Do you need a new roof? Do you keep seeing and/or hearing about architectural asphalt shingles?
This isn’t surprising, especially how common this shingle is in residential roofing. But what are they? What do you need to know about them?
At Bill Ragan Roofing, my goal is to provide homeowners with transparent and honest information needed to make the right purchasing decisions. So, let’s dig into what architectural shingles are and the important things you need to know about them.
By the end of this article, you’ll have the answers to the following questions:
- What are architectural asphalt shingles?
- How long do architectural asphalt shingles last?
- What warranties come with architectural asphalt shingles?
- How much does an architectural asphalt shingle roof cost?
- Do architectural asphalt shingles need maintenance?
What are architectural asphalt shingles?
Architectural shingles (also known as dimensional shingles) are an asphalt-based roofing material consisting of fiberglass, tar, and granules on a fiberglass mat. Their design provides a random pattern to give a roof dimension or simulate the look of a wood-shake roof with certain colors.
Not only are architectural asphalt shingles the most popular asphalt shingle, but they are also the most common type of roofing material installed on roofs today. The popularity simply comes down to the quality they offer while still being affordable.
And because they’re so popular, architectural asphalt shingles are widely available in the United States.
4 things you need to know about architectural asphalt shingles
Now you know what architectural asphalt shingles are, but this basic information is the literal tip of the iceberg. So, you need to look below the surface at what matters when making decisions.
Let’s look at the following things you need to know about architectural asphalt shingles:
- Lifespan
- Warranties
- Cost
- Maintenance
1. How long do architectural asphalt shingles last?
Besides the increase in home value and curb appeal, a roof’s ROI is its lifespan. No matter the shingle type, an asphalt roof should last around 80% of the maximum manufactured-stated lifespan as long as it's properly installed and properly ventilated.
Architectural asphalt shingles have a stated lifespan of 30 years, so you can realistically expect them to last around 22-25 years. Just keep in mind that many factors impact how long a roof actually lasts.
However, you’ll get as close as possible to its maximum lifespan if the architectural asphalt shingle roof is properly installed with adequate attic ventilation, you invested in quality, and hired a reputable roofer.
2. What warranties come with architectural asphalt shingles?
Architectural asphalt shingles come with a basic 30-year material warranty (prorated after 10 years) to protect against manufacturer defects. However, you can upgrade to an enhanced warranty by getting a full roof system from a single manufacturer and hiring a certified roofer.
(Defective asphalt shingles)
This 50-year non-prorated warranty ensures the manufacturer covers your entire roof system (architectural shingles and the other roofing components) for the life of the roof. If just one component fails, they'll pay to replace your entire asphalt roof (labor and materials).
While the defect warranty is the main one, architectural shingles also come with algae and wind resistance warranties. However, how long they’ll last varies by shingle manufacturer.
3. How much does an architectural asphalt shingle roof cost?
I can’t give you an exact price for a new architectural asphalt shingle roof due to all the factors that impact a roof’s cost. However, I can give you an idea of the budget you’ll need..
For a two-story house with a little complexity and good accessibility, you can expect an architectural asphalt shingle roof to cost around $5.86 per square foot. Just keep in mind that this price isn’t just for the shingles but also for the other components and labor costs.
The components you'll pay for, along with the asphalt shingles, to form a roof system include:
- Roof decking
- Roof flashing
- Underlayment
- Drip edge
- Ice and water shield
- Ridge capping
- Roof vents
- Pipe boots
If your roof is missing just one of these components, I guarantee you’ll have problems. That’s why you must invest in quality over trying to get the cheapest roof possible to avoid left-off materials, cut corners, and lazy workmanship.
4. Do architectural asphalt shingles need maintenance?
Just like your car needs tune-ups, architectural asphalt shingles need maintenance to keep it running smoothly throughout its life. In fact, regular roof maintenance is one of the best ways to maximize any roof’s lifespan.
It keeps your architectural shingles and roof system fully functioning, catches future problems, and prevents leaks before they start. Roof maintenance is also the perfect chance to clear your roof of sitting debris that can shorten your shingle’s lifespan if left for too long.
The last thing you want is for a small problem to snowball into an expensive repair and damage your home’s interior. With roof maintenance, you can avoid this.
Are architectural shingles the right asphalt roofing material for you?
Now you know what architectural asphalt shingles are and what homeowners need to know about them. With this information, you’re able to decide if this material is right for you.
But remember, there are other shingle options. So, how can you be sure an architectural asphalt shingle is the right choice without knowing the two other asphalt shingle options?
That’s why I wrote another article comparing the pros and cons of each type of shingle, plus what to ask yourself to ensure you make the right decision.
Check out The 3 Types of Asphalt Shingles to learn which asphalt shingle is right for your upcoming roof replacement.
