Out of the many home improvement and maintenance features, roofing is amongst the most important ones. Whether you’re constructing a new house or replacing an old roof, the kind of shingles you select can affect your home’s durability, appearance and resale value. Ever wondered why both homeowners and contractors are discovering architectural roofing shingles?
| Roof Type | Description | Materials | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| A roof with two slopes forming a triangle. | Asphalt shingles, metal, tiles | Simple design, effective water drainage, common in various architectural styles. | |
| A roof with slopes on all four sides that meet at a ridge. | Asphalt shingles, tiles, metal | More stable than gable roofs, good for wind resistance, often used in residential buildings. | |
| A hipped roof with two slopes on each side. | Asphalt shingles, slate, tiles | Provides extra living space in the attic, often associated with French architecture. | |
| A roof that is almost level, with a slight pitch for drainage. | Membrane roofing, modified bitumen | Common in commercial buildings, requires proper drainage systems to avoid water pooling. | |
| A steeply angled roof that resembles the letter “A”. | Wood shakes, asphalt shingles | Simple construction, often used in cabins and vacation homes. | |
| A type of gable roof with two slopes on each side; the upper slope is less steep than the lower. | Asphalt shingles, metal | Offers more headroom and usable space in the attic; commonly seen in barns and Dutch-style homes. | |
| A roof shaped like a cone; often found on towers or turrets. | Slate tiles, metal sheets | Unique aesthetic appeal, commonly used in historical architecture and decorative structures. | |
| Metal roofing with vertical seams that interlock to create a watertight seal. | Metal (often steel or aluminum) | Durable and low maintenance; excellent for modern designs and energy efficiency. | |
| Made from split wood shingles; offers a rustic appearance. | Cedar or redwood shakes | Requires regular maintenance but provides great insulation and aesthetic charm. |
What Are Architectural Shingles?
Architectural shingles also called dimensional shingles, or laminated shingles are a premium type of asphalt roofing material. As opposed to the standard 3-tab shingles, architectural or dimensional shingles are made with multiple layers of asphalt as well as fiberglass and granules to create a thicker, more durable shingle.
Things to Consider About Architectural Shingles
- (just one more layer than standard shingles and therefore stronger and more durable).
- Heftier Design: At nearly twice the weight of basic 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles are inherently more durable.
- They provide depth, texture, and shadow lines, giving a more sophisticated and aesthetically pleasing roof.
Architectural Shingles vs 3 Tab Shingles: Compare &187;
| Feature | Architectural Shingles | 3-Tab Shingles |
| Thickness and Weight | Thicker and heavier; more durable | Lightweight; less durable |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Offers a dimensional, multi-layered design | Flat and uniform look |
| Lifespan | 25–30+ years | 15–20 years |
| Cost | Higher initial cost | Budget-friendly |
A Brief History
First introduced in the 1980s as an upgrade over 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles The creative design blended strength with beauty, making it a favored option for property owners seeking to beautify the curb appeal of their homes while safeguarding long-lasting coverage.
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Advantages of Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles deliver much more than curb appeal — they come with a host of practical advantages. So, let’s go into why they are the top choice for roofing materials.
Enhanced Aesthetic Appeal
Perhaps, the biggest feature of architectural shingles is their capacity to turn your roofs into a design statement.
- A 3D Appearance: These shingles give a dimensional rôKhise appearance similar to wood or slate tile or even expensive roofing products.
- Color Versatility: Homeowners have access to a large variety of colors and patterns to complement the architecture of their home.
Better Weather Resistance and Durability
Thick and layered in design, architectural shingles are engineered to survive severe weather conditions.
- Wind Resistance: Less likely to blow off in storms and high winds; many are rated for winds of up to 120 mph or more.
- Moisture Barrier: The granules that adorn the shingles help to seal water out, minimizing the chance for leaks.
- Increase Weather Resistance: Certain architectural shingles are also impact resistant to hail and other impact damage which reduces the need for costly roof repairs.
Longevity and Low Maintenance
Architectural shingles usually last 25 to 30 years or longer, outlasting basic 3-tab shingles by at least a decade. Their longevity also equates to fewer repairs, and replacements over time.
Increased Property Value
The roofs with architectural shingles help in a well-maintained roof that can increase your home’s resale value. Buyers are generally more inclined to offer a higher price for a house with a long-lasting and good-looking roof.
Fire Resistance
Some classes of architectural shingles even have a Class A fire rating, the top level of fireproofing. This means that they are even better to use in areas at risk of fire events.
Versatility
Architectural shingles come in a stunning variety of colors, styles, and textures that allow homeowners to customize their roof to enhance their home’s design.
Architectural Shingles: Types
All architectural shingles are not created equal. There are many styles manufacturers have created for different homeowner tastes. Let’s take a look at the most popular types.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the most popular types of architectural shingles are asphalt shingles. They consist of a fiberglass mat, covered with asphalt, and, finally, mineral granules that make them sturdy.
- Styles: Asphalt shingles come in a variety of styles, from classic to contemporary.
- Affordable: While they do look premium, they are quite affordable in comparison with other types of roofing materials.
Photo/Image Report of Simulated Cedar Shake Shingles
If you love the rustic charm of cedar wood shakes but dread the expense and upkeep, simulated cedar shake shingles are a perfect solution.
- Looks: These shingles simulate the texture and comfort of natural cedar wood.
- Durability: Unlike real wood, they won’t warp, crack, or rot.
Simulated Slate Shingles
Homeowners looking for a refined appearance can buy simulated slate shingles, which provide the look of natural slate at a fraction of the price.
- Lightweight: Compared to real slate tiles, these shingles are lightweight and simpler to install.
- Premium Pitch: They offer the traditional Look of slate but with little upkeep.
Other Variations
Some manufacturers have their own unique styles, such as shingles that are made to simulate tile roofs or other architectural designs. This variety means there is something for everyone’s taste and budget.
Installation Process
Properly installing architectural shingles is a complicated procedure and calls for precision and attention to detail. Here’s how it works, step by step.
Preparation
- Roof Inspection: The roof deck must be inspected for damage and repaired before installation.
- Underlayment installation: Before installing shingles, roofers roll out asphalt felt paper or some other type of underlayment to help prevent leaks and create an added layer of protection.
Starter Course
A course, or starter strip, is installed along the edge of the roof to make sure the first row of shingles is aligned and secured properly.
Shingle Placement
- Laying Courses: Shingles are laid in overlapping courses, with the first course installed starting at the bottom of the roof and each subsequent course built upon the previous one.
- Nailing: Each shingle is attached with an appropriate number of nails in specified places.
Ridge Cap
Install a Ridge CapThe installation is finished with a ridge cap to protect the peak of the roof and make it more visually appealing.
Ventilation
The best roof ventilation can help mitigate moisture and prolong the life of your shingles.
Maintenance and Repair
Routine maintenance is critical to help architectural shingles live to their full potential. If so, here are tips to keep them in great shape.
Regular Inspections
Check your roof at least twice a year and after strong storms. Be on the lookout for damage, like missing or curling shingles.
Cleaning
Clear debris like leaves and branches so moisture doesn’t build up. Clean with soft bristled brush or low-pressure water to avoid damaging shingles.
Common Problems and Repairs
- Curling shingles: These can be a sign of poor ventilation in the attic or of aging.
- Cracked or Missing Shingles: Replacing damaged shingles immediately will help avoid leaks.
Professional Help
We can do some of the repairs as a DIY, but some of them need to be taken care of by a professional roofing contractor.
Conclusion
The use of architectural shingles is a jump forward in the world of roofing. they offer a perfect solution for any architectural roof, with their impeccable aesthetics, unmatched durability, and adaptability. If you’re designing a new home or replacing an old roof, architectural shingles are a savvy investment that will yield benefits in curb appeal, lifespan, and home value.
So, are you prepared to switch over to architectural shingles? Call us today for your estimate and be one step closer to your roof masterpiece!
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