Architectural Shingles – Deciding the Right Roofing Material
By design, architectural shingles can be installed at a steeper angle compared to organic shingles. Its heavier weight, compared to asphalt shingles, does not compromise durability once it is propped up at a steeper angle. This gives the architect the opportunity to provide a more aesthetic design to the house without worry of sacrificing the strength of the entire structure.
Architectural shingles also offer a wide array of color accents to choose from, and some designs imitate the appearance of organic shingles minus the disadvantages that goes with it. If you opt for slate shakes or cedar shakes for roofing, there would be limitations in the design aspect of your roof. These materials may not be able to handle the angle that the roofing is installed in. These materials can also sacrifice the durability of the roof. Architectural shingles also come with designs that copy cedar and slate shakes.
However, these shingles are still considerably more flexible and durable.
In comparison to organic shingles, architectural shingles are more durable and flexible. Their layers are made up of different composites, each with its own use. A fiberglass or rubberized asphalt matting makes it more waterproof, while its interlocking tabs and weight gives it a more solid feel, making it withstand stronger winds. Its heavily granulated top coating makes it more retardant to fire, and at the same time, give it more color and texture.
Organic and asphalt shingles are more prone to deterioration due to constant changes in the weather. As each shingle shrink and expands every time the sun is out or the rain is pouring, there is a bigger chance for breakage and for water to seep in.
Also, if the matting of organic shingles is made up of paper, they are more susceptible to fire damage. Earlier versions of architectural shingles may be prone to algae and mildew damage, but recent additions of copper or zinc granules in the laminated shingles had helped resolve those issues as well.
Other roofing materials like clay tiles and steel panels may offer a variation of design and durability, but it too shares its own disadvantages. Clay tiles may last longer than shingles, but its installation requires a wider area to compensate for its heavy load. Steel panels may need a shorter time to install, but the price for its installation, aside from the steel panels itself, would be more expensive - let alone its lacking features.
Architectural shingles are commonly preferred nowadays for its wide range of design and definitive advantages. Not only it is made to provide highlights in roofing features, but it is also used as an alternative to organic shingles due to its resilience to weather and breakage. Although it is much more expensive than other shingles or shakes, the expense is worth it in terms of design and durability. Consider it as a long-term investment - selling a house with its roofing still intact is a plus in terms of profit.
Justin is a home repair specialist who also writes about architectural shingles and how to fix even the hardest architectural shingles.
Advantages of Architectural Shingles
During the last 20 years there have been many advances in asphalt roofing shingle technology. One of the best advances is the architectural shingle. Also referred to as a dimensional shingle because of it's dimensional appearance, these shingles continue to evolve as an enticing and cost-effective solution for homeowners.
Looks
Architectural shingles provide a home with a more customized and stunning appearance because of their shape and depth. Although they are asphalt shingles they have the appearance of other roofing materials. Two of the more popular styles are slate and shake shingles. When slate style asphalt shingles are installed they provide the look of simple elegance found in a slate roof with all of the practical advantages of asphalt. Similarly, when shake style shingles are used, the rustic and sophisticated look of wood shakes is combined with asphalt shingle performance.
Durability
Performance is actually another important reason to consider using architectural shingles.
These shingles are constructed differently than standard 3 tab shingles and can be counted on to deliver greater longevity. Standard 3 tab shingles are made with a single layer of material on top of a glass mat, while architectural shingles are manufactured using multiple layers of material, granules and asphalt. Because they contain multiple layers, architectural shingles are heavier, so they place more weight on the roof. The multi-layer construction also makes them more durable so they last longer, meaning most architectural shingles carry a longer warranty. They also deliver higher wind resistance, some up to 130 mph.
Cost
Finally, there are actually some cost advantages to using architectural shingles. In most cases the price of the shingles per square is actually more expensive than 3 tab shingles by 20-30%. When considered relative to other factors, the additional value that architectural shingles bring to the homeowner may actually result in lower cost of ownership. When you factor in that architectural shingles carry a longer warranty, keep their appearance longer and wear less, this could mean they pay for themselves in less re-roofing over time.
Sherriff-Goslin Company recommends architectural shingles to many of their Indiana, Ohio and Michigan roof installation customers because they are a cost-effective performance solution which greatly enhances the beauty of the home. Art-Loc® Shingles, Sherriff-Goslin's own brand, is a popular choice among homeowners. The interlocking style is unique, durable and efficient. In addition to Art-Loc® Sherriff-Goslin also recommends the new Pristine Architectural Shingle line from Atlas Roofing™. Pristine Shingles featuring Scotchgard Protector not only deliver all the advantages of durability and great appearance found in an architectural shingle, but come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty against algae stains and streaks. Learn more at www.SherriffGoslin.com.
"The Sherriff" has been providing homeowners in the Midwest quality roofing services, and common sense advice, for longer than he'd care to mention. Suffice to say he's seen a lot of roofs and roofing companies come and go.
Learn more about The Sherriff at www.SherrifGoslin.com.
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Architectural Shingles Assortment
Architectural shingles vary in sizes and materials from which they are made. However they are called, these roofing products provide unique three-dimensional appearance that rivals the frequent look of the natural wood shake. The basic design of the shingles still suggests the depth and surface of the usual roofing materials, but the variations make the shingles distinct in their own ways.
Depending on the product, as well as the sales regions, features of architectural shingles vary. Most are available in either "English" or "Metric" dimensions. Their weight is usually between 240 to 340 pounds, which results to the shingles' high resistance to strong winds and extreme weather conditions. Other attributes of shingles include resistance to algae growth, especially in damp regions. This design feature also helps prevent the black streaking commonly visible on shingles in areas with humidity and rainfall totals.
The main components of shingles include mat base made of fiber glass and asphalt that is carefully refined.
Other than these basic materials, manufacturers also tend to require additional underlayment in architectural shingles to prevent leakage and/or waterproofing. The shingles are also available in different colors, but availability varies on different areas.
Shingle types may be classified based on the materials used. Aluminum shingles, though not considered as an alternative for residential areas, are now being made to resemble cedar shakes, slate and clay tiles. Long lasting, energy efficient and recyclable, they do not rust, rot, tear, or become infested by bugs or mold. Another type is made from copper, which is a strong, resilient, and environment-friendly metal.
Copper shingles are often preferred by many people because even though it has a tendency to change color after a certain period of time due to chemical reactions with the atmosphere, it doesn't dry out or crack. Furthermore, no extra roofing reinforcement is needed, which minimizes expenses. There are other metal architectural shingles gaining popularity nowadays because of their stylish appearance and practicality. Being modernized, they can easily be painted to suit any style of roof. To make metal shingles resistant to corrosion, they are coated with zinc. Also, they are not subject to attack from mold, insects, or rot.
Shingles are also made from non-metal materials. These types are the older forms of architectural shingles that are still stylish and classical at the same time. Slate shingles, for one, are the elegant and durable that survived the changes in design with the passing of time and generation. Though now one of the most expensive roofing products available in the market, it is very desirable, especially in areas prone to forest fires because they are virtually fire resistant. Solar shingles, made from thin layers of amorphous silicon and stainless steel, are among the latest technology that helps consumers harness solar energy. They are used in commercial, residential and agricultural structures.
The assortment of various architectural shingles made from different materials showcases to different areas and regions depending on several functions as well as weather conditions. Home and structural owners ranging from commercial to agricultural industries have wider options of roof systems to choose from considering life span, efficiency and durability.
Justin is a home repair specialist who also writes about choosing architectural shingles and how to fix even the hardest architectural shingle roof.
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