When it comes to your roof, there are a wide variety of options from which you can choose. Your roof protects your home and family, so when making a selection, you want a roof that can withstand the elements and last for a good long time.
Other factors to consider while making the decision include where your home is located, the design of your home, and of course, your personal preference and style. Roofing for homes, also known as residential roofing materials, come in many types – shingles, tiles, wood, slate, or metal, but today, let’s focus on shingles.
Shingles remain a popular option for homeowners, offering costs to fit any budget, lots of style choices, durability, longevity, and easy replacement. Shingles come in four types – asphalt, wood, tile, and slate. When you think of shingles, you likely think of asphalt shingles which are the most commonly seen on homes in the United States. But, why asphalt roof shingles, you may be asking. Let’s find out!
The Varieties
Asphalt roof shingles offer two variations – organic and fiberglass. Each types have an asphalt exterior with a different base or mat. Organic asphalt shingles feature a wood-product base, while fiberglass asphalt shingles feature a fiberglass base. Organic shingles are the more durable of the two, but fiberglass shingles offer a lower cost and lighter weight.
Asphalt roof shingles come in a variety of colors including gray, pewter, black, brown, tan, red, slate, sienna, green blue, and a variety of wood tones like driftwood, cedar, and more.
The Types
Asphalt roof shingles feature three types from which you can choose.
- Three-tab Asphalt Shingles are popular because they offer functionality, easy installation, and affordability. Flat and lightweight, these shingles are a familiar sight on many houses, easily recognizable by the three-tab design. Generally, three-tab shingles serve homeowners well for approximately 20 years though they can be damaged or blow off during severe inclement weather. Three-tab asphalt shingles, the least expensive of the three types, are only rated for 60 to 80 mile-per-hour winds, making them a poor choice for areas prone to high winds or hurricanes.
- Architectural Asphalt Shingles can add a more distinctive look to your home. Also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, architectural shingles tend to last longer (up to 50 years) than three-tab shingles because of a thicker base, are more resistant to severe weather damage, and are, well, generally more attractive with the ability to mimic slate or natural wood shingles. These shingles are capable of withstanding high winds up to 130 miles-per-hour. They are more costly than three-tab asphalt shingles due to their longevity and looks.
- Premium Asphalt Shingles feature a number of unique designs including geometric styles and more. Known as designer asphalt roof shingles or luxury asphalt shingles, premium shingles offer multi-dimensional cuts and designs with aesthetics designed to look like cedar shakes or slate tiles. These shingles are heavier and thicker than the other types of asphalt shingles and feature the highest level of durability as well as the highest price.
The Benefits of Asphalt Roof Shingles
Here is a general overview of the benefits of asphalt roof shingles. One of the big positives for asphalt roof shingles is their overall costs. Also, on the positive side, they feature very affordable upfront costs, in addition to being easy to install. Fiberglass asphalt shingles, with their fiberglass reinforcing base and asphalt coating with mineral fillers means the shingles are waterproof. Asphalt shingles also feature granules designed to withstand harmful damaging UV rays from the sun. These shingles are resistant to algae damage and fire. Asphalt roof shingles also come in a variety of patterns, colors, and styles.
Choosing the Asphalt Shingles Right for Your Home
When you are choosing the roof application appropriate for you home, not only does your personal preference play a big role but also where you live and the potential care your chosen roof will need to last well into the future.
Asphalt roofing shingles are appropriate for many applications, climates, and require generally low maintenance if installed properly. At The Roof Guys, we can help with recommendations for the best shingle for your home and area. Our goal is to see that your new roof provides peace of mind, while delivering high-quality, beautiful protection for you and your family. Whatever your final choice for roofing, we are here to help you with the highest quality products and service, every time.
For more information on asphalt roofing shingles installation, call us at 1-866-259-2364 for a free estimate.
