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If you are thinking of renovating or replacing your roof, you may have come across the option of architectural shingles. Since they come at a higher cost, you may wonder what the differences are between architectural shingles and regular shingles.
Architectural shingles are a type of shingle which mimics the look of wood or shake shingles. Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, they are made from a composite material like other 3-tab shingles, but are more durable and tend to come with a longer warranty. Architectural shingles are known to be among the highest quality roofing products on the market because of their construction. They are made from a heavy fiberglass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules embedded in water-resistant asphalt.
One of the most appealing features of architectural shingles is their three-dimensional appearance and their ability to look like other popular shingle types, such as cedar wood shakes or a new product that mimics slate. They come in many different colors and textures that can better accent steep roof planes, turrets, and gables. When installed properly, architectural shingles are indistinguishable from their counterparts. Shingle shapes can be varied and used to complement specific architecture, such as Victorian or colonial styles, and even weathered looks for more vintage homes.
Lastly, today’s manufacturers are adopting energy-saving, cool roof technology to reduce the amount of heat the roof absorbs. Granules in the roofing shingles reflect the sun’s rays and reduce the roof’s temperature by as much as 20% in the summer.