January
23
How Are Architectural Shingles Different?
Shingles continue to be one of the most popular choices for roofing installations for good reason – they come in a variety of colors, are a more cost-effective option, and are easier to install than some other roofing materials. However, you should be aware that not all shingles are made the same, and you should weigh the pros and cons of different shingle types when choosing the right shingle to go with for your roof installation or replacement. Architectural shingles carry several advantages over regular or “3-tab” shingles, as they are a better, more premium grade of asphalt shingle roofing.
The Pros and Cons of Architectural Shingles vs. Standard Shingles
Architectural shingles (also known as laminate, dimensional, or composite shingles) are thicker and have a more distinctive, textured appearance. They are made with a thicker base than standard 3-tab shingles and have multiple layers of material attached; this is what gives architectural shingles a more complex, dimensional look. Architectural shingles are also more rugged, weighing in about 50% heavier than standard shingles, and they can last up to twice as long.
Want to hear some more advantages of architectural shingles over regular shingles? Architectural shingles come in a wider variety of colors, have a more interesting, layered look (they can even be designed to mimic the look of more expensive wood shakes), are made with a heavier granule covering, are less likely to warp, and provide more uplift resistance during windstorms. Thanks to their dimensional texture, architectural shingles do a much better job hiding small imperfections in the roofing structure, as well.
The only real disadvantage to architectural shingles is the fact that they are a little more expensive; an architectural shingle roof does typically cost about 25% more than a standard shingle roof. Even so, the long-term benefits certainly outweigh the difference in upfront cost between architectural shingles and standard shingles. You get more return on your investment, as your roof will look better and will last much longer. And if you’re considering putting your house on the market, replacing your regular shingle roof with architectural or dimensional shingles will provide a noticeable boost in the curb-appeal of your home to potential buyers.
Which Architectural Shingles Should You Choose?
Ok, you get it. We’ve established that architectural or dimensional shingles are a much better choice for your roof than standard shingles. But which product should you go with? Choosing the right roofing material for the job is one of the most important decisions to make when planning for your new roof or roof replacement.
The pros at Skywalker Roofing recommend TruDefinition Duration Shingles from Owens Corning for a number of reasons. TruDefinition Duration Shingles provide dramatic color contrast and dimension to any roof, and are available in all sorts of popular colors. These shingles from Owens Corning also come with patented SureNail Technology, and they exceed industry standards for algae resistance and wind resistance. And one of the best features about a TruDefinition Duration Shingle roof system is that it comes with a full Limited Lifetime Warranty from Owens Corning.
Another good product choice for higher-end shingles is the Carriage House Luxury Roofing Shingle series from CertainTeed. Carriage House Luxury Roofing Shingles come with a cut-away corner design that has a nice, scalloped-edge appearance that mimics the look of natural slate. If you have a Victorian or Colonial-style home (or just want to make your home look more Victorian or Colonial), choosing Carriage House shingles from CertainTeed is a great way to give your roof the appearance of slate at a fraction of natural slate’s cost. Carriage House shingles are designed to work well for any steeply-pitched roof, and they come in a nice array of color options. And like Owens Corning’s TruDefinition Duration Shingles, CertainTeed’s Carriage House Luxury Roofing Shingles also provide superior protection against algae and better resistance to fire and high winds than standard 3-tab shingles.
Why You Should Choose Skywalker Roofing For All Your Roofing Needs
While it’s very important to choose the right roofing material for the job, choosing even the best of products won’t do you much good if they aren’t properly installed in the first place. Selecting the best roofing contractor for the job is critical! If you’re looking for a top-quality, manufacturer-authorized, local roofing contractor for your architectural shingle installation or replacement, look no further than Skywalker Roofing!
Skywalker Roofing is one of the premier roofing contractors in North Carolina, serving both the Piedmont Triad and Triangle areas, as well as the Roanoke, VA area. Skywalker Roofing has now completed over 15,000 projects, and they continue to provide individualized attention and expert work for each of their customers. Quality is never sacrificed for quantity. Skywalker Roofing is proud to have earned the elite certification of Platinum Preferred Contractor with Owens Corning, as well as the Shingle Master Company certification through CertainTeed. Skywalker Roofing honors all of the warranties provided for both Owens Corning and CertainTeed product installations, and Skywalker Roofing even goes beyond that to offer a 2-years warranty on their roof repair services, as well! If you need a roof install or replacement in any location around the Piedmont Triad, Triangle, or Roanoke, VA area, check out Skywalker Roofing and give them a chance to show you why Skywalker Roofing is THE best roofing contractor for the job.
