residential roofing options, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of different materials is essential to determine the best fit for your home and budget.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new roof for your home, and are wondering what right shingle material suits you, contact DKG Roofing at (940) 497-2833. We help with all types of roofing, including metal roofs.
We want to answer all your questions and guide you through choosing the perfect roofing materials for your needs, including 3-tab architectural shingles. We also install and repair flat roofs.
