If you are planning a roof renovation project and would like to set your house apart, you can consider installing architectural shingles in place of traditional roofing shingles. Classic asphalt shingles lay low and have very little definition. On the other hand, architectural shingles are thick and have a high profile that can offer your house a textured look, even from a distance.
Architectural Shingles
Usual three-tab composite or asphalt shingles are practical, cost-effective, and durable and can be found on many roofs. These shingles can last for many years. However, beyond their color, these shingles have very limited design variations. This is why many people opt for architectural shingles these days. These shingles are also called laminated or dimensional shingles and are heavy and thick than conventional shingles.
Architectural shingles are best for steeply cast roofs where the shingles will be clearer. These shingles can also be a good option for historic homes or for homes that strive for a traditional look.
Appearance Of Architectural Shingles
As said above, architectural shingles have a higher profile that offers the shingles a varied and random texture. Thicker shingles can cast a larger shadow that can offer a more dramatic look to the house. In the opinion of many roofing contractors, architectural shingles are a great substitute for slate shingles and cedar shakes. Cedar shakes can be a hazard in fire-prone areas and they are not much durable when compared to the other options. Slate shingles are expensive and they are also expensive to install. In addition, slate shingles are heavy and may require additional roof support.
Unlike cedar shake, architectural shingles are long-lasting and fireproof as they do not have wood content. And dissimilar to slate shingles, architectural shingles can easily be installed by any roofing company. Even though architectural shingles are slightly heavier than regular shingles (architectural shingles weigh about 240 pounds per 100 square feet when compared to regular shingles that weigh about 200 pounds per 100 square feet), they do not weigh anywhere near the weight of slate shingles which is around 680 to 1900 pounds per 100 square feet.
Composition Of Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles have a layered or laminate construction and they have a fiberglass mat at the base. This mat offers structural reinforcement and improves the tear strength of these shingles. There are ceramic-coated granules embedded in asphalt slurry on top of the base.