The Ultimate Guide to Asphalt Roofing Shingles (2025)

Are you searching for asphalt roofing shingles in 2025?

If you are looking for information about asphalt roofing shingles, we’ve got you covered (literally). Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material because of their affordability, durability, and aesthetically pleasing appearance. 

This is not to say there aren’t other roofing shingles or roof materials. Wood shake shingles, solar shingles, metal roofs, and other composite shingles also exist. However, there is a very high probability that your home has asphalt shingles, and if you’re considering replacing those shingles, you are most likely considering your options.

This is why today, we will help you by answering commonly asked roofing shingle questions and also help you understand everything there is to know about asphalt shingles, including:

1. What are asphalt shingles?
2. What type of asphalt roofing shingles are there?
3. How much do asphalt shingles typically cost?
4. What is better, a shingle repair or a new roof?

First, what are asphalt shingles?

Asphalt shingles are thick layers of asphalt blended with fiberglass on a felt paper base designed to protect your roof using an overlapping installation pattern. Asphalt shingles are coated with a waterproof asphalt layer and topped with ceramic granules to hold everything together and make them more durable. Roof shingles are waterproof, lightweight, and can withstand most elements mother nature has to offer, such as high winds, ice, snow, rain, and hail.

Asphalt shingles are the state’s most commonly used roofing material, more common than sheet metal or wood shingles. They are known to be more affordable and highly durable.

Quick Facts:

• Asphalt shingles are a type of roofing material made from a combination of materials, including fiberglass, asphalt, and granules.
• They are the most popular roofing material used on homes across North America.
• Asphalt shingle roofs are designed to protect a home through decades of weathering with minimal upkeep.
• They are a popular choice due to their affordability and ease of installation.
• Asphalt shingles are available in hundreds of colors and styles.

• Performance shingles are designed to offer specific performance benefits, such as wind resistance or hail resistance.
• Asphalt shingles can offer advantages such as wind resistance, hail resistance, or solar reflectivity.

What type of asphalt roofing shingles are there?

When it comes to roof shingles, you will realize that most homes are built with an asphalt shingle roof. Depending on the age of your roof, the shingles can vary in quality and type. The asphalt shingle technology has advanced dramatically in the last five years, and the most common types of shingles are:

1. Three-tab shingles
2. Architectural or “Dimensional shingles”
3. Premium asphalt shingles

1. Traditional or Three-Tab Shingles

• Traditional shingles are also called 3-tab shingles or strip shingles.
• They are the oldest type of asphalt shingle that is still available today.
• Traditional shingles have a simple, consistent appearance and are easy to install.

Depending on the age of your home’s roof, you most likely have what is called “Three-Tab Shingles.” These are the boxy-looking asphalt shingles you are most likely familiar with, flat and installed in interlocking strips. Overall, three-tab shingles are durable and light and give your home a nice look.

Pros of Three Tab Shingles:

1. Cost-Effective: Three-tab shingles are one of the most affordable roofing materials, making them an excellent choice for homeowners on a tight budget.
2. Lightweight and Easy to Install: Due to their simple design and lightweight nature, three-tab shingles are easier and faster to install than heavier roofing options like tile or slate, potentially reducing labor costs.
3. Wide Availability and Variety: They come in various colors and styles, making matching your home’s aesthetic easier. Additionally, they are widely available at most hardware stores.

Cons of Three Tab Shingles:

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1. Shorter Lifespan: Three-tab shingles typically last around 20-25 years, shorter than architectural shingles or metal roofing options.
2. Lower Wind Resistance: 3-tab shingles are less durable against strong winds and are prone to being lifted or damaged in extreme weather conditions (most rated for 90 MPH only)
3. Less Aesthetic Appeal: Compared to more modern roofing materials, three-tab shingles have a flat and less dimensional appearance, which might not enhance a home’s curb appeal as much as other options.

2. Architectural Shingles

• Architectural shingles are also called laminate shingles or dimensional shingles.
• They have a unique, dramatic look with shadow bands and “dragon’s teeth.”
• Architectural shingles are thicker and more weather-resistant than traditional shingles.

Architectural asphalt shingles, like the ones pictured in the photo, are made from asphalt like their three-tab counterparts, but they are heavier and aesthetically more pleasing. Using more material and making them thicker, architectural shingles are durable and designed to look like a wood-shake roof. The color variances add curb appeal while providing substantially more durability than three-tab shingles. Dimensional shingles come with longer and better warranty coverage, created for winds up to 130 MPH.

Pros of Architectural Shingles:

1. Enhanced Durability: Architectural shingles are thicker and more robust than three-tab shingles, offering better resistance to harsh weather conditions such as high winds, heavy rain, and hail. Many are rated for winds up to 130 mph.
2. Longer Lifespan: These shingles often come with 30-50 years of warranties, making them a longer-lasting investment compared to traditional three-tab shingles (depending on the shingle manufacturer).
3. Improved Aesthetics: Architectural shingles have a dimensional, textured appearance that mimics the look of more expensive materials like wood or slate, enhancing the overall curb appeal of your home.

Cons of Architectural Shingles:

1. Higher Cost: Architectural shingles are more expensive than three-tab shingles in terms of material and installation costs.
2. Heavier Weight: The increased weight can add stress to your roof structure, which may require reinforcement for older homes or homes with weaker framing, but this can also be seen as a pro in terms of durability.
3. Complex Installation: Their design and weight make installation more labor-intensive, which can result in higher labor costs and a longer installation timeline.

3. Premium Shingles

• Premium shingles are also called designer shingles.
• They have a premium look and are designed to mimic the look of other roofing materials.
• Premium shingles are made to offer a unique look without the high cost and drawbacks of traditional materials.

Premium roof shingles are laminated shingles that have a differentiated appearance from traditional dimensional shingles and are highly durable. Due to their aesthetic enhancements, premium shingles are sometimes called designer shingles. They offer more resistance and the highest warranty coverage.

Pros of Premimum Shingles:

1. Superior Aesthetics: Premium shingles are designed to replicate high-end materials like slate, wood shakes, or tile, providing a luxurious and unique look that enhances the curb appeal and value of your home.
2. Exceptional Durability: These shingles are built with high-quality materials, offering excellent resistance to extreme weather, impact, and UV radiation. They often come with extended warranties, sometimes up to 50 years or more.
3. Energy Efficiency: Many premium shingles are designed with reflective technology to reduce heat absorption, lowering energy costs by helping to keep your home cooler in warm climates.

Cons of Premimum Shingles:

1. High Cost: Premium shingles are significantly more expensive than standard options like three-tab or architectural shingles, both in material and installation costs.
2. Weight Considerations: Premium shingles are heavier, potentially requiring structural reinforcements for older homes or homes not initially designed for such loads.
3. Complex Installation Process: Due to their specialized design, premium shingles often require skilled professionals for installation, increasing labor costs and installation time.

How much do asphalt shingles typically cost?

Shingle costs depend on a few factors:

1. The type of shingle you pick (three-tab, architectural, designer)
2. The size of your roof
3. The type of roof

The roof shingle you pick to have installed is measured in “Squares.” A square refers to 100 square feet of shingles. In essence, if someone has a home with a roof that is 1,500 square feet, they would need 15 square shingles to be replaced.

Depending on your roofing project, the size of your roof will determine the cost of your new roof. On average, three-tab shingles will cost the average homeowner approximately $400 per square, whereas our architectural roofing shingles run $450 per square. Factors like location in the states, shingle manufacture, asphalt prices, and others can cause a variance in the per-square price.

Three Tab Shingles	Architectural Shingles
~ $400 per square	~ $450 per square
10 Square = $4,000	10 Square = $4,500
20 Square = $8,000	20 Square = $9,000

Note: The above pricing is average and includes the installation and material price of the shingles.

Rooftop Accessories

When you talk to your roofing contractor, be sure to get the complete picture of all the potential rooftop accessories that are required but also optional. Rooftop accessories such as ridge cap shingles, attic ventilation, and leak barriers can enhance the performance of your asphalt shingle roof but are also required when installing a new roof system.

Updating flashing, installing the new ridge cap shingles, and vent covers are priced by linear foot or units required and added to the price of your shingle installation.

What is better, a shingle repair or a new roof?

Deciding whether or not to repair your existing roof shingles or replace your entire roof system really builds down to the following factors:

• How old is your roof?
• Can you get approved for an insurance claim for your roof damage?
• Will the repair last, or is a new roof the better long-term option?
• Will a roof repair cost more than just replacing the entire roof?

A roofing repair is typically a good option if the job is simple, like replacing a few shingles, checking out a possible leak, or replacing a ridge vent section. 

However, when the amount of roofing shingles needing to be replaced reaches a certain threshold (like the car example above), or the repair costs start approaching 50% of the price of a new roof, a roof replacement is usually a better option.

Roofing Shingles Verdict:

If you’re still reading this article, you’re most likely considering replacing or installing a new roof—congratulations on doing your due diligence. To help you with your roofing system, here are the key takeaways from this article:

• Asphalt shingle roofs are popular for homeowners due to their affordability, ease of installation, and durability.
• Various types of asphalt shingles include traditional (3-tab), architectural, and premium shingles.
• Proper installation, maintenance, and choice of shingles are essential to ensure the longevity of an asphalt shingle roof.

By understanding the different types and features of asphalt shingles, you can make an informed decision when choosing a roofing material for your home. If you live in or around Boise, Idaho, and you are in the market for new shingles, don’t hesitate to contact Legacy Roofing!

FAQ:

What shingle manufacturers are there?

The most prominent manufacturers of shingles are GAF, CertainTeed, Owens Corning, and Malarkey Roofing Products.

What are the common signs of wear and tear?

Asphalt shingle roofs often show clear signs that it’s time for a replacement, including missing or damaged shingles, curled or buckled shingles, and granule loss.

How long does an asphalt shingle roof last?

The expected lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof is between 15-30 years, depending on factors such as wind, storms, and maintenance. Regular maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of an asphalt shingle roof and includes cleaning your gutters, and trimming tree branches. Asphalt shingles are naturally fire-resistant, making them an ideal choice for areas with prominent wildfires.

What are the lifetime limited warranty options for shingles?

Many asphalt shingle manufacturers offer lifetime limited warranties depending on the shingle type and manufacturer. Certifications such as UL 2218 Class 4 Impact-Resistant and Title 24 can provide additional assurance of the shingles’ performance. The top shingle manufacturers will offer product warranties considering wind resistance, algae growth, and installation.