Best Asphalt Shingles – A Buyer’s Guide

Roofs with asphalt shingles account for 70% of all roofs. You're presumably reading this because it's a home improvement option you're contemplating. Because of its popularity, excellent materials and qualified installers are readily available. Because of its popularity, you have a wide range of choices to consider before making a purchase.

Even if your roof has organic shingles, all asphalt shingles on the market today have the same fundamental structure: fibreglass matting with an asphalt binding, embedded granuals, and some form of backing. The terms fibreglass and asphalt are sometimes used interchangeably, yet they refer to the same product.

Putting up a new roof is a major undertaking. This guide will assist you in selecting the right shingle type, style, and colour for your home.

How to Select the Most Appropriate Asphalt Shingles

A number of variables must be considered while selecting the best asphalt shingles for your home, including:

• Choose from 3-tab, dimensional, or designer luxury models according to on your grade and budget. Each grade raises the cost of installing asphalt shingles, as well as the quality and design options available.

• Ratings and colour are determined by the climate. Darker colours are ideal for cooler climates, whereas lighter colours might reflect heat. Depending on the weather, select wind, fire, and hail ratings.

• Design and colour options: The higher the grade, the more styles and colours you'll have.

Asphalt Shingle Grades and Types

Asphalt roof shingles come in three different grades:

1. Premium, luxury, or designer shingles are the best. Slate, tile, or shake shingles are imitated in this high-end architectural design.

2. Dimensional roofing shingles are preferable. Architectural shingles are also known as laminate shingles. Currently, this is the most widely used type. Come in a variety of colours, designs, and profiles to suit a variety of tastes and budgets.

3. Asphalt shingles with three tabs are a good choice. Strip shingles are another name for them. The most cost-effective, linear, classic style. Popularity is rapidly dwindling and eventually disappearing.

Asphalt shingles have a fibreglass base mat coated with a waterproof, fire-resistant, and UV protection asphalt and granular covering, regardless of which variety you choose.

1. High-end or designer

Luxury asphalt shingles, also known as designer or 3D dimensional shingles, are technically high-end dimensional shingles. They represent the highest tier of asphalt. They are available in a variety of styles, colours, and shapes. They can be designed to look like wood shake, slate, or clay.

Pros:

The most diverse range of styles and colours

Wind, fire, and impact ratings are the highest.

Unlike stone or tile, it's a lot lighter.

Cons:

Expensive

When compared to 3-tab or dimensional, this is a heavier option.

It takes longer to properly instal than cheaper shingles.

2. Dimensional or architectural

These dimensional shingles, also known as laminated shingles, make up the majority of new installations. They have warranties ranging from 20 to 50 years.

Pros:

• Good to excellent quality

• Wind, fire, and impact ratings are at their highest levels.

• Colors are available in a wide spectrum of hues to suit practically any home.

Cons:

• Strip shingles are more expensive (3-tab)

• It's not the same as slate or shakes shingles.

• Three tabs are heavier than two tabs.

3. Strip or 3-Tab

Three-tab shingles are thin and low-cost, but they last for 20 to 30 years. They have cutouts along the bottom edge, which gives it a unique look.

Pros:

Option with the lowest price

Installs quickly

Cons:

The shortest warranty

Fire, wind, and impact ratings are the lowest.

It has a 20-year average lifespan.