Homeowners know that their roofs are an important part of their home, providing shelter while giving the home a distinct look. They also know that, when it comes to residential roofing, the roof can be an expensive investment. That is why it is so important to make the right choice when the time comes to either get a new roof or replace one that has reached the end of its life.
If you are like most homeowners, you will want to go with a roofing material that has been tried and true in millions of homes across the country. One that is affordable, easy to install, and a good match no matter what the architectural style of your home is. The roofing material that matches all of those requirements is asphalt shingles, the most common residential roofing material installed in homes today.
Why Are Asphalt Shingles So Popular?
They are popular because they are economical and easy to install. But also, because they are available in a wide variety of colors and work well with most architectural styles. They are also popular because they are designed to protect homes through decades of weathering without requiring any major upkeep.
Asphalt Shingles Are Readily Available
Once you decide that the time has come to get a new roof, you want a material that is readily available, no matter where you live. It’s a common trend in residential roof installation as it ensures a quick process and a long-lasting unit. Also, one that roofers know how to install, and if your existing roof deck is in good condition, will even allow for the new shingles to be installed on top of your existing roof. This results in further savings for homeowners because there is no need to tear off and haul away the old roofing material.
Are There Different Types Of Asphalt Shingles?
There are three major types of asphalt roofing shingles:
- Strip
- Dimensional
- Luxury
Let’s see what the differences between them are:
Strip Asphalt Shingles
Strip shingles are also known as 3-tab shingles due to the way they are cut. They are also the most basic of asphalt shingles and are made from a single layer of asphalt. Their flat appearance can closely resemble a slate roof.
Since they are made of a single layer, they are lighter and less costly than other asphalt alternatives. Since they have been around for decades, they have become the predominant roofing material. However, these days, you will find that most homes with strip shingles are inexpensively manufactured homes or are used by homeowners who already have them on their roofs and only need to replace a portion of their roofs or don’t mind using a material they are already familiar with.
Dimensional Or Architectural Shingles
These shingles have gained in popularity and are made of two or more layers fused together for a multi-dimensional look. They can imitate the look of wood shingles or slate but are heavier than strip shingles.
Luxury Shingles
These are the highest-quality asphalt shingles available. They offer premium protection against the weather, a stunning look, wider coloring varieties, and greater dimensionality. They will enhance the look of any home and can imitate the look of quarried slate roofing or old-world wood shakes.
