What Type of Asphalt Shingles Is Best?
Asphalt shingles are hugely popular roofing materials. They shield the house for decades against the elements with minimal maintenance, are cost-effective, and available in a range of colors. But with several types of asphalt shingles, choosing the right product can be challenging.
To help narrow down the choice, let’s go through the properties of each type.
Asphalt shingles categories and their characteristics
There are three main types of asphalt shingles:
Strip shingles
Strip shingles are the basic kind of asphalt shingles. They’re also referred to as three-tab shingles due to their cut that provides a decorative appearance. Since they only contain one layer of asphalt, they are generally less expensive and lighter than other types. With minimal maintenance, they can endure the elements for about 20 years.
However, three-tab shingles have a few notable downsides. Primarily, they lack most of the aesthetic qualities luxury and dimensional shingles possess. They’re also susceptible to blow-offs, which generally happen as they age or as a result of improper installation.
Dimensional shingles
Dimensional shingles (also known as laminate or architectural shingles) are the most widely used category of shingles. Manufactured with at least two fused asphalt layers, they offer a richer and thicker multi-dimensional appearance. They’re also designed to emulate natural slate and wood shake in terms of their aesthetics. The products are usually heavier than three-tab shingles and feature better warranty protection.
Owing to their multi-layer construction, they are generally more durable than the basic shingle type. The materials can be used in harsher environments and are covered by warranties for around 30 years, depending on the specific shingles and installation. Plus, they’re available in an array of colors to match most houses.
The biggest con is the higher upfront price. In some cases, dimensional shingles can cost 20% more than strip shingles. However, the investment typically pays off. These shingles are also much more affordable than wood shakes and still provide similar levels of protection. Moreover, their warranties grant better coverage than strip shingles.
Luxury shingles
Luxury shingles imitate cedar shake and natural slate roofs at a fraction of the cost. They are an excellent option for period-style houses. Featuring multi-dimensional textures, luxury shingles produce depths and shadows that create a stunning effect.
This type has additional layers that provide extra weight. They can be twice as heavy as strip shingles, which is also one of their main advantages. They are much more resilient to the elements and can even withstand tornados or hurricanes. As a result, the material can help prevent premature replacements caused by elemental damage.
On the other hand, they’re also the most expensive asphalt shingles. The extra weight is also not suitable for some homes since it puts more pressure on the supporting structure.
Overall, each asphalt shingle type has its pros and cons. The luxury category is the highest-quality material but isn’t meant for every home. Therefore, hire a professional roofer to determine the right option for your home.
