The Pros And Cons Of Architectural Asphalt Shingles

Drive through any suburb in America and it's easy to see that asphalt shingles are the best-selling residential roofing material in the country. But not all asphalt shingles are the same. In fact, there are typically three styles to choose from, including 3-tab, architectural, and luxury or premium shingles. Of the three, the most popular is the architectural shingle, a variety that provides more texture, thickness, and aesthetic contrast than the basic shingle. If you're considering asphalt shingles for your roof, here are the pros and cons of architectural asphalt shingles.

PROS

Longevity

Most architectural asphalt shingles are rated for a 30-year lifespan. Considering, the longest-lasting shingle is a premium shingle at a maximum of 40 years of life while the 3-tab shingle usually tops out at 25 years, the architectural option provides amazing longevity with a lower price tag than premium shingles and a higher quality than the 3-tab.

Budget-Friendly

Compared to other roofing materials like wood shingles and metal roofing, architectural asphalt shingles are much more affordable and budget-friendly. In fact, they cost only about $1.50 per square foot on the low end compared to wood shingles that can cost as much as $3.50 per square foot at the lowest. If saving money is a concern but quality is still important, architectural shingles are a great mid-quality option.

Variety

Another advantage of architectural shingles is that they come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and patterns. You can find an option to fit almost any design scheme. And since architectural shingles are thicker than lower-quality 3-tab shingles, you can achieve a high-end textural aesthetic on your roof that lasts several decades without being forced to pay more for a more expensive roofing option.

CONS

Not Environmentally Friendly

One of the major concerns with any asphalt shingle is the environmental impact. The manufacturing process produces harmful greenhouse gases during the production of any asphalt shingle. At the end of their lifespan, worn asphalt shingles often end up in landfills, and that means that their environmental impact is not negligible.

Susceptible to Extreme Weather Damage

Of the available residential roofing materials, asphalt shingles are often the least durable in extreme weather events like high winds and heavy hail. Replacement shingles might be necessary in the aftermath of these events. If you live in an area prone to high winds or hail, another roofing material might provide greater protection from the elements.

Contact a local roofer for more information on shingle roofing.


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