Which Asphalt Shingle is Right for You?

Are you ready for a new asphalt roof? Are you stuck trying to decide which asphalt shingle to get? 

If so, you need to know a little about each shingle and consider a few things to truly feel comfortable making the right choice. Luckily, we’re here to help make that decision easier for you. 

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing Company has provided high-quality asphalt roofing services in the Nashville area since 1990. We strive to provide an experience rare in the roofing industry with honesty and high-quality workmanship. When you work with us, you’ll never worry about your roof again. 

So, which asphalt shingle is right for your roof replacement? To determine that, you have to think about things like your budget, warranties, and more. 

Continue reading to learn the 3 types of asphalt shingles and what you need to consider when deciding which one is right for you. 

The 3 types of asphalt shingles

Before we get to what you need to consider when deciding which asphalt shingle to choose, you need to know about the 3 different types. The three types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. 

While 3-tab used to dominate the market, dimensional shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury style shingles are just as heavily marketed as dimensional but are almost double the price. 

3-tab asphalt shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip. They’re the cheapest of the 3 types of asphalt shingles. 

Dimensional shingles give you a good looking random pattern or simulate the look of a wood shake roof. This is the most popular asphalt shingle on the market today.

Luxury or premium shingles are actually larger than the other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate. They are the most expensive of 3 types of asphalt shingles.

This is just a quick breakdown of the different types of asphalt shingles. For a deeper breakdown, read this article on the 3 types of asphalt shingles.

What to consider when choosing the right asphalt shingle for you

Now that you know a little about the 3 types of asphalt shingles, you’re ready to learn which one is right for you. But how do you do that? 

The best way is to consider things like your budget, the look you want, and more. Continue reading to find the right asphalt shingle for you. 

The budget for your asphalt shingle roof replacement

A new roof is always going to be an investment. When investing in anything, especially a roof, you need to consider your budget.

If you’re looking for the cheapest asphalt shingle, a 3-tab shingle is the way to go. However, spending about 15% more for a dimensional shingle will give you more life and better warranty options. 

Luxury shingles are the most expensive option of the 3 types. They’re going to be almost double the cost of dimensional shingles. But if your budget isn’t a concern, then a luxury asphalt shingle is a great option.

It’s hard to give you an exact price on the shingles themselves because the prices of roofing materials fluctuate. To learn more about the cost of your new asphalt shingle roof as a whole, read this article on how much your asphalt roof replacement will cost. 

The look you want your asphalt shingle roof to have

You may not think about this until meeting with your local roofing contractor, but you need to consider the look you want your roof to have. If you don’t care about the look and want the most affordable option, 3-tab shingles may be right for you. 

While 3-tab shingles still make good looking roofs, dimensional and luxury shingles mimic other roof types to give you a distinct look. If you want the cedar shake roof look without paying the cedar shake price, a dimensional asphalt shingle is the one for you. 

Luxury shingles give you a beautiful slate tile look, but it comes at a premium price. All 3 types of asphalt shingles make good looking roofs. But if you want your roof to really stand out, consider going with dimensional or luxury asphalt shingles.  

The warranty options for each asphalt shingle

All 3 of the asphalt shingles come with warranties from the manufacturer out of the package. This material warranty is crucial to protect your roof investment if there’s ever a problem with the shingles themselves. 

That’s why you need to know the warranty options when deciding which asphalt shingle is right for you. The only material warranty for a 3-tab shingle roof is a 25-year warranty from the manufacturer. 

Both dimensional and luxury shingles come out of the package with a 30-year prorated warranty from the manufacturer. However, you do have the opportunity to get the 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty for both of them. 

To get the enhanced warranty, all of your asphalt roofing components (including your asphalt shingles) have to come from one specific manufacturer to form a complete roof system. After your new asphalt shingle roof is installed, this warranty ensures the manufacturer covers all of your roofing materials.

Be aware, improper roof installation and inadequate attic ventilation will void the enhanced warranty. That’s why it’s crucial to hire a high-quality roofing contractor for your asphalt roof replacement. 

To help you find a great roofing contractor, read this article on the top 8 questions to ask a roofing contractor. 

The lifespan of the asphalt shingles

When investing in a new asphalt roof, you’re expecting to get the most out of it. That’s why you need to consider the manufacturer specified lifespan of each of the asphalt shingles. 

3-tab shingles have a lifespan of 25 years and live the shortest of the three types. Dimensional and luxury shingles both have a lifespan of 30 years, but the luxury style has the possibility to go over 30 years and up to 50 under the right conditions.

As long as the asphalt shingles are properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, they’re all going to get as close as possible to their manufacturer’s specified lifespan. But how can you ensure your asphalt roof will reach its full potential?

To learn how to maximize your roof investment, read this article on the 4 ways to get the most out of your asphalt roof replacement. 

Find a great roofing contractor for your asphalt roof replacement 

You just learned the 3 types of asphalt shingles and what you need to consider when deciding on which asphalt shingle you want. 

After reading this, you’re better equipped to make the best decision based on what you want out of your new asphalt roof. Now that you know which asphalt shingle is right for you, you’re ready to hire a great roofing contractor to replace your roof. 

To help you find the right roofing contractor for you, we developed a checklist of 16 questions every homeowner needs to ask potential roofing contractors. Because we want you to have the power to make the best decision for you, we're going to give you this checklist for free. 

The team at Bill Ragan Roofing Company has provided high-quality asphalt roof replacements in Nashville and surrounding areas since 1990. Our workmanship ensures you get the most out of your roof investment. If you are in Nashville, don’t hesitate to contact us to start the journey towards your new asphalt roof today.

Whether your local to Nashville or not, you need your free Checklist of Questions to Ask a Roofing Contractor.