There are two basic groupings of asphalt roofing shingles that are commonly used on residential roofs: 3-tab shingles and architectural roofing shingles. 3-tab shingles are the most basic and economical type of asphalt shingle. They used to be the defacto and are still quite common, however, architectural shingles are the most common asphalt shingles being installed on roofs today.
So which type of shingle should you put on your roof?
If you're looking to roof your home, it's important to choose a shingle that will last for years. Architectural shingles are generally made from recycled materials and their shapes and profiles are designed to look like wood or slate. They are generally lightweight materials, but still have high wind resistance and are easy to install.
They can be more durable than traditional asphalt shingles, which means they'll last longer on your house. While there are other options out there (such as architectural shake shingles), if you're totally unsure which one is right for you then architectural shingles will give you the most bang for your buck!
What Are Architectural Shingles?
When you're ready to begin the roofing process, it's important to think about what kind of shingle your house needs. Architectural shingles are a type of roofing shingle that is designed to look like slate, cedar, or other similar materials. They have a more natural appearance than other types of roofing shingles and are often used on houses that have an old-fashioned or rustic feel.
Architectural shingles are one of the most popular choices for homeowners because they're made from recycled materials, which helps keep them affordable. They can also be used to achieve a variety of looks for your home whether that means you want the classic look of wooden shingles or something completely different. This flexibility makes them ideal for those who want their homes' exteriors to change without requiring a complete re-roofing project.
Architectural shingles are very popular and for good reason. They are made from recycled materials, so they're environmentally friendly. Architectural shingles also have a lot of different shapes and profiles that can mimic wood or slate, so you'll find that if your house has an old-fashioned look to it already, these will work perfectly. The benefit of choosing architectural shingles is that if you ever want to change the look of your home, the architectural shingles will allow you to do so without re-roofing. A completely different style can be achieved at a fraction of the cost and have a more dramatic effect on your curb appeal than more traditional roofing materials.
Architectural vs 3-Tab Roof Shingles
Not all household shingles are the same. They are not of the same shape, type, or quality. When it comes to choosing the right shingle for your house, there are many options.
3-Tab Shingle
The 3-tab shingle is the most common kind of architectural roofing. Its three tabs are made from wood and installed on the roof to provide a strong bond between the shingles and the roof deck. The tabs also help prevent water from seeping down into your attic space. This type of shingles used to be very popular way back in the 1980s and 1990s.
3-tab shingles are relatively fragile and do not hold up very well in extreme weather events, like hailstorms. They also do not stand up to the wind and regularly get blown off the roof. On the other hand, they're extremely versatile and usually the cheapest shingles–at least in the short term. As its name suggests, the 3-tab shingle is composed of three tabs: an upper tab, a lower tab, and a middle tab. These tabs help keep the shingles in place during installation.
Dimensional Or Architectural Shingle
Dimensional or architectural shingles are the most popular choice for homeowners. They are a type of architectural asphalt shingles that comes in a wide variety of colors, designs, and styles. They are often referred to as architectural because of their unique designs and styles, which can include cedar shakes, slate shingles, and more. These types of roof shingles are often used to create a specific look or style on a home's exterior because they can be designed to look like many different types of materials.
Architectural shingle roofs are made from recycled materials, including recycled plastic bottles and recycled aluminum cans. They are typically made from fiberglass or wood fiber, but can also be made from a combination of both. Dimensional shingles are thicker and more expensive than a 3-tab shingle and they stand up the hail even better. The layers also have dimensions to them both in the tabs and in the colors on them which makes them the most preferred by homeowners. However, you cannot use dimensional shingles as the ridge or as the starter.
Triple Laminate Shingles
Triple laminate shingles are the new wave of architectural shingles. They're made from three layers of fiberglass, each with a different color and texture. The top layer is white, the middle is brown, and the bottom layer is black. These shingles look like they've been hand-painted. The most important thing to remember about triple laminate shingles is that they can be difficult to install and will require more maintenance than regular asphalt shingles.
Triple laminate shingles are a great choice for those looking to add a little extra protection and durability to their roof. Triple laminate shingles are made of three layers of materials, which makes them stronger and more resistant to wear and tear. It is more of a luxury product, it's thicker and heavier and holds up to hails the best. It is the most expensive.
Slate Shingles
Slates are a type of architectural roof shingle that is made from slate. They have been used on buildings since the eighteenth century and are more expensive than other types of shingles. They are made from natural slate that is quarried in Wales and other parts of Europe. Slate Shingles are a popular choice for homeowners who want their roofs to stand out. They're made of natural slate, which is durable and lasts a long time. Slate shingles are also easy to install and can be used to create beautiful architectural designs.
The most expensive roof shingle option is slate, which is made from natural rock and is extremely durable. This roof shingle can last for as long as 50 years with regular care. Slate shingles come in several colors and styles. The most common type of slate shingle is one that has three rows of ridges, or perforations. These are known as three-tab or three-tabbed slates. There are also two-tabbed slates, which have only two rows of perforations on either side of the ridge line.
Slate roofs are normally installed over a wood deck or plywood subelement to provide support for the heavy weight of these materials. The advantage of using slate over other types of roofing materials is its durability and longevity; however, it requires more maintenance than other types of roofing materials because it will crack over time due to exposure to moisture and UV rays from sunlight (which causes oxidation).
The Presidential Style Shingles
The presidential-style roof shingle has been a staple of the architectural roofing industry for many years. They are popular because it offers an attractive, classic look and they can be used in many different styles of homes.
The presidential-style roof shingle has a wide variety of colors and texture options available. The most common color for this shingle is black, but there are also other options such as brown, grey and green. The texture on these shingles varies from smooth to textured, depending on your personal preference. They are durable and long-lasting.
Impact Resistant Shingles
Impact-resistant shingles are the most durable, high-quality roofing material on the market. These shingles can withstand severe weather conditions, including hail and wind gusts of up to 120 miles per hour. They are also the only type of shingle that can be used in high-fire-risk areas.
Impact-resistant shingles are a great option for roofs that experience high winds or hail. They have a higher density than most other types of shingles, which means they're less likely to break apart under pressure. These shingles are also more expensive than regular asphalt shingles, but if you live in an area where storms are common, it might be worth the investment.
It's a lot of work to choose the right shingle for your house. We hope that this guide has helped you make an informed decision about what type of shingle is best for your home and your budget.
If you have any questions about choosing the right roofing material for your home or business or you are looking for a contractor to help with new roof replacement, please feel free to reach out to us. We are standing by to serve you!
