When it comes to roofing shingles, there are three main types: asphalt, fiberglass, and ceramic. Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of shingle, due to their affordability and durability. Fiberglass shingles are also popular, as they offer good resistance to fire and high winds. Ceramic shingles are less common, but they offer excellent waterproofing properties. When choosing roofing shingles, it is important to consider the climate in which you live.

For example, if you live in an area with high winds, you will want to choose a type of shingle that can withstand the wind. The same is true for areas with heavy snowfall or extreme temperatures. Ultimately, the type of shingle you choose should be based on your specific needs and conditions. You can let the roofing experts select the best roofing shingles that suit your location.

Different Types of Roof Shingles

There are three major categories of asphalt roofing shingle products available today – strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles. It is important to understand the differences between each type of roofing shingle in order to pick the right product for your home.

1. Strip Shingles

Also known as 3-tab shingles (due to the cut of the shingle) or simply strips, strip shingles are the original and most basic asphalt shingles. They are made from a single layer of asphalt and have a very flat appearance that typically offers a slate look. Since they are made from a single layer, they generally weigh and cost less than other asphalt shingles. Prior to designer shingles being introduced in the 1980s, strip shingles were the predominant roofing shingle in the market.

2. Dimensional Shingles

Also known as architectural or laminate shingles, dimensional shingles are the most prevalent asphalt shingles. These products are manufactured with two or more layers of asphalt that are fused together for a thicker and richer multi-dimensional appearance and are engineered to replicate the wood shake and natural slate roofing aesthetics. Dimensional shingles are typically heavier than strip shingles and have improved warranty protection. CertainTeed’s Landmark® shingles are a prototypical design for a dimensional roofing shingle.

3. Luxury Shingles

Luxury shingles are the highest-quality laminated shingles available, offering a differentiated appearance or functionality that outclasses that of dimensional shingles. Apart from being shingle ‘heavyweights’ that offer premium protection for weathering, luxury shingles are stunning to look upon, presenting the highest quality, coloration, and dimensionality.

The Dynamic Benefits of Asphalt

Due to modern engineering techniques and the dynamic properties of asphalt, manufacturers are capable of producing numerous specialty products that exist across all shingle types. These include shingles that fight algae growth, offer enhanced resistance to damaging hail, and offer cool roof color technologies that reflect the heat of the sun to keep homes cooler and can reduce the expenses of air conditioning.

Depending on your location, choosing a specialty shingle can even reduce your insurance costs (e.g. – an impact-resistant shingle installed on a home in a hail zone). In addition, asphalt shingles are naturally fire resistant, making them an ideal choice for areas where wildfires are prominent.

1. Asphalt Shingles Lasts

As long as your asphalt roof is properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, it’s going to get as close as possible to the manufacturer’s specified lifespan. While these 2 factors are crucial to every roof’s life, they aren’t the only things that affect how long your asphalt roof will live.

2. Enhance Roofing Material Warranty

To get the enhanced warranty, all of these roofing components have to come from one specific manufacturer to form a complete roof system. Once your new asphalt roof has been installed, you’ll be able to register it with the manufacturer to get the 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty.

This means all your roofing materials will be covered for their lifetime by the manufacturer. Be aware, that improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation will void the enhanced warranty. This leaves only your contractor’s workmanship warranty to rely on if there’s ever a problem with your asphalt roof.

Asphalt roofing is a long-lasting, durable choice that will keep your home looking good for years to come. With hundreds of color options and styles available you can find the perfect match without having settle on just one option!