What are Architectural Shingles?

Published on Tuesday March 16, 2021

With seemingly endless roofing materials to choose from, you may feel as though you’ve researched every option available—but have you looked into dimensional shingle roofing, also known as architectural shingle roofing?

If you’re seeking a premium look at a more affordable price, architectural roofing just might be the roofing material for your roof replacement.

What Do Architectural Shingles Look Like?

While traditional 3-tab shingle roofing is still one of the most popular roofing choices among homeowners, architectural shingle roofing is quickly growing in popularity, largely due to its high quality and versatility.

Often referred to as dimensional or laminate shingles, architectural shingles offer a multi-dimensional look that can mimic the appearance of many other roofing materials, such as slate or cedar shakes.

Unlike natural material shingles, however, architectural shingles are composed of a durable fiberglass base, ceramic coating of mineral granules and water-resistant asphalt finish. This results in a lightweight, low-maintenance and long-lasting roof.

Pros of Architectural Shingles

Endless Style Options

Architectural shingles are manufactured in a variety of colors, patterns, designs, shapes and textures, granting homeowners a great deal of flexibility when it comes to roofing appearance.

Durability

Traditional asphalt shingle roofing has a relatively short lifespan compared to architectural shingles, which can last for decades if maintained properly. Many architectural shingle roofs come with warranties up to 50 years.

Energy Efficiency

Architectural roofing helps increase your home’s energy efficiency by offering a great source of insulation and light-deflection, much more so than standard asphalt shingle roofing.

Cost Effectiveness

While architectural shingle roofing does tend to be more expensive than 3-tab asphalt shingle roofing, it is more durable, long-lasting and can even increase the value of your home if you’re planning to sell in the near future.

Cons of Architectural Shingles

Severe Weather Damage

Even the strongest architectural roofing can suffer damage under extreme conditions. While a typical thunderstorm or bout of wind won’t stress your architectural shingles, certain weather events like hail storms can lead to roof damage over time.

If you live in an area with frequent hail storms, consult the opinion of a professional roofer to see if they’d recommend an architectural roof for your home.

Installation Timing

This is true for many roofing materials, but it goes for architectural shingles as well—weather plays a critical role in the installation process.

Heavy rain or wind can impact the quality of your new roof installation, so it’s important to time your roof replacement for certain times of the year when the weather is most reliable.

Make the Switch to Architectural Shingles

If you’re in the market for a classic aesthetic but don’t want to pay the price, look no further than Long Roofing. We’re committed to offering the best architectural roofing products available to give you the roof of your dreams. Call or visit us online today to request a quote and schedule a free, in-home consultation.