First, it is essential to ask your roofer, “what are architectural shingles” before buying them. Selecting a shingle material for your new or replacement roof can be challenging because they have different pros and cons.
The manufacturer will tell you the material that makes these shingles and their characteristics. Before purchasing, you should also know the benefits and downsides of the shingle material to gauge if they are worth the cost.
If you have decided to buy architectural shingles and want to know what they are, don’t worry. Our article will cover the materials used to make the shingles and the various characteristics. We will also mention the pros and cons and why they are worth the extra cost.
What Are Architectural Shingles?
Architectural shingles are different from standard wood and concrete shingles. These are high-quality and crafted for aesthetics, and they increase the roof’s curb appeal.
To produce architectural shingles, manufacturers use a fiberglass mat base with ceramic-coated minerals. They dip the shingles into water-resistant asphalt for moisture protection. As a result, the shingles are protected by several layers of coating materials, resulting in a durable and robust end-product.
You can also get architectural shingles made from synthetic slate. The material is beautiful, lightweight, and can cover even delicate roofing structures. If you like the look of wood shingles but don’t want to compromise on durability or ease of maintenance, you can get architectural shingles that resemble cedar wood shingles.
One major advantage you get from architectural shingles is the thickness and color variations. The many color options enable the homeowner to choose shingles that match the rest of their house, and they’re also available in various sizes.
Are Architectural Shingles Worth The Extra Cost?
Unfortunately, most manufacturers won’t go out of the way to confirm that architectural shingles are more expensive than standard shingles. They could cost about $4.50 per square foot, depending on where you buy them.
However, the price varies because of the different factors influencing the cost. For example, larger-sized architectural shingles are more expensive, and yu’ll also end up paying more if you get them made from a reputable brand because of the higher quality.
Since you want to minimize the cost of roof improvements, you might wonder if these shingles are worth the extra cost. First, consider that manufacturers dip these shingles into water-resistant asphalt, meaning you will have fewer water problems. Water leaks within your roof can cause severe problems, like rotting of the inner materials weakening the roof.
Weak roofs are dangerous because they stand the risk of sudden collapse, causing accidents and injuries. Additionally, when a weakened or collapsed roof means extra costs, either due to pre-emptive repair or post-collapse restoration.
Let us look at the benefits to know if the shingles are worth the extra cost.
Benefits Of Architectural Shingles
When buying a roofing material, you want to get one that offers the most advantages to get value for your money. Some of the benefits of architectural shingles are:
- Longevity
Manufacturers use high-quality materials to make architectural asphalt shingles. These shingles can last over 30 years without wearing out and repairs with proper installation.
However, since other factors impact a roof’s life, architectural shingles may last for about 28 years in some cases. Homeowners should ensure proper installation and adequate attic ventilation for the shingles to last that long.
Architectural shingles are also resistant to high winds, and they can resist gusts of up to 120mph. They are therefore suitable for areas that experience a lot of rain and snow, though they should also be supported by proper gutter installation for water drainage, as pooled water can weaken architectural shingles over time.
Since the shingles are manufactured from a heavy material, they hardly break and crack. The material’s toughness increases durability and lowers maintenance costs, making them worth the extra price of purchase.
- Cost-Effective
Although the architectural shingles cost about 20 percent more than the regular shingles, they can definitely be worth it. Homeowners can buy them for all sorts of surfaces, from flat to high pitched roofs.
These shingles are also energy efficient, because manufacturers use fiberglass as one of the materials. Fiberglass offers insulation, and since there is a less amount of heat-cold exchange, you will pay less on energy bills, which is a big advantage in the long run.
Finally, architectural shingles are available in different colors and patterns, meaning you can match them with the rest of your house’s theme. Improved aesthetics increase your home’s value, and you could also get a homebuyer faster.
- Two Warranties
Before buying any roofing material, always check their warranty. Warranty is essential because it reduces the repair and maintenance expenses, and you get compensated if the shingles deteriorate before their specified dates.
Homeowners get two types of warranties when they buy architectural shingles. First, you will get a material warranty, which caters for damages on the shingles up to a given period. However, always read the warranty policy to understand how it works.
You will also get a workmanship warranty. However, this one depends on the local roofing contractor you hire to install your shingles, and it also varies with different companies.
Poor shingle installation and inadequate attic ventilation can void your warranty. Therefore, to ensure your roof qualifies for manufacturer’s compensation in case of damages, hire Roof Masters’ experienced installers to do the work.
Cons Of Architectural Roof Shingles
While you will mainly concentrate on the pros of architectural roof shingles to check if they are worth the extra cost, it is also advisable to consider the cons. Some of them are;
- Excess Friction Can Damage The Granules
The granules increase the roof’s beauty and durability, but strong winds and friction can loosen them. The water carries away the granules when it rains, reducing the roof’s aesthetics and longevity.
- Not Suitable For Flat Roofs
Although architectural roof shingles are applicable to many levels of roof pitch, they require at least a pitch of 4/12. Installing them on a completely flat roof can reduce longevity because of water damage.
Now you can answer the question ‘What are architectural roof shingles?’ your buying process will be more straightforward.
Final Words
Once you walk into a manufacturer’s shop, you first need to ask them, ‘what are architectural shingles.’ Keep in mind the pros and cons, and ask about the features of these shingles to see if they are worth the extra cost.
