What Are Architectural Asphalt Shingles?

Buying a home is one of the most significant investments, so it's only natural to want to protect your investment. One way of protecting your home is making the right choice regarding roofing shingles.

In this article, we will discuss one of the popular choices when it comes to roofing materials—architectural asphalt shingles.

So what are architectural shingles, and how is it different from regular shingles? Let's find out.

Characteristics of the Architectural Asphalt Shingles

An architectural shingle is considered one of the premium types of asphalt shingles. Unlike 3-tab shingles, which only have one layer, architectural shingles consist of multiple layers laminated together. This is why it's also known as laminated shingles or dimensional shingles. Here are some of the characteristics of architectural roofing shingles:

1. Versatile - Architectural shingles offer homeowners a multi-dimensional look to their roofs by mimicking the appearance of other roofing materials, such as cedar shakes and authentic slate. They also come in many colors to suit your home's style.
2. Cost-effective - One of the most significant factors in choosing architectural shingles is their cost-effectiveness. Besides having a longer lifespan than other types of shingles, architectural shingles add value to your home. So if you ever plan on selling your property, having architectural shingles as your roof might allow you to list your home at a higher price.
3. Durable - Unlike regular shingles, made of natural materials, architectural shingles are made from a stable fiberglass mat base with a ceramic coating of mineral granules embedded in water-resistant asphalt. They are made to withstand high winds and other extreme temperature fluctuations. And due to their increased thickness, architectural roofing shingles have more extended manufacturer warranties.
4. Energy-efficient - Having an architectural shingle roof allows you to maintain a more comfortable home interior. This is because it minimizes heat transfer making your homes cool during summer and cozy in winter. Which, in turn, gives you higher energy savings. Moreover, architectural shingles are also environmentally friendly since they are fully recyclable.

The Types Of Architectural Asphalt Shingles

When purchasing architectural asphalt shingles, you'd want to choose the ones manufactured by GAF. This ensures that you get quality roofing materials that will last long and add to your home's aesthetic appeal. Here are the architectural shingles created by GAF:

Timberline HDZ

GAF's Timberline HDZ is America's No.1 selling roof shingle. It utilizes LayerLock® Technology which automatically fastens the shingles together, making them more enduring against high winds. It even qualifies for the WindProven™ Limited Wind Warranty, making it the only shingle to do so. Timberline HDZ also features the industry's most expansive nail zone, making it easier for roofers to install.

Timberline NS

The Timberline NS offers a classic architectural look with the warmth of wood. But the best part is that Timberline NS shingles can improve your curb appeal at a very practical price.

Timberline UHD

The Timberline UHD is the architectural shingle to choose for a thicker, ultra-dimensional wood-shake look. This shingle features patented color blends and enhanced shadow effects to simulate the eye-catching dimensionality of a thick shingle.

Timberline UHD with Dual Shadow Line

Timberline UHD with Dual Shadow Line offers the same thick and ultra-dimensional wood-shake look. The only difference is that this particular line of shingles has an additional shadow line, further improving its dimensionality.

The Lifespan of Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Due to their composition and durability, architectural asphalt shingles have a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles. An architectural shingle can last up to 30 years. But to get as close as possible to its maximum lifespan, proper installation, regular maintenance, and adequate attic ventilation are needed.

The Warranties on Architectural Asphalt Shingles

You can get two types of architectural asphalt shingle warranties: a warranty from the manufacturer and a warranty for a roofing company's workmanship.

At GAF, their architectural shingles automatically have a Shingle & Accessory Limited Warranty, which protects against manufacturer defects. And if you install these shingles with at least three qualifying GAF accessories, you'll get a Lifetime† limited warranty on these products plus non-prorated coverage for the first ten years. In other words, this warranty will cover labor and material costs necessary to repair damages on your roof caused by manufacturing defects within those ten years.

Now with the workmanship warranty, its coverage will depend on the roofing contractor you're working with. But remember that improper roof installation and insufficient attic ventilation can void the enhanced warranties from GAF. That's why hiring a GAF-certified roofing contractor is necessary to ensure that your architectural roof is installed correctly.

The Cost of Architectural Asphalt Shingles

As mentioned above, the price of getting a new roof is one of the significant factors when it comes to choosing a roofing shingle for your home. But remember that regardless of the roofing material you choose, it will cost you a substantial amount since it's an investment.

Regarding architectural shingles, we can't give you an exact price as it will depend on certain factors, such as the roof's size, slope, and pitch. For example, a roof replacement on a standard-sized, one-story home can be around $6.00 per square foot. This cost will include good quality architectural shingles, upgrading the underlayment, and utilizing all of the manufacturer's roofing materials to get an enhanced warranty.

The price of architectural asphalt shingles might be a little intimidating. But investing in quality roofing materials can help save you more money in the long run than getting the cheapest roof possible.

Is Architectural Asphalt Shingle Right For You?

Now that you know more about architectural shingles, the next thing to ask yourself is whether it's the right roofing shingles for you. If you want a more economical roofing material ideal for rental properties or budget homes, then architectural shingles might differ from what you want. But if you value longevity over cheaper initial costs and improve your home's aesthetics, then an architectural shingle is most likely what you need.

And if you're looking for a GAF-certified roofing contractor to ensure that your new roof is installed correctly, contact Affordable Roofing Systems today at (813) 542 8462 and get a free quote.