Do you need a new roof? Do you keep seeing and/or hearing about architectural asphalt shingles?
This isn’t surprising, especially considering it's the most common shingle used in residential roofing. However, there are plenty of things to learn about them before deciding if they're right for you.
After all, choosing a roofing material is one of the biggest decisions you'll make when getting a new roof. So, it's important to know the pros, cons, lifespans, pricing, and more to decide if architectural asphalt shingles are right for you.
That's why I put all the information all in one place.
For over 35-plus years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners by providing 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?
- How well do architectural shingles stand up to storm damage?
- 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.
Architectural asphalt shingle pros:
- Affordability
- Ease of repair and installation
- Readily available materials and colors
- Class 3 impact resistance rating (specific shingle lines)
- 110-mph to 160 mph wind resistance
Architectural asphalt shingle cons:
- Low curb appeal compared to other materials
- Needs yearly maintenance
- Prone to hail damage
Not only are architectural 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 shingles are widely available in the United States. This means you’ll have no problem finding them, and plenty of color options are available.
How long do architectural 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 shingles have a stated lifespan of 30 years, but you can realistically expect them to last around 22-25 years. Now, 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 shingle roof is properly installed with adequate attic ventilation, you invest in quality, and hire a reputable roofer.
What warranties come with architectural shingles?
Architectural 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.
This 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty ensures the manufacturer covers your entire roof system (architectural shingles and the other roofing components) for the life of the materials. 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.
How much does a architectural shingle roof cost?
I can’t give you an exact price for a new architectural 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.
An architectural shingle roof costs around $5.00 to $7.00 per square foot for a full roof replacement, including labor and materials. Just keep in mind that this price isn’t just for the shingles but also for the other components and labor costs.
(CertainTeed Landmark architectural shingle)
The components you'll pay for, along with the architectural shingles, to form a roof system include:
- Roof decking
- Roof flashing
- Underlayment
- Starter shingles
- 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.
How well do architectural shingles stand up to storm damage?
Architectural shingles are more prone to storm damage than other materials, but the durability depends on the type of damage. While wind damage is possible, hail damage is the biggest concern.
If hail is big enough, it will absolutely damage architectural shingles. Even a lot of smaller hail during a strong storm can damage them enough for a viable claim.
However, certain brands and architectural shingle lines are specifically designed with a stronger impact-resistant rating. In fact, the top shingles, GAF's Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed's Landmark architectural shingles, now come with a class 3 impact rating.
This rating means they can withstand hail up to 1.75" in diameter. But as I said, architectural shingles are pretty resilient when it comes to wind damage.
Most architectural shingles can withstand up to 110 mph winds, and most manufacturers offer a warranty to back it up. Some even offer a 130-mph to 160-mph wind warranty if you combine the architectural shingles with their other specified components.
Do architectural shingles need maintenance?
Just like your car needs tune-ups, architectural shingles need maintenance to keep the roof system 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 shingle 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.
