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.

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.