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What are Architectural Shingles?

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments someone ever makes, so it’s essential to protect that investment over time. This can be done by making the most suitable decisions when it comes to projects like installing a new roof. On the other hand you may want to explore your options if your home has experienced recent storm damage, and your insurance claim provides for replacing the roof. Regardless of whether you’re installing a new roof or replacing the one you have, it’s best to understand what it is you’re getting, so we asked the roofing experts at Cavalry Roofing about what architectural shigles are, and how they are different from the traditional 3-tab shingles.

Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, were introduced in the market almost thirty years ago. Architectural shingles are composed of a heavyweight mat base of fiberglass and mineral granules which are usually ceramic-coated and are embedded tightly in a refined, water-resistant asphalt. Architectural shingles are like asphalt shingles but with more thickness that gives the appearance of visually spectacular natural roofing like cedar, clay, or slate tiles.  Because of the contouring and extra thickness, the cost for these shingles is more than traditional asphalt shingles, but they come with more extended warranties.

Architectural shingles vs. three-tab asphalt shingles

Both of these are sturdy popular options for roofs to ensure that your house is secure. You should make the deicison wisely to know that you are investing your hard-earned money in the right place.

  1. Size and shape

Having one shingle tab size, asphalt shingles consists of three separate tabs coated with asphalt, and are 12 inches wide. On the other hand, architectural shingles are characterized as laminated or dimensional and come in varying sizes. They present a more multi-sided appearance and are quite thicker.

  1. Weight

Architectural shingles weigh more than three-tab asphalt shingles. Suprisingly, most architectural shingles are more than 50 percent heavier as compared to the 3-tab asphalt shingles.

  1. Cost

Because of their material composition and long-term durability, architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab asphalt shingles. Normally, three-tab shingles are more affordable in terms of cost, but these shingles required more repair and maintenance over time. On the other hand, architectural shingles have a long life and come with an extended guarantee.

  1. Popularity

The usage of architectural shingles has become more popular in the past few years. Choosing architectural shingles as opposed to 3-tab shingles is a matter of effectiveness, increased value, product quality, and cost. Homeowners who want to increase the market value are willing to bear the high prices for the added value.

Advantages of Architectural shingles

There isn’t any doubt in the effectiveness and sturdiness of architectural shingles. If you want to prevent yourself from recurrent repairs and replacements, then architectural shingles are the right choice for you. These are more durable than any other asphalt shingles, and They usually last from 30 to 50 years. Some other significant advantages of architectural shingles are given below:

Resistant against fire and wind

Comprising of heavyweight fiberglass and having a greater thickness, architectural shingles are wind resistance as well as fire. These shingles also prevent mold and algae growth, making them the most popular shingles for roof available in the roofing industry.

Colors

Architectural shingles are prepared in a wide range of colors, making them more versatile for your roof design because of more choices. Usually, roofing shingle colors vary depending on design or brand; however, the colors offered by most brands for architectural roofing shingles include Blue, Black, Bronze, White, Silver, Red, Brown, Gray, Copper, Orange, Teak, Tan, and Green.

Value

The use of architectural shingles increases the value of the home. With high-level fiberglass manufacturing materials and, if properly installed, a home can easily retain or gain its value with the use of these shingles. Architectural roofs have 6% return on investment on your home’s value.

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