What Do You Know About Architectural Roof Shingles?

Asphalt shingles have been a preferred roofing option for a long time, due to their resilience, and relatively low price in comparison to other types of roofs. Shingles have come a long way in the last few decades, now offering homeowners many new choices in roof protection. Architectural shingles are the preferred shingles used by many roof companies, and with good reason. When deciding on the right shingles for their roofs, homeowners should discuss their options, including architectural shingles, with an experienced roof company.

What Are Architectural Shingles?

Architectural roofing shingles are basically asphalt shingles with an improved design that makes them more attractive, as well as more functional. Standard 3-tab asphalt shingles are flat, one-dimensional shingles that lie flat over each other, creating a very flat roof. Architectural shingles are made to be thicker, creating a more three-dimensional appearance as they are laid over each other. Architectural shingles are made from multiple layers of fiberglass matting as opposed to only one, and are shaped and trimmed to look more like other materials, losing the plain, flat appearance of regular asphalt shingles.

Architectural Shingle Styles

Since they can be produced to mimic the look of many other materials, architectural shingles exist in many shapes, sizes, and styles for use by roofing companies in a variety of roofing designs. They are available in various wood and shake shingle styles, and even styled to look like slate and other types of natural roofs. They are also available in many sizes and colors, adding style and character to any home.

The Benefits of Architectural Shingles

Besides the fact they look nicer on residential roofs, architectural shingles installed by a professional roof company also provide many other important advantages, such as the following:

Increased Durability - Because they are thicker, made from more layers of fiberglass matting, with an asphalt and gravel coating, architectural shingles are much stronger, and more durable than standard 3-tab, flat asphalt shingles. While plain asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of up to 15 years, architectural shingles last much longer. Most brands have a life expectancy of between 20 and 25 years. Some brands last as long as 30, or even 40 years.
Cost-Effective and Efficient - Thicker shingles withstand UV damage longer than thinner ones, while also being more reflective of UV energy. As a result, architectural shingles keep roofs and attics cooler than standard shingles. They are a great option for improving home efficiency, especially when using shingles specifically designed for the greatest reflectiveness. Also, while architectural shingles may cost a bit more than plain asphalt shingles, due to their energy efficiency and long life, they are a more cost-effective option for most roofs.
Higher Wind Resistance - One main problem with 3-tab, flat shingles has always been how easily they can be lifted off the roof surface and blown off by high winds. Architectural shingles, since they are thicker and applied by roofers in a slightly different way than flat shingles, are much more resilient to high winds. They are usually a safe choice in high wind areas, as long as they are professionally installed by an experienced roof company, and properly maintained.

Architectural shingles are a newer, and highly preferred option over standard 3-tab asphalt shingles for most roofs. Offering better design, greater durability and improved energy efficiency, these shingles can be installed by any roof company with the right experience and knowledge. To learn more about the benefits of architectural shingles, and the many styles in which they can be purchased, homeowners should call a good roof company today!