What Are The Different Grades Of Roofing Shingles?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • 3-tab shingles — also referred to as three-tab shingles.
  • Dimensional shingles — sometimes called architectural or laminate shingles.

What are the different types of shingles?

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.

What is the highest grade of shingles?

They’re recognized by their clean, horizontal appearance, giving them a more decorative look with the 3-tab construction. Fiberglass-backed shingles have a

Class A fire rating

, which is the highest available.

Are architectural or 3 tab shingles better?

Because of their durability and high-quality composition, architectural shingles generally have a

longer lifespan than

the 3-tab variety. They stand up better to weather conditions such as heat, snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Their average lifespan is about 18 to 20 years.

What type of roof shingles are best?

Relatively lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install,

asphalt shingles

are the best choice for most houses. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive single shingles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one shingle at a time.

What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

What’s the Longest Lasting Roof Shingle?

Tile and slate shingles

last longer than asphalt, but at a much higher price. High quality asphalt shingles last up to 50 years. Tile and slate can last 100 with proper care, but also require a reinforced roof structure because of their added weight.

What shingles last the longest?


Asphalt Shingles

: typically, asphalt shingles last about 20 years; however, higher-quality asphalt shingles are warrantied for up to 50 years. Expect to pay more for a premium, long-life product. Architectural Asphalt: these products last about 30 years on average.

What is the most expensive type of roof?


Slate

.

Slate

is hands down the most expensive roofing material on the market. It’s ten times more expensive than the average asphalt shingle as it pairs well in Gothic, Tudor, Chateau or other expensively styled, historic-looking homes.

Are 50 year shingles worth the money?

It’s one of the most common questions people ask when it’s time to replace their roof: Are 50-year shingles worth the money? … In most cases,

50-year shingles won’t improve on resale value of a home over

25- or 30-year shingles.

What is the difference between architectural shingles and regular shingles?

Asphalt shingles are manufactured in two different types:

three-tab

and architectural. Three-tab shingles are distinguished by cutouts—tabs—made along their long lower edge. … Architectural asphalt shingles contain no cutouts, but their lower portions are laminated with an additional asphalt layer.

What is a Class 3 or 4 roof?

A Class

3

rating is given to shingles that do not crack after being hit by a steel ball, measuring 1.75” in diameter and dropped from twenty feet. Class 4 is the highest after taking a hit from the same twenty foot height with a two-inch steel ball.

Are thicker shingles better?

Thicker Shingles =

Heavier Shingles

The tradeoff with the extra thickness, though, is a heavier product – in many cases twice the weight of 3-tabs. This makes it harder for contractors to install and places more weight on your roofing structure.

How do I choose shingles?

The higher the pitch or the greater the slope of your roof, the more you’ll see the shingles from street level. When selecting your asphalt roofing shingles, choose

a color and profile

that will enhance your home’s architectural style and draw the eye upward toward any special details, like dormers and gables.

Why are 3 tab shingles bad?

Three-tab shingles are

weaker, less durable

, and not as long-lasting. They can be subject to damage in areas or regions of the country that experience reoccurring bad weather.

What is the price difference between 3 tab shingles and architectural?

When it comes to cost, architectural shingles typically runs $35 to $45 per bundle. Three-tab shingles cost an

average of $25 to $30 per bundle

. On the surface, the architectural shingles are 40 to 50 percent more expensive.

How long will 3 tab shingles last?

Dimensional shingles come with a 30-year manufacturer warranty. Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get

about 20-22 years

out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.