Roofing Cover: Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Cost: Low
Durability: Meduim (20-30 Years)
Energy Efficiency: Bad
COST
DURABILITY
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Architectural Shingle Roofing Cover & Material
This roof type is made of the same material as 3-tab: fiberglass, asphalt, and particles. Architectural shingles do not require anything extra or outside of what a 3-tab asphalt shingle installation would require. Since they have the adhesive back like 3-tab, they are installed the same way. After the length of shingle is laid down and stuck, the only thing that is needed is roofing nails. Like the other asphalt shingle type, architectural asphalt shingles are laid on top of tar paper and/or fire/ice shield.
Labor
The labor involved with this type of roofing cover is simple like 3-tab. Because of this, cost is lower than other roof types out there. The only difference is that architectural shingles are thicker than other asphalt shingles and therefore weigh more. The added weight can slow down the movement of the shingles from ground to roof as we all as the movement of bundles when they are on the roof. Therefore, architectural shingles may take slightly longer to lay than their alternative but not by much if any. Fastening the shingle is the same as the other asphalt option so there would be no extra time laying each run.
Out of all roofing options, architectural shingles are one of the easiest to install. Not only is installation easy but if there is damage to a section, it can be repaired easily without affecting other shingles in and around the affected area. And, before a section is fixed, removal is very easy and required minimal effort and equipment. This is true for demolition as well when they need to be replaced; most roofs with architectural shingles can be stripped and prepped within a day with a small to medium size crew.
The Aesthetics of This Roofing Cover
Architectural shingles are said to be a bit more aesthetically pleasing than 3-tab as they are not as flat; they are more dimensional as every other tab sits up above the others giving it a more dynamic look. This causes them to look more intricate and cause the roof to pop a bit. Like the other asphalt shingle option, architectural shingles can be painted pretty much any color. Even if the manufacturer doesn’t produce a specific color, a homeowner can have them painted by a professional to achieve the exact tone they are looking for.
Conclusion
This roofing option is a very popular one nowadays and is quite possible the most laid out of all types. The reason for this is they are longer lasting and not much more expensive than 3-tab. Also, due to the added thickness and extra weight of architectural shingles, it is said that they are more wind resistant. Therefore, some say that this roofing cover can withstand storm damage better than other asphalt shingle options. In essence, there will be less buckling and folding when a powerful storm comes and batters the roof. These factors, along with the fact that they look nice and can be customized, make it a very solid roofing cover option.