Although there are so many different types of roofing materials in the current day, asphalt roof shingles are still the most popular choice in the United States of America. They are beautiful and inexpensive but hold their value. They can transform your roof completely and give you added appearance and value. They are still very popular today and an excellent option. If you want to upgrade your roof and install asphalt roof shingles, a roofing company is the best place to start. Contact Stanley Roofing Company for all your roofing requirements.
The goal is that you find the perfect type of asphalt roof shingle for your project, and if you read the blog below you will learn the differences and be better prepared to make a choice!
ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES CATEGORIES
There are 3 main asphalt roof shingles categories. Each category has different durability, costs, and lifespans levels of degrees. Read the overviews below to get a better understanding of the different categories and it should make it easier for you to make a decision about which type is best suited for you.
3-TAB ASPHALT SHINGLES
The oldest and most simple style of shingles is the 3-tab asphalt roof shingles. Each shingle has 3 identical cuts in the front of them which are spaced around 12” apart and then made into a single shingle roofing sheet. They are made up of fibers that are woven into a stretchy granular base layer. They are light, flexible, and also very easy to install. They are beautiful and sturdy, and flexible for multiple uses.
3-TAB ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES PRICES
The 3-tab asphalt roof shingles are the least expensive option for roofing. The lightweight materials used make the single sheet of shingle inexpensive. Residential roofing using 3-tab asphalt roof shingles is very affordable at around $1-$2 per square foot. Install these for quick and hassle-free roof replacement.
WHAT IS THE LONGEVITY OF ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES?
The longevity of the asphalt roof shingles should not be the main influence in deciding to opt for them because they are not long-lasting. 3-tab asphalt roof shingles only have a lifespan of around 15 – 20 years which is considerably less than other shingles as we will show you further on in this blog.
PROS OF USING 3-TAB ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES:
- Cost efficient
- They are identical in size and shape
- They are made of lightweight materials
- Installation is quick and easy
- There are many colors to choose from
CONS OF USING 3-TAB ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES:
- Not durable compared to other types of asphalt shingles
- Longevity of the asphalt roof shingles
- The warranty is short because of the lifespan
DESIGNER ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES
Architecturally designed roof shingles are a step up from the 3-tab shingle. They are made up of two laminated strips of shingles which enhances the quality and makes them more durable. They are architecturally designed and offer a better look because of more depth and dimension.
Due to the best quality asphalt roofing materials used in making architectural shingles, they are very durable and can stand against heavy winds and storms. 3-tab shingles would not be able to stand up to these conditions as architectural shingles. If you reside in an area that has heavy storms and winds then these would be the best type of roof shingles for you.
WHAT IS THE REASON THAT ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES ARE SPECIAL?
The reason that architectural roof shingles are so special is that they can be customized to look like any type of material. Roofing companies have perfected the art of customizing architectural roof shingles. They can look like clay, slate, or tiles and even wooden tiles with their intricate designs. Architectural shingles can also be made to have a textured look.
LONGEVITY
Double-layer and dimensional shingles have a lifespan of around 20 – 25 years because they are highly wind resistant. By selecting a higher quality shingle you improve the quality of your roof and increase the longevity of the shingles dramatically.
PROS OF ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES:
- Architectural shingles have a double layer which makes them longer lasting
- They have a high wind resistance
- They can be customized to look like slate, wood, or tiles
CONS OF ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES
- They cost more than 3-tab shingles
- They weigh more than 3-tab shingles
LUXURY ROOF SHINGLES
Luxury roof shingles are called luxury because that is exactly what they are. Premium shingles as they are also called, are manufactured with the highest quality materials and are much thicker than other shingles which extends the warranty of the shingles.
LONGEVITY OF LUXURY ROOF SHINGLES
The lifespan of luxury or premium asphalt roof shingles is longer than the other types of materials and they last around 25 – 30 years. Because of the way they are manufactured with 3 layers, and if maintained properly, they will last longer.
WHAT MAKES LUXURY SHINGLES DIFFERENT FROM THE REST?
Luxury asphalt roof shingles are more durable and long-lasting and resistant to the elements. They can be installed in any direction best suited to withstand the elements. They have more longevity than the 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles that we described above because of their thickness and the materials used to manufacture them. There are so many color choices for luxury shingles however due to the dark hue of color used they look great on larger homes. Luxury shingles are the most expensive of the asphalt shingles we have mentioned here.
PROS OF USING LUXURY ROOF ASPHALT SHINGLES
- Thicker and heavier and more durable
- A lifespan of up to 30 years
- Wind and algae-resistant asphalt shingles
- Various colors and textures
CONS OF USING LUXURY ROOF ASPHALT SHINGLES
They are around 2 times more expensive than 3-tab shingles
Luxury shingles installation is much more difficult than others
WHAT TYPE OF SHINGLE IS BEST FOR MY PROJECT?
How to determine which shingles are best suited for my project? Asphalt roof shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials used today. As discussed above, 3-tab, designer and luxury shingles have many benefits and offer value for money. These are great options for a new roof installation in your home. So you should choose shingles that are best suited to your location and budget and preference.
The 3-tab shingle is an affordable way to replace your old roof with a new more durable option. If you require more durability and longevity then you can choose between architectural or luxury shingles.
DO YOU WANT TO HAVE THE BEST ASPHALT SHINGLES INSTALLED ON YOUR ROOF?
We hope that you know a lot more about the types and properties of various asphalt shingles and that you are better equipped to make the right choice for your home.
For top-quality and affordable asphalt shingles for your home, contact the area specialists at Stanley Roofing Company.
Our team of highly qualified and professional roofing contractors will find the best solution for your roofing requirements. Contact us to find out more about our roofing replacement or repair services.