Evaluate Shingle Types Before Your Next Roofing Project

When it's time to replace your home's roof, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing which type of shingle is the best fit for your property. The wide variety of asphalt shingle options on the market can seem overwhelming at first. By evaluating key factors like durability, appearance, cost, and performance, you can zero in on the ideal shingles for your roofing needs.

With the right information in hand, you'll feel empowered to make an informed decision you can feel confident about both now and years into the future when you gaze up at your robust, beautiful roof.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

The majority of residential roofs in North America are covered with asphalt roofing shingles. Asphalt shingles are made from a variety of materials including:

• Asphalt - provides waterproofing
• Granules - coat the surface to add color and protect from UV light
• Fiberglass mat - reinforces the core
• Sealant - binds layers together

These components are fused together under heat and pressure to produce the common shingles you see installed on rooftops everywhere. The asphalt waterproofs the shingles, while the ceramic granules shield the asphalt from direct sunlight, preventing it from deteriorating. The fiberglass mat adds strength and stability.

Types of Asphalt Shingles

While the base composition is similar across asphalt shingle varieties, the number of layers, quality of materials, and manufacturing process differs. There are three main classifications of asphalt shingles to evaluate:

• 3-Tab - Most affordable; single layer; flat profile
• Architectural - Middle ground durability and cost; dimensional appearance
• Premium - Highest quality, durability, and cost; resembles wood shakes or slate

We'll explore the characteristics of each type more closely so you know exactly what you're getting for your roofing investment.

Durability and Longevity

When comparing asphalt shingle types, one of the most important considerations is their long-term durability and lifespan. You want shingles strong enough to withstand extreme weather, from baking sun to pounding hail, year after year. High-quality shingles ensure you won't need frequent roof repairs or full replacements that ultimately drive up lifetime costs.

Weather and Impact Resistance

Look closely at manufacturer testing data documenting how well the shingles endure elements like wind, rain, and hailstorms. Premium shingles, for example, must pass impact resistance tests with Class 4 ratings, demonstrating their ability to withstand 2-inch diameter hailstones hurtling at them up to 70 miles per hour. Rigorous testing proves the mettle of high-end shingles, justifying their elevated price point.

Walkability

If your roof requires occasional foot traffic for servicing fireplaces, chimneys, skylights, or satellite dishes, pay attention to shingle walkability ratings. Premium shingles rate highest on abrasion resistance, reinforced by heavier granule application and strong bonding.

Warranties

Manufacturer's warranties provide assurance on average shingle lifespans. Standard 3-tab shingles typically come with 20 to 25-year warranties. For architectural shingles expect 30 years. Premium shingles warranties extend up to 50 years - virtually the lifetime of your roof. While state weather and installation workmanship impact real-world results, warranties reflect expectations of how the shingle design stacks up.

Appearance and Style

Although roof shingles play a functional role, they also impact your home's curb appeal and architectural style. If your property's exterior aesthetic matters, factor in how natural and dimensional the shingles look on your roof planes.

Mimicking Premium Looks

Many homeowners prefer the elegant, distinctive appearance of slate or wood shake roofs but don't want the cost and maintenance they require. Unlike flat 3-tab shingles, architectural and premium shingles use layered construction with differently sized tabs and dimensional profiles to emulate the depth and texture of slate or wood. The higher up you go in shingle grade, the more convincing and beautiful the faux premium roof looks.

Color/Design Options

While 3-tab shingles play it safe with simple black and brown hues, upgraded shingles give you more aesthetic flexibility. Architectural shingles offer a rainbow range, including popular options like weathered wood and slate tones. Premium shingles take it further with advanced color blending technology for subtle, multi-dimensional hues that enhance dimension and realism. If you want to get creative with roof color to make a unique design statement, skip basic 3-tabs.

Cost Considerations

You can't evaluate shingles in a vacuum without accounting for expenses both upfront and over decades of performance. There's no doubt premium shingles command steeper initial pricing. However, factoring in durability, wind resistance, and longevity, they often present the best overall ROI compared to basic 3-tab.

• Material Cost : 3-tab shingles start around $70 per square (100 sq ft) compared to $400 per square for high-end architectural or premium shingles.
• Labor Cost : Since installation time doesn't vary much by shingle type, it makes up a larger proportion for affordable 3-tabs. Overall job quotes only jump 10-15% for premium products.
• Long-term Value : Budget 3-tabs require replacement every 18-22 years in extreme climates compared to 30+ years for architectural and 40-50+ years for premium. Factoring in future tear-off and labor fees, premium durability wins big on lifetime value.

Yes, premium and architectural shingles are more expensive upfront. But calculating total cost spread over decades almost always justifies spending more on quality now.

Wind and Impact Resistance

In regions prone to heavy winds, flying debris, and intense storms, impact-resistant roofing becomes essential. Frail shingles risk blow-off damage even in modest winds, necessitating urgent repairs before interior water damage piles up.

Using industry standard impact resistance tests, higher-tier shingles clearly outperform basic 3-tabs:

• 3-Tab: No impact rating
• Architectural: Class 3 (moderate)
• Premium: Class 4 (high)

Premium shingles passing Class 4 testing withstand the force of 2-inch hailstones shooting at 70 miles per hour - simulating fierce storm conditions. When extreme weather strikes regularly, premium wind and impact resistance provides home protection you can count on.

Other Factors

Eco-Friendliness

Today more manufacturers offer recycled content shingles using reclaimed asphalt and waste fibers. They minimize environmental impact without sacrificing performance. If sustainability matters, seek out green shingle options as you compare products.

Fire Safety

Look for shingles meeting critical fire safety codes for your roof type and region. Class A fire ratings mean the shingle assembly adequately resists ignition, flame spread, and contribution to fire storms.

Installation Considerations

Premium shingles often weigh more than cheaper options. Make sure your roof decking can support the load without needing reinforcement. Also, thicker premium shingles require slightly different installation techniques your contractor must accommodate.

Assess Your Priorities and Preferences

On paper, premium shingles outperform on almost every metric - assuming you can stomach the upfront hit. But every homeowner weighs factors differently. Realistically assess:

• How much does durability matter compared to affordability?
• Will protecting resale value offset higher costs?
• Do you need designer aesthetics or will standard colors suffice?

There's no universally "best" pick. Choose what aligns with your budget, lifestyle, neighborhood standards, and length of stay in your home.

Perform Thorough Research

Dig into manufacturer specs like warranties, ratings, and reviews comparing shingle lines head-to-head. Talk with roofing contractors about local material performance over decades of replacements. Verify options not just when new, but 5, 10, 15 years later. What shingles still look and perform their best in your actual environment according to experts?

Consider Long-Term, Lifetime Value

The shingle choice with higher upfront cost often delivers better return on investment long-term. Paying more now eliminates the time, mess, expense, and headaches of early repeated repairs and replacements down the road. Opting for premium durability today locks in peace of mind for decades ahead.

Choosing new roof shingles involves weighing aesthetics, resilience, and cost - both immediate and future projected. While premium shingles are priciest initially, their unbeatable longevity, wind resistance, and visual appeal make them a sound investment for most homeowners planning to stay put for years. By objectively assessing your needs and priorities, you can select perfect shingles that check all the boxes for performance, protection, and even inspiration every time you glimpse your striking roofline.

With research done and decisions made, you'll be ready to move forward confidently into a roofing project. May your reliable, beautiful new shingles grace your home steadfastly for decades ahead!