Asphalt Shingles

Explore the benefits of asphalt shingles
The Modern Way

Benefits

Asphalt Shingles the Modern Way

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in the United States. Asphalt shingles were developed in 1903 when Californian Henry M. Reynolds cut small squares from existing rolled roofing to create shingles that could be applied like the scales of a fish to create a water-shedding roof covering. This economic, attractive, and fire-resistant roofing material quickly gained acceptance and was marketed by catalog companies such as Sears. While many improvements have been made, this application style is still in practice more than a century later. The first shingles consisted of an asphalt (refined crude oil byproduct) saturated mat (cotton and wood fiber) covered with crushed slate or stone.

Asphalt roofing shingles are available in three distinct styles; 3-Tab, Architectural, and Designer.

3 Tab Shingles

3-Tab Shingles are so named because the tab forming cutouts create the appearance of 3 smaller shingles. 3-tab shingles are typically the most economical form of asphalt shingle. This type of shingle provides double coverage due to the overlap from one shingle to the next.

 

As any homeowner knows, the roof is one of the most important components of a house. It helps to protect the interior from the elements and can play a major role in energy efficiency. When choosing roofing materials, it is important to consider both function and aesthetics. One popular option is 3 tab shingles. These shingles are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. In addition, 3 tab shingles are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, allowing you to find an option that fits your home’s aesthetic. However, it is important to note that 3 tab shingles have a shorter lifespan than other types of shingles and are more susceptible to wind damage. As a result, they may not be the best choice for homes in hurricane-prone areas.

Cost: $

Life Span: 20 yrs
Wind Resistance: 61-110 mph
Pro’s: Lower inital cost. Easy to repair. Many styles and colors available.
Con’s: Shorter life expectency. Limited protection. Less appealing.

Architectual Shingles

Architectual roofing shingles are a popular choice for property owners because industry-leading manufacturers like GAF engineer their products for high performance. Choose from a variety of color schemes to complement your home’s architectural design with the strength to combat hail, moisture and heat.
Cost: $-$$
Life Span: 20-50 yrs
Wind Resistance: 61-110 mph
Pro’s: Design flexibilty. Higher weather resistance. Class A fire rating. Less stress on roof.
Con’s: At least a 4/12 roof pitch is required. Excess friction can knock the granules loose. Asphalt isn’t the most environmentally friendly material.

Designer Shingles

Luxury shingles or designer shingles are designed to replicate natural slate and cedar shake roofs at a fraction of the cost. Shakes and slate are expensive to purchase, and extremly laborious to install. a slate roof may cost as much as 10 times that of architectural laminate shingle. The multi-dimensional texture of luxury shingles creates shadowsand depths that look just like real shakes or slate.
Cost: $$$-$$$$
Life Span: 30-50 yrs
Wind Resistance: 60-130 mph
Pro’s: Multi-Dimensional apperance. Maximum durability. Extra strength/weight. More affordable than slate or cedar.
Con’s: The premium good looks of these shingles come with a higher price tag.