What type of asphalt shingle is best? – [Explained!]

What type of asphalt shingle is best?

Also known as “premium shingles,” these are the highest quality type of asphalt shingles. Standing out due to appearance and functionality, these laminated asphalt shingles offer premium weather protection while giving a beautiful look to your home.

What is the most common type of roof shingle?

The most common residential roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are popular because they are economical and easy to install. These shingles can be reinforced with fiberglass or organic materials (cellulose) without changing the appearance of the shingle.

How do I choose asphalt shingles?

The higher the pitch or the greater the slope of your roof, the more you’ll see the shingles from street level. When selecting your asphalt roofing shingles, choose a color and profile that will enhance your home’s architectural style and draw the eye upward toward any special details, like dormers and gables.

Are architectural shingles asphalt?

Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural roofing shingles are among the highest quality roofing products made. Traditionally, they are composed of a heavy fiberglass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules that are tightly embedded in carefully refined, water-resistant asphalt.

What class are architectural shingles?

Architectural shingles are fiberglass reinforced asphalt shingles. Since fiberglass is derived from inorganic, non-combustible materials, the mat base of an architectural shingle is fire resistant. Therefore, architectural shingles have a Class A fire resistance rating and can provide safe coverage for your home.

Are architectural shingles better?

Lifespan. Because of their durability and high-quality composition, architectural shingles generally have a longer lifespan than the 3-tab variety. They stand up better to weather conditions such as heat, snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Their average lifespan is about 18 to 20 years.

Are thicker shingles better?

Thicker Shingles = Heavier Shingles This makes it harder for contractors to install and places more weight on your roofing structure.

What does GAF stand for shingles?

GAF is an acronym for General Aniline & Film, which is the leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing materials in America. If you have a roof over your head, there’s a 1 in 4 chance that it was built with GAF’s materials.

What type of roofing lasts longest?

Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Although these materials have a good lifespan, they are not as durable.

What is a 30 year architectural shingle?

30-year architectural shingles have a unique three-dimensional texture built into them that makes them much sturdier than other types of asphalt shingles. Despite this extra robustness, they generally do not require any sort of extra roof support or structure.

Which type of roof is the most expensive?

The most expensive type of roofing material is slate. For labor and materials, you can expect the cost of a slate roof to start around $15.00 per square foot and has the potential to get up to around $30.00 or more per square foot.

What is the difference between composition shingles and architectural shingles?

The 3 types of composition shingles 3-tab shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip. Architectural (dimensional) shingles have a random pattern and shadow lines to give your roof more dimension. Some even simulate the look of a wood shake roof.

Are architectural shingles harder to install?

Since an architectural shingle roof is easier to install, is more durable and comes with a better warranty, its lifespan cost is, in many instances, actually less than that of a more basic 3-tab roof.

How do I know what kind of shingles I have?

Check the purchase or repair documents for the roof. You may have receipts, warranties, bills of sales, or brochures that identify the brand. If there were any shingles left over when the roof was installed, see if the package provides information.

What are Class 4 shingles?

Class 4 is the highest level of impact resistance and indicates that under lab testing conditions, new shingles can withstand the impact from a 2-inch ball dropped from 20 feet without splitting or tearing.

What is the difference between 3-tab and dimensional shingles?

3-Tab Vs. Dimensional. Regular (3-tab) asphalt shingles have three regularly spaced asphalt tabs, giving the roofing material a very repetitive pattern. In contrast, dimensional shingles have two layers of shingle material bonded together, giving them a three dimensional appearance.

What are 50 year shingles?

50-year shingles and tiles are roofing materials that manufacturers guarantee beyond a standard warranty. 50 year warranties and the quality of the materials vary depending on the manufacturer. Brava offers a transferable 50-year limited warranty on all its products to provide more protection for the homeowners.

What are dimensional asphalt shingles?

Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminated shingles, are asphalt shingles with a twist. Laminated shingles, also known as “architectural” or “dimensional” shingles, are layered, and their thickness and depth make them look more like slate or wood shakes.

How much does it cost to install architectural shingles?

How Much Do Architectural Shingles Cost? The average cost for an architectural shingle roof will range between $13,500 to $21,500 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect to pay $1.00 to $1.50 per sq. foot or $100 to $150 per square installed on a standard sized single story home.

What are laminated shingles?

Laminate shingles are also known as “laminated architectural” or just “architectural” shingles. They are a type of asphalt shingle, but are built with a heavier base mat and multiple material layers of a more refined type of asphalt.