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What Is An Architectural Shingle Vs A Regular Shingle

Essentially, architectural shingles are more substantial than 3-tab shingles. In fact, they are about 50 percent heavier than the 3-tab kind. The base mat on an architectural shingle is thicker than that on a 3-tab shingle. This makes the architectural shingle a sturdier roofing material.

Are architectural shingles worth it?

In a word, yes—the benefits of architectural shingles make the extra cost more than worth it. (Which, depending on your contractor, is around $15 per square. Architectural shingles have many benefits, including better curb appeal, improved wind resistance, and a longer manufacturer warranty.

How can you tell the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

The main difference between Asphalt shingles and architectural shingles comes down to durability, versatility, and price. Asphalt shingles are made from fiberglass layered between asphalt and ceramic covered granules. The result is a water-resistant coating that also deflects UV light.

What are the pros and cons of architectural shingles?

They are quite a bit heavier and thicker than 3-tabs. A thicker shingle allows for greater endurance and strength and when it comes to wind and other extreme weather conditions, architectural shingles are considerably more durable. Three-tab shingles are weaker, less durable, and not as long-lasting.

How long do 30 year architectural shingles really last?

The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it’s not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years.

What is the lifespan of architectural shingles?

Because of their durability and high-quality composition, architectural shingles generally have a longer lifespan than the 3-tab variety. They stand up better to weather conditions such as heat, snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Their average lifespan is about 18 to 20 years.

Can you use architectural shingles for Ridge?

Overall, architectural shingles would work well as ridge caps since they are extremely resistant to almost every element of weather and can blend well with the other shingles of your roof. Ridge caps are one of the most important parts of the roof since it is one of the first parts of the roof that people will see.

Are architectural shingles easier to install?

Since an architectural shingle roof is easier to install, is more durable and comes with a better warranty, its lifespan cost is, in many instances, actually less than that of a more basic 3-tab roof.

What are the top 5 roofing shingles?

Ultimately, the test revealed that the top 10 shingle brands were: Atlas – Pinnacle Pristine. GAF-Elk – Royal Sovereign. CertainTeed – XT 25. Atlas – StormMaster Slate. Tamko – Heritage. Owens Corning – Oakridge. Owens Corning – Duration. Owens Corning – Berkshire Collection.

Are all architectural shingles 30 year?

30 – year shingles also known as laminated, dimensional or architectural shingles typically do not last 30 years. 20, 40, or 50 – year shingle will not last their designated years either. It is a common misconception and a point of confusion for many homeowners.

Are architectural shingles hail proof?

In general, thicker architectural shingles are more impact-resistant than 3-tab shingles. This protects from the impact of objects like falling branches and large hail.

Do architectural shingles fade?

Asphalt shingles do indeed fade, but the rate at which they lose color can vary, especially when it comes to shade. If you want your shingle color to last, try to pick out lighter colors. Shingles often fade in uniform degrees, but there’s no guarantee.

Are architectural shingles energy efficient?

Energy Efficiency = Continuous Savings Architectural shingles are engineered to remain cooler than traditional shingles by offering greater light deflection. They also provide added insulation, which reduces heat transference between your home and the outdoors, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills.

How long does it take to roof a 1500 sq ft house?

In extreme cases, it could take three to five days. Depending on the weather, complexity, and accessibility of your home it could even take up to three weeks.

What color shingles last the longest?

Both light-colored and dark-colored shingles can last longer if given the necessary maintenance. The only thing tested and proven about light-colored shingles is that they help us keep the indoor temperature cooler in the hot summer season.

How long do Owens Corning Oakridge shingles last?

According to InterNACHI’s Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, the life expectancy for architectural asphalt roofing shingles is 30 years and 20 years for three-tab asphalt shingles.

How long do 50 year architectural shingles last?

Even so, these could last you between 25 to 40 years at most until you’ll need a roof replacement. If your plan is to live in your home for the next 5 to 6 decades, 50-year shingles are worth the investment.

How thick are architectural shingles?

Shingles. Standard asphalt shingles add very little thickness to the roof, because a standard three-tab shingle is about 3/16-inch thick.

What roof lasts the longest?

Roofing material that lasts the longest are concrete, clay or slate tiles. These materials significantly outperform other natural products like wood shakes or any manufactured roofing materials including asphalt shingles and metal roofing. Although these materials have a good lifespan, they are not as durable.

Can architectural shingles be used for starter strip?

You do need to use a starter course with architectural shingles. The starter edge will help seal the edges and cover your shingle joints. You can instead use the same starter strip that you’d use for 3-tab shingles.

Do you need ridge cap shingles?

A ridge cap is used to cover and close the seam where two roof slopes meet to form a ridge or roof apex. Roofs that do not have two or more decks meeting to form a ridge or hip do not require a ridge cap. Most shingle roofs have a ridge cap made of overlapping shingle tabs cut from roofing shingles.

Is it better to hand nail shingles?

While air gun nailing might seem faster, a well-trained hand nailer can do it almost as fast. The key difference between the two is accuracy. Hand driving nails into shingles allows for the roofer to place the nail on the proper nail line and then drive the nail in.

Can you walk on architectural shingles?

Walking on your roof (unless absolutely necessary) Walking on your asphalt shingles can leave the shingles bare, dislodge them or create gaps that can increase the potential for leaks. While it’s recommended that you stay off of your roof as much as possible, unavoidable incidents may make that difficult.