Asphalt shingles are beautiful, popular, and one of the best roofing materials available in the United States. Over the years, manufacturers have introduced many new roofing materials to the market. Asphalt shingles still hold their value, and remain the most popular roofing material used today. If you are also a homeowner looking to install a new roof or replace an existing one, asphalt roof shingles are a great option. However, you should know that asphalt shingles themselves have multiple categories.
In the following blog, we will share the types of asphalt shingles and why they are special. We will also talk about which shingles can be perfect for your roof.
Categories of Asphalt Shingles
There are three main categories of Asphalt shingles. Each category has varying degrees of durability, cost, and longevity. To help you choose the right kind for your home or business, here’s a brief overview of each type of shingle available:
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab asphalt shingles are the oldest and the most basic types of asphalt shingles that you can install on your roof. Their name comes from the 3-tab appearance of these shingles. Each of the shingles is distinguished by three uniform cuts on the front, usually spaced 12″ apart, and a single asphalt roofing shingle is made of three tabs. They’re made up of a flexible granule core with fibers woven into them, making them lightweight and easy to install.
Cost Of 3 Tab Asphalt Shingles
These asphalt shingles are less expensive than other types of roof shingles available. This is because they are made from a single strip of shingle. If you want to install these shingles, you do not have to worry about breaking the bank. According to Forbes, 3-tab shingles cost about $1-$2 per square.
Lifespan: How Long Do Asphalt Shingles Last?
Lifespan is an important factor to consider when you are trying to select the right roofing material. 3-tab asphalt shingles have a shorter lifespan compared to other shingles. On average, they can last between 15-20 years before you will need to replace your roof.
Pros Of 3 Tab Asphalt Shingles
- Cost friendly
- Uniform look – All the shingles are of the same size
- Lightweight shingles making them easy to install
- Available in a variety of colors
Cons
- Less durable than other types of asphalt shingles
- Lifespan issues
- Shorter warranty is provided with these shingles
Architectural Shingles
An architectural shingle is a step ahead of traditional shingles, both in terms of quality and durability. This is because they have a superior composition when compared to the 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles are composed of laminating two strips of shingles. These shingles have more depth and dimension. These are also known as architectural shingles due to their looks.
Architectural shingles are one of the best types of asphalt roofing materials because they’re extremely durable and can withstand heavy winds better than 3-tab style shingles. If your home is in an area that gets a lot of high winds or hail storms, these roofing shingles are probably what you want to install on your home.
Why Are Architectural Shingles So Special?
These types of asphalt shingles are ideal for any roof because they can be made to look like virtually any style of roof. They can be used to mimic the likes of slate, wood shakes, clay, and tile roofs. Dimensional shingles are a great choice if you want a natural look. These materials can also be used to give a textured appearance.
Lifespan
Due to high wind resistance and double-layer shingles, dimensional shingles have a lifespan between 20-25 years. Choosing a high-quality shingle improves the quality of your roof, and can increase its lifespan significantly.
Pros
- They can last longer
- They offer good wind resistance
- They can mimic slate and wood shakes at a lesser price
Cons
- More expensive than 3 tab shingles
- They are heavier in terms of weight
Luxury Shingles
There is one type of shingle that stands out from all others: luxury shingles. Luxury or premium shingles are manufactured with higher quality material, are thicker than others, and have a longer warranty than standard shingles.
Lifespan
Luxury asphalt shingles have the longest lifespan when compared to other asphalt roof shingles. They can easily last over 25-30 years if they are properly maintained due to their triple-layer style. The lifespan of these shingles depends on various factors, such as the location and weather conditions of the area.
How Are Luxury Shingles Different?
Luxury shingles are more resistant to the elements, can be installed in any direction, and are generally more durable and long-lasting compared to the categories of shingles that we have mentioned above. They are also available in a wide variety of colors and textures. These shingles can be used to mimic the look of slate roofing, which is one of the most expensive roofing materials available. They also tend to look better on large homes because of the dark color palette used.
Pros
- Heavier and much more durable material
- Can last for more than 30 years
- Available in a variety of colors as well as textures
- Wind-resistant, algae-resistant shingles
Cons
- Almost twice the rate of 3-tab asphalt shingles
- They are more difficult to install
Top Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers In Tulsa
You can use several different kinds of asphalt shingles on a roof. In the above section, we have learned that they are all made from the same material, but they differ in price, thickness, and durability. Below is a look at the 5 top manufacturers in the market.
CertainTeed
CertainTeed has shaped the roofing materials industry for more than 100 years. It was founded as a General Roofing Manufacturing Company in 1904. Today, CertainTeed is North America’s leading brand of exterior materials, including roofing, siding, and more. It is a subsidiary of the French multinational corporation Saint-Gobain.
Its most popular asphalt shingles include the likes of Landmark® Shingles and the Presidential®.
Tamko
TAMKO Building Products LLC is a leader in the independent manufacturing industry of residential roofing shingles. Its Heritage shingle series features some of the best roofing colors on the market along with a brand name that is recognized for its rich history and values for the past 75 years.
GAF
GAF is the leading roofing manufacturer in North America, with plants strategically located across the U.S. They are part of the world’s largest roofing and waterproofing business. Led by Standard Industries, GAF’s shingles are being used on the majority of homes. Its top shingles include Timberline HDZ and Stateline.
Atlas
Atlas’s products are made with care and attention, and they are designed in such a way that they cater to every market segment. From their beginning in the early 1980s with a single asphalt shingle manufacturing facility in Meridian to becoming one of the largest shingle manufacturers in America, Atlas has come a long way. The Pinnacle Pristine is one of the most popular shingles available.
IKO
IKO was founded in 1951. From paper manufacturing, the company moved to the asphalt shingle business in 1954. It entered the U.S. marketplace in 1979 through various acquisitions and has since expanded its presence by building new plants across North America. Today, they manufacture some of the most popular roofing materials.
Which Is The Right Shingle For You?
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing materials. The most popular options are 3-tab, dimensional, and premium shingles. Each type offers some unique benefits that make them an attractive choice if you need to install a new roof on your home, and all the categories of shingles offer good value. However, you need to select a shingle based on your preferences, location, and budget.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to replace your old roof with something new, then 3-tab asphalt shingles may be the perfect option for you! However, if you want a more durable and long-lasting roof, then you can choose between architectural or luxury shingles.
Want To Install The Best Asphalt Shingles On Your Roof?
We hope that with the help of this blog, you are now more aware of the types of asphalt shingles and can make an informed decision about what is best for you.
If you want to install the best asphalt shingles on your home, then make sure that you contact the team at A. Fricker Roofing & Waterproofing.
Our team is trained to install the asphalt shingles from some of the best roofing shingles manufacturers, such as CertainTeed and TAMKO. We install 3-tab, architectural as well as premium asphalt roof shingles.
We have a team of highly qualified roofing professionals that can help you find a solution for every roofing problem you face. Contact us today at (918-402-7167) to learn more about our roof replacement services.
