Roof selection is a tough task because multiple options of roofing material tend to confuse us. All homeowners want the best roofing material for their homes. The best way to buy the best material is to consider factors such as weather conditions, the architectural design of the house, the design of the neighboring houses, the number of years you plan to live in the house, and, of course, budget. In this article, we discuss architectural shingles, the types of architectural shingles, and their advantages and disadvantages.
Know About Architectural Shingles
To make an informed decision regarding the roofing material, it’s important to know about different options. Let’s understand architectural roofing shingles to consider them as an option for roofing material. Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional or laminated shingles.
It is composed of fiberglass, tar, and granules on a fiberglass mat. It is an asphalt-based material that looks similar to a wood shake roof because of its design pattern. Architectural shingles are one of the most preferred choices of homeowners and an affordable option, too. Owing to its popularity, it is widely available in the market.
Why Are Architectural Shingles Preferred?
There are umpteen reasons to opt for architectural roofing shingles. It protects the home from external elements like snow, wind, rain, or hailstorms and has unparalleled curb appeal. It extends the look of costly cedar shake without the hassle of extra maintenance and additional weight. It also creates architectural interest.
Benefits of Architectural Shingles?
There are multiple reasons to opt for architectural shingles, and here are some of them:
Durability- it is one of the most durable shingle materials that can last between 30-50 years with proper care. The durability of architectural shingles is due to the thickness of the material.
Moisture resistance- The fiberglass base mat resists moisture and prevents warping.
Weather resistance- It can withstand extreme weather conditions like snow, hail, or strong winds and protect roofs from damage.
Versatile design- The versatility in design opens ways for more options to customize the roof as per your preference for style, look, color, and texture.
High wind ratings- It has a higher wind rating due to its thickness and high material quality.
Extended warranty- Architectural shingles have a warranty period of 30 years, which means you don’t have to worry about the life of the material.
Compatible- It is compatible with most of the roof types and pitches. It is also an expert in hiding the imperfections on the roof.
Disadvantages of Architectural Shingles?
All roofing material has pros and cons, and so do architectural shingles. Here are the disadvantages you should know before making the decision to opt for it:
Low curb appeal- When compared to other materials like cedar shake roofs, it has low curb appeal.
High maintenance- It requires yearly maintenance for an increased lifespan.
Can’t withstand hail damage- One of the biggest cons is that it is prone to hail damage.
Comparison Between Architectural Shingles and Standard Shingles
| Architectural Shingles | Standard Shingles |
| It is made of multiple layers of fibersglass mat. | It is a made of single layer of asphalt coated fiberglass. |
| It is more dimensional. | It is cut into three equal tabs. |
| It has better warranties than standard shingles. | It is lightweight. |
| It requires professional help to install. | It is easy to install. |
| It has a patterned appearance. | It creates an even appearance on the roof. |
| It has longer lifespan. | It has a shorter lifespan. |
Conclusion
Architectural shingles are undoubtedly a great choice for roofs. However, it’s important to understand its pros and cons before selecting. The pros and cons will help you know what to expect and what not to. It will also help in understanding the budget you should allot.