A New Beautiful GAF Timberline Architectural Roof in Arlington,TX

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Types of Shingles

Three Tab Asphalt Roof Shingles

Three Tab Asphalt Roofing Shingles have been the economical choice of homeowners for many years.  These roofing shingles meet general roofing needs, fire resistance standards and come with a standard warranty of 20 to 50 years.  Three tab asphalt roof shingles are offered in a variety of colors to satisfy practically any style preference. They are also economical when it comes to repairing asphalt shingles or an overall re-roofing job.

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Architectural Roofing Shingles

Architectural roofing shingles are high quality asphalt roofing products with distinctive, often dramatic appearances.  They are also known as laminated or dimensional roof shingle and are among the highest quality roofing products made.  These roofing shingles provide a three-dimensional appearance. Some of the most attractive architectural roofing shingles simulate cedar wood shakes, and slate.

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Specialty Shingles

Specialty asphalt roofing shingles mimic  an “old world” style of shingles- such as natural shake, or slate. They have a different appearance from Strip Roof Shingles and Dimensional Roof Shingles.  These roofing shingles have enhanced performance such as impact resistance and solar reflectiveness that can extend the life of the roof and lower energy costs. Specialty roof shingles make up less than 5% of the total shingle market for one primary reason – cost. Specialty roofing shingles, in general cost more than a common dimensional roof shingle but there is a payoff. The average specialty roofing shingle carries a 50 year to LIFETIME warranty on the product. For the most part these roof shingles install just like dimensional asphalt roofing shingles. While there is a variety of designs available in specialty roofing shingles many specialty asphalt roofing shingles try to mimic nature. Most either copy the design of contemporary slate or wood shakes, there are however some unique designs by certain roof shingle manufacturers.

Can Architectural Shingles Be Installed over Architectural Shingles?

Can Architectural Shingles Be Installed over Architectural Shingles?

Re-roofing used to be pretty straight forward with 3-tab shingles. The standard practice was that you could install a new layer of singles directly over the old layer during a re-roof. Most people would limit this practice to a total of two layers of shingles. Any more than that and you’d have to tear off the old shingles before installing a new layer.

Today the question of installing architectural shingles over an older layer of architectural shingles is a bit more complicated and one that doesn’t seem to have 100% consensus.

The answer to the question starts with the drastic difference between an architectural (laminated) shingle and an old school 3-tab shingle. Three tab shingles are a constant thickness while architectural shingles have  multiple layers that create an uneven surface. If you look at the picture above you can see the difference.

The quick answer is yes you can re-roof architectural shingles over existing architectural shingles (however you must check with the shingle manufacturer as well). Having said that it will be nearly impossible to get a good looking quality installation. As you can see from the photo the architectural shingles will have bumps created by the old shingles which will keep the new shingles from looking flat and smooth.

The best solutions is to do a proper tear off, and then install architectural shingles.  Also, remember in some cases too much of a load on the roof can be an issue in of itself.  So, while architectural shingles can be re-roofed with architectural shingles over it, it is definitely not recommended in most cases.

For more precise advise call 817-381-6855

Three Tab or Architectural Shingles, The Difference

 Physical Difference Between Architectural Shingles and Three Tab

Architectural (also known as dimensional, laminated or composite shingles) shingles are constructed with a heavier base mat to which multiple layers of material are adhered to. This gives the “dimensional” shingles a layered or three dimensional look. Whereas the standard three tab shingle contains a flat layer with no (dimensional) “thickness” to it. Typically architectural shingles weight almost 50% more than the standard 3 tab shingles. 

 Aesthetic Difference 

 By using the layered construction of the dimensional shingle it appears to have texture similar to cedar shakes. Laminated shingles do a much better job hiding imperfections in the roofing structure as well. 

 Performance Difference 

 Architectural shingles typically have a minimum of 25 to 30 year warranties. Because of the heavier construction they are less likely to warp and they provide much better wind resistance. Standard three tab shingles are typically rated for 60 mph winds while most architectural shingles are rated for 80 mph up to 120 mph.

Cost Difference

 Today laminated shingles are available in many different warranty lengths from 25 to 50 years. Typically, the cost of architectural shingles is only about 20% more than the traditional 3 tab shingles. Some of the higher end 50 year products can be as much as twice as expensive to buy. One thing to consider though is the increased value of your home. laminated shingles help raise the curb appeal of a home and make it more valuable in an appraisal.

visit us at www.dfwbestroofing.com or call us 
817-381-6855 if you need help with any roofing issues you may have.