The 3 Main Types of Asphalt Shingles

The 3 Main Types of Asphalt Shingles. An asphalt shingle is a type of waterproof roofing material. This material has a long life span, inexpensive, and comes in various colors and styles. Most of the roofs of homes in the North American region are made up of this material. We know you might not know the different types of asphalt shingles that are present in the market unless you start looking for one for your roof.

When your roof is failing or the shingles are going missing, you would be going through various phases. You would be looking for the right contractor who can guide you correctly and you would also be looking for the right type and color of the shingles. If the contractor that you have found is right, he will guide you and most of your stress will be gone related to the shingles and roof.

The 3 Main Types of Asphalt Shingles

Types of Asphalt Shingles

How do I choose the right asphalt shingles?

Asphalt shingles are a great choice for your roof and home, but there are so many options that you might feel overwhelmed by options. They are durable, inexpensive, and come in various colors that people can make their home look different when they replace the shingles. But there is a way of choosing the shingles, let’s take a look at it.

Three primary types of asphalt shingles are used for the roof:

  • 3-tab Shingles:
  • Dimensional/Architectural Shingles
  • Luxury Shingles

All three asphalt shingles are made up of similar material but they are not the same. Let’s take a look at them in detail.

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

The 3-tab shingles are inexpensive and can last almost 20 years if kept in good condition with regular inspections. However, these shingles come with lesser aesthetic options and have a shorter life span as compared to other shingles.

These shingles are one-piece, have single-layer 3-tab asphalt shingles, and have the most economical value in the market. The shingles have almost a similar length that goes the same for almost every roof and that is 12 inches wide by 36 inches long.

These shingles are made from durable fiberglass basement coated with mineral granules which makes it easy to give it different color tones. Their exposed layer is notched to give a more decorative appearance and these shingles can easily last 20 years. These shingles are usually found in economy homes or older homes as they are more affordable than other shingles. 

Dimensional Asphalt Shingles

These shingles come with names as laminated or architectural shingles and in these shingles, two layers are bonded to one another. The bottom layer in the dimensional shingles is exposed because notches are randomly removed from the shingle. 

The shingles are known for their strength and they are extremely durable. These singles are durable and can last around 30 years if they are kept carefully. They are present in various colors and features, but one negative point is that you will be paying more than 3-tab shingles.

According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, dimensional asphalt shingles are one of the most popular on its list. These shingles are made up of two or more layers of shingles and they offer stronger warranties to homeowners. 

Luxury Asphalt Shingles

These shingles offer dimensional appearance, maximum durability and are affordable than cedar alternatives. These shingles are a great alternative for natural shingles and they can replace the shakes and slates option at a good price bracket. Usually, a slate roof is almost ten times expensive than the luxury shingles.

Moreover, the multi-dimensional texture of these shingles creates shadows and depths which look just like real shakes or slates. Moreover, these shingles have extra weight because of their extra layers. However, these shingles might not be the best option for every home. 

If you have roofing questions in Dahlonega, GA or Murphy, NC, call RRG Roofing today at 678-325-6949.

Call Now Button Skip to content