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Category: Architectural Shingles

Traditional vs. Architectural Shingles

Asphalt shingles have long been the most popular roofing materials in residential structures, but the shingle itself has changed over time.

These days there are two basic types of asphalt shingles to choose from: the older, 3-tab style shingle and the newer architectural shingles. While architectural shingles are a newer style, they have become more widely used in new roof construction and roof replacements. Despite both being made from the same basic material, there are several key differences between the two styles.

  1. Appearance: Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, have a more textured, three-dimensional look compared to standard 3-tab shingles. They are designed to mimic the appearance of natural materials like wood or slate and can enhance the curb appeal of a home. 3-tab shingles lie flat against the roof decking with little to no variation or texture.
  2. Thickness and Weight: Architectural shingles are generally thicker and heavier than 3-tab standard shingles. They are composed of multiple layers of asphalt and have a fiberglass mat core. The added thickness and weight contribute to their durability and longevity.
  3. Durability and Warranty: Due to their multi-layered construction, architectural shingles tend to be more durable and have a longer lifespan than standard 3-tab shingles. They are more likely to withstand harsh weather conditions such as the heavy rain, wind, and other severe storm conditions we often see in Southeast Virginia.Architectural shingles also have better wind resistance compared to 3-tab shingles. The multiple layers and the heavier weight help them stay in place during strong winds. They are often rated to withstand winds of 110 mph or more, while standard 3-tabs may be rated for lower wind speeds. Many architectural shingles come with warranties ranging from 30 to 50 years, whereas standard 3-tab shingles usually have shorter warranties.
  4. Cost: Architectural shingles are typically more expensive than standard 3-tab shingles due to their enhanced appearance, durability, and longer lifespan. However, in the Tidewater Roads region, based on the average size of homes, architectural shingles are typically only about $100-500 more per job, making them well worth the value for the additional years you can expect to get from them.
  5. Installation: The basic approach to installing architectural shingles is not that much different than traditional 3-tab shingles, but they are heavier and have a layered design that requires professional installation by a licensed roofing contractor. Always make sure any roofing professional you use is licensed and insured before signing any contracts or work agreements and get all warranty information on both the material and workmanship in writing.
  6. Availability: Standard 3-tab shingles have been widely used for many years and are readily available in various colors and styles. However, as architectural shingles have gained popularity over time, they are also now widely available and manufacturers are offering a wide range of options and colors to suit different architectural styles and preferences.

If you’re building a new home or considering replacing your roof, take some time to consider the materials you will be investing in. Of course, you have to balance a budget, but it’s also just as important to consider the durability of your investment in the storm and hurricane-prone area in which we live in addition to the look you want your home to have.

If in doubt, give Andrews Roofing a call. We can sit down with you and provide our expertise from decades in the roofing business in Hampton Roads as well as physical samples of different materials and even an online design tool with digital renderings of your home so you can see exactly what your choices will look like before committing. Contact us today.

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Why Architectural Shingles Are So Popular 

If you are researching having your roof replaced and are becoming confused or overwhelmed by all the different options, you’re not alone.
There are a myriad materials and styles available, but living in a beachside region like Hampton Roads creates an additional requirement of roofing materials being storm and weather resistant. If you’ve done any research, you’ve no doubt run across asphalt shingles and “architectural shingles” as popular options. But what is the difference, and which is right for your home? Let’s start from the beginning.

What are asphalt shingles?
Asphalt shingles refer to a large category of roofing materials that have been used for steep-slope structures for over 100 years. This category of material is the most popular type of residential roofing because it is the most cost effective, easiest to install and easiest to repair or replace. Most asphalt shingles are made up of a fiberglass mat, top and bottom layers of asphalt and mineral granules that protect them from weather and UV damage. From there, asphalt shingles start to differentiate themselves based on how they’re manufactured, installed and therefore the final look.

Asphalt “3-tab” shingles refer to the three cutouts or tabs along the lower edge of the shingle that make it appear to be three different pieces when installed. It is the most cost-effective asphalt option and it provides a flat, uniform look. This style has been popular with homeowners for decades and is therefore available in a wide variety of colors and by many different manufacturers.

Architectural shingles are a variation of this 3-tab design and are manufactured in multiple layers. They were designed to mimic wood shake or slate roofing, so that rather than lying flat in a single layer, their variations of thickness create a more natural, contoured look. Because they have become increasingly popular, they are also now available in many different colors by many different manufacturers.

How durable are architectural shingles?
The contoured look of architectural shingles isn’t just aesthetic. The variable thickness actually increases their durability and wind resistance as well as their long-term life cycle. Because of this, architectural shingles usually have extended manufacturer warranties and longer lifespans.

On average, traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles have 20, 25 or 30 year warranties at most. Architectural shingles generally have a minimum warranty of 30 years and can be expected to last beyond that time frame – up to twice as long as traditional asphalt shingles. Architectural shingles can tolerate up to 130 mph wind gusts, 3-tab shingles are only rated for up to 60 mph gusts.

The long-term durability of architectural shingles means that even though the initial investment only slightly more than 3-tab, their value over time is much higher resulting in a bigger bang for your buck. This is particularly true in hurricane and storm ridden areas such as Tidewater, since they provide higher wind resistance.

One added benefit of asphalt shingles – regardless of the type – is that they are recyclable. According to the National Asphalt Pavement Association, millions of recycled asphalt shingles are used to pave roads across the country every year. So if you’re looking to replace your aging asphalt shingles, you can feel good about the waste from the project not going into a landfill, but maybe into a pothole!

Andrews Roofing Can Help
If you’re considering replacing your old asphalt roof and aren’t sure which material or style is best for you, your home and your budget, Andrews Roofing can help. We’ve been repairing and replacing roofs in the Hampton Roads region for decades, and we know what works best for homes in this area and what has stood the test of time. Contact us today to schedule your estimate and learn more about your roofing options.

You can find many examples in our residential roofing section. Here are some links as well:

 

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