What is the Difference Between Architectural Shingles and Asphalt Shingles?

architectural shingles

What is the Difference Between Architectural and Asphalt Shingles?

Many homeowners like the look of a distinguished, and well-installed roof. However, it is important to understand the various roofing materials that may be involved. One of the common questions that are asked in the roofing industry is what the difference is between architectural and asphalt shingles. Three-tab shingles are distinguished by their cutouts. These cutouts are made along their long lower edge, and look like three separate pieces when they are installed, even though the whole panel is only one piece. Alternatively, architectural asphalt shingles are different because they contain no cutouts and their lower portions are laminated with an additional asphalt layer. Additionally, roofing contractors consider architectural shingles to be a high-end luxury product due to the fact that architectural shingles have increased durability and are more aesthetically pleasing.

Are Architectural Shingles Better?

Are you wondering whether architectural shingles are better than asphalt shingles? According to roofers, the answer is yes. This can be whittled down to a few important categories that will help homeowners understand why architectural shingles are considered a better roofing product than asphalt shingles.

  • Beauty. Architectural shingles were designed to be a higher-end version of regular shingles, thus they come in desirable shapes and colors for roofing purposes.
  • Durability. Architectural shingles are practically twice as thick as three-tab shingles. They are also less vulnerable to curling.
  • Increased wind resistance. Architectural shingles weigh approximately 340-440 pounds per square and are rated for wind speeds that are up to eighty to one-hundred and twenty miles per hour.
  • Great manufacturer’s warranties. For architectural shingles, it is not unusual to see forty to fifty-year warranties.

How Many Years Do Architectural Shingles Last?

Apparently, architectural shingles can last as long as twenty-five to thirty years. Architectural shingles are very high-end versions of asphalt shingles and have a correspondingly higher roof lifetime. Both asphalt shingles and architectural shingles seal in the same manner, but architectural shingles are up to three times thicker than normal three-tab shingles.

What is an Architectural Roof Shingle?

As previously alluded to, architectural shingles are very high-quality roofing products. They are composed of a heavy fiberglass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules that are embedded in water-resistant asphalt. 

Are Architectural Shingles Harder to Install?

Architectural shingles are heavier than regular shingles, so that will need to be factored into the labor of carrying them up the ladder and assembling them on the roof. Architectural shingles will also need additional roof support due to their increased weight. According to a leading roofing website, it is easier to install architectural shingles than asphalt shingles. This is due to the fact architectural shingles have a double thickness or laminate at the nail line.

When to Replace Architectural Shingles

Are you wondering when the right time is for you to replace your roof’s architectural shingles? If so, it is important to factor in when the roof was installed. An asphalt roof will have a shorter roof lifespan than architectural shingles, and they typically last anywhere from twenty to twenty-five years. In addition, it will be important to ensure that if a roof has been installed over a previous layer of shingles, all shingles are removed from the roof before another roof replacement is applied.

Are Architectural Shingles Asphalt

Usually, architectural shingles are made of a heavy fiberglass mat base and are ceramic-coated with mineral granules. These granules are manufactured to be tightly embedded in intricately refined, water-resistant asphalt.

Which Architectural Shingles

If you are wondering which architectural shingles to select, you are not alone. Choose the right kind of roof that will both service your budget and your home exterior color palette is difficult. Which brand is the best for architectural shingles? Which colors will enable a cooler atmosphere for your roof? For these questions and more, it is urgent that you speak to a project manager from a professional roofing company. A qualified individual will be able to advise you on your best course of action and be able to make any repairs that are needed in the future.

architectural shingles

How are Architectural Shingles Made

Are you wondering how architectural shingles are made? Let’s start first with the basics. In order to make shingles, a roll of organic felt or fiberglass mat is mounted. After that, it is fed into a dry looper. The material is then passed through a presaturation chamber and afterward is placed into a saturator tank that is filled with hot asphalt. This hot asphalt will coat the fibers. If it is deemed necessary, the material will pass through the wet looping machine.

If you would like to discuss architectural shingles in Dallas, TX, the best time is now. You can easily get in touch with us with a quick phone call to 214-295-5500.