When it comes to roofing projects, most homeowners are familiar with asphalt shingles. After all, they are not only the most popular roofing option in Oklahoma, but throughout the country. But did you know there is a shingle type available that’s a step up from traditional 3-tab shingles? These are called dimensional shingles.
These shingles, also known as architectural or laminate shingles, are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason. They offer a great mix of looks, durability, and value that many homeowners are looking for.
If you’re thinking about a new roof, or are just curious about your options, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we’ll break down what dimensional shingles are, why they might be a better choice than traditional 3-tab shingles, and take a look at some top-rated options.
What Are Dimensional Shingles?
Dimensional shingles are a type of asphalt shingle that is designed to provide more texture and depth to your roof. These roof shingles are called so because they are made from multiple layers of material and therefore, give off a multi-dimensional appearance.
As mentioned before, these shingles are also known as architectural or laminate shingles due to their exceptional appearance.
Unlike the flat, single-layered look of traditional 3-tab shingles, dimensional shingles are made up of multiple layers of asphalt and other materials. These extra layers give them a more sophisticated and dimensional appearance, often mimicking the look of higher-end roofing materials like slate or wood shakes.
In short, if you’re looking for shingles that provide more than just basic functionality, dimensional shingles add style and curb appeal, making your roof stand out.
How Do Dimensional Shingles Differ From Traditional Shingles?
Now, you might be wondering what the difference is between dimensional shingles and traditional shingles. Let’s take a look:
Appearance:
Traditional 3-tab shingles are flat and uniform, creating a straightforward look on your roof. On the other hand, dimensional shingles have a textured, multi-dimensional look, which adds depth and interest. This is thanks to the multiple layers of material used in their construction.
Durability:
While traditional shingles can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, dimensional shingles are generally more durable, with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years or more, depending on the brand and installation quality. They are thicker and sturdier because of their multiple layers, making them better suited to withstand harsh weather conditions like strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.
Cost:
While dimensional shingles are typically more expensive than traditional 3-tab shingles, the long-term effectiveness works for dimensional roof shingles. Homeowners often find that the higher price is worth it due to their enhanced appearance and longer lifespan.
Wind Resistance:
One of the big advantages of dimensional shingles is wind resistance. Many of these shingles can withstand winds up to 130 mph or more, whereas traditional shingles may only be rated for 60 to 70 mph winds.
The 5 Best Dimensional Shingles To Consider If You Are Replacing Your Roof
If you are considering replacing your roof with new asphalt shingles, dimensional roof shingles are the perfect choice. There are a lot of options on the market, but we’ve narrowed it down to five choices that meet all the necessary criteria.
- CertainTeed Landmark® Shingles
Founded in 1904, CertainTeed is a subsidiary of Saint Gobain, a leading commercial material manufacturer, and a trusted leader in the roofing industry, known for quality products that balance durability and aesthetic appeal. Their Landmark shingles offer superior protection with a dual-layered design, combining strength and Class A fire resistance.
What Should You Know?
- Landmark shingles feature NailTrak® technology, which provides a wider nailing area for easier installation. The shingles are also self-sealing.
- They are wind-resistant up to 110 mph, with the option to upgrade to 130 mph wind resistance.
- The shingles include a 25-year algae-resistant warranty, ensuring long-term protection against discoloration.
These shingles are composed of a durable fiberglass mat base, coated with asphalt, and embedded with ceramic-coated mineral granules for enhanced weather protection.
- GAF Timberline HDZ® Shingles
A roof is a big investment and we all know that replacement can be expensive, so it’s important that the shingles you install come from a reputable company. This is what you get from GAF as one of the most reliable shingle manufacturers in North America. Its popular dimensional shingle, the GAF Timberline HDZ shingle has been the company’s best-selling shingle product for years and has the trust of thousands of homeowners in Oklahoma.
What Should You Know?
- These shingles come with a StrikeZone™ nailing area, which ensures the shingles have lots of surface area in which they can be securely attached to the roof.
- Covered by GAF’s WindProven™ limited wind warranty.
- Additionally, they feature StainGuard Plus™ algae protection, offering 25 years of protection against blue-green algae.
- Offer superior protection and a dimensional, high-definition appearance that enhances curb appeal.
- Available in more than 23 colors, however, you need to check which ones are available in Oklahoma.
- TAMKO Titan XT®
In addition to popular brands like GAF and CertainTeed, TAMKO is another roofing manufacturer making waves with its top-tier shingles. Known for their quality and innovation, TAMKO’s Titan XT shingles have gained recognition for providing both superior performance and aesthetic appeal. They are an excellent choice for homeowners in Oklahoma seeking reliable protection against harsh weather.
What Should You Know?
- The Titan XT roof shingles were voted the #1 product of the year for 2024, emphasizing their quality.
- AnchorLock™ technology allows these shingles to provide superior holding power, ensuring your roof stays strong against high winds, up to 160 mph.
- Advanced Fusion™ sealing strips offer enhanced bonding and water resistance, which helps prevent leaks during heavy rains.
- Class 3 impact resistance allows these shingles to withstand significant impact from hail or debris.
- Warranties offered for these shingles include a wind warranty covering wind speeds up to 160 mph, and a limited lifetime warranty.
- Owens Corning Duration® Series Shingles
Next on the list are the highly rated, Owens Corning Duration series roof shingles. Recognizable from its mascot, the Pink Panther, the company is known for its exceptional products and customer service. Today we talk about the famous Duration shingle range. These shingles have an engineered fabric strip and come with a triple layer of reinforcement that makes them hold better. These dimensional shingles are available in 7 variants.
What Should You Know?
- The Duration series shingles are built with SureNail® technology, which provides a wide nailing zone, helping ensure your shingles stay securely fastened during installation.
- A wind resistance limited warranty covers damage caused by wind speeds up to 130 mph and provides homeowners with added peace of mind during storms.
- The algae resistance limited warranty of 25 years offers you long-term protection against algae growth.
- Duration series shingles utilize copper-lined granules with enhanced color granules to offer shades that last longer than regular shingles.
- There are 21 color options, however, some are only available regionally.
- Malarkey Highlander® Shingles
Our next dimensional shingle comes from Malarkey Roofing Products. Founded in 1956, Malarkey built its reputation on sustainability and innovation. A key aspect of their products is the upcycling of materials like rubber tires and plastic bags, reducing landfill waste while enhancing product durability. This makes Malarkey a standout in the industry for environmentally conscious roofing solutions.
What Should You Know?
- This dimensional roofing shingle from Malarkey is one of the best in terms of affordability. It is durable and hail-resistant, and it is cheaper than most competitors.
- The Highlander® shingles come with its proprietary NEX® Polymer Modified Asphalt technology, which improves flexibility and overall durability.
- Additionally, the shingles are Class 3 impact-rated, offering good protection from hail and debris.
- Highlander shingles also feature Algae-resistant 3M™ Copper Granules, which provide long-term protection against algae. This is supported by a 10-year Algae Resistance Warranty.
- The shingles also feature 3M™ Smog-Reducing Granules. These blend in with the shingles and convert harmful smog into water-soluble ions. These get washed away with rainwater.
Get Started With Your New Roof Replacement Project Today!
If you want to upgrade your roof by installing new dimensional shingles, look no further than the team at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing.
Whether you need expert guidance on shingle selection or are ready to start your project, our team is here to help every step of the way.
Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 for a consultation, and let’s make your roofing project a reality with materials designed to stand the test of time!
