What Is Architectural Shingle Roof?
What Is Architectural Shingle Roof?
Architectural shingles, also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, are among the highest-quality roofing products made. They are composed of a heavy fiberglass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules that are embedded in water-resistant asphalt.
Architectural shingles are designed to give roofs a good-looking, three-dimensional texture.
They can be made to simulate the look of cedar wood shakes or slate tiles without the weight or maintenance requirements.
Architectural shingles are more expensive than standard 3-tab shingles but they have a longer lifespan and come with better warranties. They are also stronger and heavier than 3-tab shingles, making them more resistant to bad weather and debris.
Before the 1980s, traditional 3-tab asphalt roofing shingles were the most commonly used type. These shingles are still a popular choice among homeowners due to their affordability and wide variety of color blends.
However, technological advancements and changes in consumer preferences led to the development of architectural laminated shingles during the 1980s. Laminated shingles are constructed by bonding two or more basic shingles together.
Both laminated and traditional 3-tab shingles offer effective protection against wind uplift, blow-off, and water penetration from wind-driven rain. They provide enhanced protection against the elements and excellent weatherability.
However, laminated shingles are often referred to as “architectural” because of their engineered construction, which creates an interesting roof profile through the contour, cut, and dimensional thickness of the individual shingles.
This evolution from traditional 3-tabs to architectural laminated shingles was primarily driven by aesthetic considerations.
Architectural asphalt shingles are designed to simulate the look of genuine cedar shakes or natural slate tiles, without the weight, installation, maintenance, flammability concerns, and high cost associated with these materials.
Some manufacturers offer a wide range of colors for their lines of architectural laminated shingles. However, those designed to mimic the appearance of genuine wood shakes or natural slate tiles are typically limited to the same color blends found in nature, such as earthy or reddish browns, light and dark variations of grey to black.
Architectural laminated shingles are often described as “high-definition” due to the depth and contour of the individual shingle’s profile.
Manufacturers use angled or straight cuts to enhance the perception of depth and the appearance of a shake or tile roof. For example, IKO uses a straight cut in its laminated shingles to achieve this effect.
In summary, while traditional 3-tab asphalt roofing shingles remain a popular choice for their affordability and color variety, the development of architectural laminated shingles has brought about significant aesthetic advancements.
These shingles simulate the appearance of genuine wood shakes or natural slate tiles without the high cost and other disadvantages associated with these materials, while also providing excellent protection against the elements.
Advantages Of Architectural Shingle Roof
Architectural shingles offer many benefits compared to 3-tab shingles, including increased durability, higher wind resistance, increased protection from snow loads, and a longer lifespan of 18-20 years.
They also provide a more dimensional look to the roof and come in an array of colors, textures, and styles.
Architectural shingles are heavier than 3-tab shingles and contain multiple layers of material on top of a glass mat, making them more durable. They can withstand more than double the wind speed of 3-tab shingles and offer superior protection from heavy snow loads.
Additionally, they are customizable to fit individual tastes, increasing the value and equity of homes for those who might consider selling down the road.
Overall, architectural shingles are a cost-effective solution for countless homeowners across Maryland due to their affordability and long lifespan.
Architectural Shingle Roof Lifespan
Architectural shingles typically have a lifespan of 18 to 20 years however certain manufacturers provide warranties for up to 30 years. The actual lifespan of the shingles will depend on their proper installation as well as weather conditions.
Premium architectural shingles if correctly installed and subjected to minimal wear-and-tear can last up to 30 years in some cases.
