Asphalt Shingles

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Asphalt shingles are a classic roofing material. They are affordable and the most popular type of roofing material. They are easy to repair and replace as needed. You can choose from basic asphalt shingles to higher-end ones like 3-Tab, Architectural, or Luxury. They can last up to 30 years, depending on what they are exposed to, such as wind and sun. Unfortunately, once the granules on the asphalt roofs are gone, the whole roof must be replaced.

Asphalt shingles are very lightweight, so they don’t require additional support structures. The use of shingles ensures the opportunity to create a variety of styles that complement your home's current style.

3-tab shingles get their name due to the way they are manufactured. There are three tabs on each shingle strip. Compared to the other shingles, they lay flat. The flat appearance is due to the one layer of asphalt. 3-tab shingles are the most basic of the three. While the flatness might appeal to some homeowners, the low cost makes them one of the most widely used roofing materials.

3-tab shingles are composed of lightweight and thin material. Due to the lightweight and thin material, these shingles are not impact-resistant. In perfect conditions, 3-tab shingles can last between 15 and 20 years. However, if you live in an area with frequent storms and strong winds, the lifespan is shorter than 15 years. There are limited color options. These shingles do have a Class A fire rating. A Class A rating is considered to be highly fire-resistant. They are considered to hold up against exposure to direct flames without catching fire.

Architectural shingles are the most popular asphalt shingles on the market today. These shingles contain numerous layers bonded together, creating a textured, multidimensional appearance. The diverse shapes and depth they provide give your roof an elegant, visually compelling quality. The lifespan for architectural shingles is between 30 and 40 years. This all depends on environmental conditions.

Architectural shingles last longer due to their thickness and heavy construction, making them more resistant to the wear and tear of daily exposure to the weather. These shingles are impact-resistant, which means they can face harsh weather conditions and sudden, intense shock or pressure. You’ll have a variety of colors and styles to choose from. Architectural Shingles are fire-resistant with a Class A rating, meaning the material is highly fire-resistant. They are considered to hold up against exposure to direct flames without catching fire.

Luxury shingles bring an entirely different look to a roof than architectural or 3-tab shingles. Luxury shingles mimic the look of a slate or cedar roof. As a premium shingles, they are built with thick and heavy material, making them up to three times heavier than others. They are designed to be highly wind-resistant. These shingles are impact-resistant, which means they can face harsh weather conditions and sudden, intense shock or pressure. They are more puncture-proof than any other shingles. 

The lifespan of luxury shingles is 50 years. However, they do share many manufacturing similarities with architectural shingles. So it is not unusual for them to last 25 to 30 years. Some hitting 40 years before needing to replace the roof. This all depends on the environmental conditions, as they can affect your roof's lifespan. There is a wide variety of color options to choose from. Luxury shingles are fire-resistant with a Class A rating, meaning the material is highly fire-resistant. They are considered to hold up against exposure to direct flames without catching fire.