Homeowners hiring asphalt roofers to do a new installation have many types of shingles to choose from today.
While 3-tab shingles have been in use for many decades, asphalt roofer services also offer beautiful architectural shingles as well.
Choose the right shingle from an asphalt roofer company by knowing the difference between the two!
3-Tab Shingles
Standard 3-tab shingles have been a staple used by asphalt roofers for a long time.
They provide years of roofing protection at a reasonable price, which is why they have been so popular for so long.
Though they have declined in popularity since the advent of more attractive and durable architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles are still a good option for sheds and other buildings or for lower-cost home roofs in some areas.
Visually, 3-tab shingles offer a uniform, flat appearance with no dimension to them.
Performance-wise, they can typically withstand winds of up to 70 MPH, which is the lowest wind rating.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, also called dimensional shingles, are higher-quality shingles available from asphalt roofer services that have grown in popularity for their more attractive appearance and improved durability.
Made using thicker shaped layers of matting materials, architectural shingles have a thicker, 3-dimensional profile that makes them more durable and able to withstand higher winds.
These shingles are available in a wide variety of shapes and styles that mimic other materials like wood shingles, which are less durable, and slate shingles, which are heavier and much more expensive.
When expertly installed by a professional asphalt roofer company, architectural shingles can make any type of home look more appealing with a roof that is more characteristic of different eras and materials.
Benefits of Designer Shingles
While architectural shingles do cost considerably more than 3-tab shingles, the many benefits gained by using them according to asphalt roofers usually outweigh the cost.
Architectural shingles last longer, are more resilient to extreme weather, and can be found in a variety of premium styles designed for specific conditions like high winds, impact resistance, and improved UV resistance.
Developed as designer upgrades to the standard 3-tab shingles that have been in use for so long, most homeowners prefer the dimensional looks of architectural shingles over the flat uniformity of 3-tabs.
Let's Add This Up
As with any roofing material, it is important that homeowners choose a reputable asphalt roofer service to install their shingles, regardless of the type they choose, to ensure a perfect installation.
When choosing beautiful architectural shingles, always protect that investment by finding an asphalt roofer company trained to install that specific product that will warrant their workmanship!