What to Know About Asphalt Shingle Roofing Materials (Guide)

Are you looking for information about asphalt shingle roofing materials?

Your Boise home’s roof is often covered in roofing shingles, which are designed to protect it. There are tons of variables involved when it comes to your roof, especially when it comes to picking out a roofing material.

Today, the Legacy Roofing of Idaho team will review America’s most common roofing shingle, the Asphalt Shingle.

What is an Asphalt shingle roof?

Asphalt shingles are a type of shingle that is asphalt-based and fiberglass-based. The fiberglass mat or base is coated with asphalt granules, creating a cohesive, strong, durable, and fire-resistant surface.

The roofing industry has seen seismic technological shifts over the last twenty years, and asphalt shingle technology has benefited from this. Architectural shingles have become more popular compared to three-tab asphalt shingles, and they offer longer warranty coverage and more durability.

Due to its composition, asphalt is naturally fire-resistant and energy-efficient, which helps reduce energy bills. It is also resistant to harmful algae growth.

What types of Asphalt Shingles are there?

There are three main types of asphalt shingle roofs you can pick from, and they include:

1. Architectural shingles, aka dimensional shingles
2. Three-tab shingles (we do not recommend or install them here at Legacy Roofing of Idaho)
3. Luxury shingles (or premium shingles)

The most commonly seen shingles for residential roofing are three-tab or architectural shingles. Architectural shingles are the most popular choice because they offer durability, curb appeal, and a multitude of shingle color options.

Three-tab shingles are similar to builder-grade carpets in your home—they work but are not the best long-term choice. Luxury asphalt shingles cost more, but they also have other qualities, such as durability and wind resistance, and more colors!

Let us look at them in-depth below:

1. Dimensional Shingles/Architectural Shingles

Dimensional /architectural shingles, or laminate shingles, have a unique shape and design when installed, almost mimicking slate tiles or wood shakes. The top manufacturers of architectural asphalt shingles offer warranties for winds up to 130MPH. They have over 20 color selections.

Highlights:

• Material: Thicker and heavier, architectural shingles have more materials in their composition, giving the appearance of weathered wood overlappingly.
• Colors: A variety of colors since the mineral granules are mixed with the glass fibers. Shingle color trends.
• Price: $2-$5 per square foot, $450 and up per square (100sf) installed.
• Warranty: Varies by the installer and the manufacturer, but most manufacturers offer a 130 MPH wind and lifetime warranty. Learn About Roofing Warranties Here

2. Three-tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles are flat and can almost be described as a puzzle in how layers intricately are fitted via the three tabs on the strip singles. They are generally thinner and while they are durable, they are more susceptible to wind resistance. More and more, roofing contractors are hesitant to install three-tab shingles because architectural shingles last longer and are only a few more dollars per square than their three-tab counterparts.

Highlights:

• Material:
• Colors: Limited to classic colors such as black, brown, gray, coal.
• Price: $1-$2 per square foot, installed at $300 per square and up.
• Warranty: Three-tab shingles are often rated for winds only up to 90 MPH and don’t have lifetime warranties.

Luxury Shingles or Premium Shingles

Luxury shingles are larger, more expensive, and weigh more as compared to the other two asphalt shingles on the marketplace and exhibit a more intricate, well-appointed curb appeal that mirrors slate roofing and the patterns it entails. It would be wise to consider the weight as that may be a make or break from some houses (although not as heavy as slate shingles).

Highlights:

• Material:
• Colors:
• Price:
• Warranty: Coverage varies per roofing contractor and shingle manufacturer, that said premium or luxury shingles often have a longer warranty period. Be sure to always ask for the details.

Essential Factors & Asphalt Shingle Information:

Below are a few factors to always keep in mind when considering a roof replacement for your home! The upsides are many, with the cons very few, but below, we outline each!

1. Lifespan of Asphalt shingle roofs

According to shingle manufacturers, asphalt shingles last roughly 20-50 years. However, the type of asphalt shingles does, in fact, matter in terms of life span, and the list below shows the lifespans of different types.

1. Three-tab shingles 15-25 years on average.
2. Dimensional shingles / Architectural shingles 25-30 or more on average.
3. Luxury shingles (or premium shingles) 30+ years on average.

Shingle manufacturers also mentioned that if you take the necessary measures, such as ensuring your roof is adequately ventilated and installed correctly, you can get about 80-85% of its general lifespan out of your roof.

2. Shingle Maintenance

Regular roof inspections and careful examinations of your roof’s shingles and structural components can increase the lifespan of your shingles. While a new roof replacement may not be possible soon, a new roofing project that includes an asphalt shingle roof is something to consider.

Be sure to contact a roofing contractor for routine roof inspections to observe, correct, and fix/replace issues before they get worse. While the rule of thumb is 1-2 inspections annually, keep in mind your region’s elements, current damage, and the stage of life your roof is in. Choosing to inspect regularly never hurts!

Asphalt shingles are challenging in their wind resistance, algae-resistant shingles, and much more, as mentioned above. While everything good comes to an end, you are in good hands!

3. Shingle Costs

When it comes to cost, keep in mind that many variables will play a role in the final estimation, such as geographical location and regional supply and demand, labor, the size of your roof, and so on. The costs for shingles are as follows in the Boise region:

• Three-tab roof shingles = $250 to $400 per square
• Architectural shingles = $350 to $650 per square
• Luxury shingles = $ $500 to $900 per square

Each roofer may have different pricing structures and installation costs are included in the prices above. The pricing is build on 100 square feet, or “One Square.”

Final Takeaways:

Asphalt roofing shingles are designed to address the challenges homeowners face on a daily basis by offering real-life, sustainable solutions in design, composition, and durability! At Legacy Roofing of Boise, we install asphalt shingle roofs 98% of the time, partnering with GAF, one of the most popular shingle manufacturers.

Consulting with a roofing contractor in Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, Boise, and the Treasure Valley is key to learning about roofing. We encourage you to browse our blog to do your own research and learn everything about shingles.

FAQ:

1. What are architectural asphalt shingles, and how do they differ from 3-tab shingles?

Architectural asphalt shingles, dimensional or laminated shingles, are thicker and more durable than traditional 3-tab shingles. They consist of multiple layers of asphalt, which gives them a dimensional, layered look that can mimic the appearance of slate or wood shingles. This added thickness also provides better wind resistance and a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles.

2. How long do architectural shingles typically last?

Architectural shingles generally last 25 to 30 years, but premium options can last 40 years or more with proper maintenance. Their increased durability compared to 3-tab shingles, which usually last around 15 to 20 years, makes them a popular choice for homeowners looking for longevity in roofing.

3. Are architectural shingles more expensive, and are they worth the investment?

Yes, architectural shingles are more expensive than 3-tab shingles, usually costing 20-40% more due to their higher quality and durability. However, they are often considered worth the investment because of their longer lifespan, better wind and weather resistance, and enhanced curb appeal. Additionally, the increased durability can lead to lower maintenance costs over time.