Architectural Shingles Versus Asphalt Shingles

When people think of replacing their shingled roof, they often think about the cost of the roof repair or replacement. However, architectural shingles are much more expensive because of the unique qualities of the shingle. Architectural shingles differ from other shingles in the way they are designed and constructed. The cost difference probably reflects this, where three-tab asphalt shingles cost about 20% more than three-tab wood shingles which will cost less than half the price of architectural shingles.

architectural shingles

The difference in materials is one of the biggest differences between the two. Architectural shingles are made of asphalt and cover asphalt parking lots, pool decks, walkways, and more. Wood shingles are usually made of cedar shake and other materials. It’s not uncommon to find asphalt shingles under asphalt parking lots in areas where there’s a lot of snowfall. With asphalt shingles, there is a 50-year warranty, which means they last longer than asphalt ones.

Wind resistance is another feature of architectural shingles that adds to their durability. Aluminum oxide is added to the asphalt shingles which increases their durability even more. One coating is all it takes to increase the durability even further as three-tab shingles combine asphalt with zinc and iron, creating a highly durable composite material. Asphalt is not always the best choice of material for roofing materials and when you consider the cost versus durability factor, it’s easy to see asphalt shingles would be a better choice. Also, they have to be installed professionally to be able to ensure the durability factor, which takes some time.

Architectural shingles are not the only type of roofing materials like slate and cedar that have extra cost when it comes to installation. In most cases, the cost of installation is much higher than the cost of cedar shakes. Slate is another roofing material that is usually installed by Roofing Las Cruces because of its extra weight and thickness. It is not something you can just install by yourself or cut and stick.

Most homeowners prefer architectural shingles over other types of shingles because of their extra long-lasting durability. This is not true with all shingle types, so it’s important to compare the differences between the different kinds of shingles. Generally, asphalt shingle is the best for hot climates but not the best for humid climates. Windy climates also have different considerations. It would be wise for homeowners to purchase shingle that has a longer lifespan compared to its cheaper counterparts like slate or cedar.

When comparing the cost of the two different types of roofing, homeowners will be amazed at the difference in the costs of asphalt versus three-tab shingle roofs. Since asphalt shingled roofs last up to forty years, homeowners should expect about three times more values from the asphalt shingle roof. Asphalt shingle roofing could last up to twenty years, but it only pays out about forty percent of its initial cost. Three-Tab roofing, on the other hand, can last up to fifty years and pays out almost seventy percent of its initial cost. With three-tab roofing, homeowners are guaranteed that their roof will last them at least three decades. Due to this amazing longevity, three-Tab shingling is often the preferred roofing material for many residential and commercial properties.

Also, in comparison, three-Tab shingles’ appearance and appeal are significantly more attractive than asphalt. It has a more professional look that can add to the overall value of the property. Furthermore, three-Tab does not have to be replaced as often, thus it’s a much less costly roofing option over time.

Architectural shingles also hold significant advantages in terms of durability. In comparison, asphalt shingles tend to be weaker and wear down faster. Over time, these asphalt layers begin to form a layer on top of each other which causes a weak point in the shingle. As time passes, if no repairs are made, the weak spot will crack and eventually collapse. With architectural shingles, however, if a crack does develop, they can easily be filled and replaced without any additional costs. Overall, there are many positive aspects to purchasing a laminated or three-tab roof instead of the traditional asphalt shingling.