Different Types of Asphalt Shingles

For most homeowners in Northeast Florida, a roof replacement is something that will eventually happen at least once over the course of owning a home - sometimes twice.  Since it's a major investment, you should be armed with the knowledge of what you're investing in, and since asphalt shingles are the most common roof material installed according to the National Roofing Contractors Association, we'll shed some light on the differences.

Asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of colors, textures, and designs.  Not only are they durable and cost effective, they're also the easiest to maintain and repair out of all the different roofing materials.  Most asphalt shingles are divided into two categories: The slowly fading three-tab shingles and the increasingly popular architectural shingles.

Durability

Three-tab shingles are the most basic option for slopped roofs.  The typical lifespan of these types of shingles in the Florida sun is 15 to 20 years if your roof is ventilated properly.  The biggest issue is your wind rating.  Most three-tab shingles are only rated for 60 to 70 miles-per-hour (mph) winds, something a severe Nor'easter could easily produce.

Architectural shingles are thicker and more durable than three-tab shingles.  The typical lifespan of these types of shingles in the Florida sun is up to 50 years if your roof is installed and ventilated properly.  Most architectural shingles are rated for up to 130 mph winds, making them optimal for Florida's hurricane plagued summers where much of the cost is subjected to such wind gusts.

Winner: Architectural Shingles

Appearance

Three-tab shingles consist of only one layer, giving off a flat profile.  This is great if you want a smooth look; however, any imperfections will be very noticeable, ruining that sleek look.

Architectural shingles are three dimensional in appearance and boast a high-end, attractive appearance.  They also come in many different color and design options.

Winner: Architectural Shingles

Cost

Three-tab shingles are cheaper to manufacture, making them cheaper to purchase.  Therefore, you see these types of shingles being installed on most investment properties and lower quality track-built homes.

Architectural shingles last twice as long as three-tab shingles, increase your home's resell value, and cost only a slight bit more to install.  However, architectural shingles can last longer than three-tab shingles, making them the more affordable option in the long run.

Winner: Architectural Shingles

If you're a homeowner in Northeast Florida, it's easy to see why installing architectural shingles is the way to go.  They win in durability, appearance, and cost as compared to three-tab shingles.