If you’re asking yourself “What should I know about asphalt shingle roofs,” Camden Roofing and Construction is here to answer all your questions. North Carolina’s weather may beat up the sturdiest roofs. Indeed, asphalt shingles may have 50-year warranties, but their longevity in North Carolina is much less. Extreme heat, humidity, and rain loosen or split roofing material, compromising the roof’s integrity.

You may avoid future damage by cleaning your gutters, ventilating your attic, and having your roof inspected. In the end, your asphalt shingle roof will repay the care you provide it by protecting your home and family.

 

Asphalt shingle roofs are durable if well-maintained. Moreover, asphalt shingles are not only durable with proper maintenance, but they are also cost-effective. Every effort to enhance your roof’s longevity will make all the difference.

Describing an Asphalt Roof

Asphalt shingles are waterproofing materials. Because of their low cost, endurance, and durability, they are North America’s preferred roofing material. They are available in a variety of shapes and colors.

Base mats, waterproof asphalt, and ceramic granules are the elements that make up these shingles. The granules provide shingles with varied hues to complement your home’s vision.

Asphalt shingles come in four different types: three-tab, architectural, improved architectural, and designer shingles. Each type of shingle serves a different purpose, depending on your roof’s nature and the look you want to give to your home.

Let’s go into these four shingle options:

  • Three-tab Shingle Roof

Three-tab shingles owe their name to the way they are cut and installed. They consist of an asphalt layer that is cut into strips. They are the lightest and the cheapest type of shingle.

Typically, a 2,000-square-foot three-tab asphalt shingles roof costs between $7,300 and $10,600.

Three-tab shingles are highly cost-efficient and are a wonderful choice for any homeowner. In the short term, they are cheaper and more suitable for rental houses or homeowners with tight budgets.

However, there are a few downsides to this type of shingle.

Because they are so lightweight, they have the potential to blow off easier than the other types. This downside is not only dangerous but expensive to repair as well.

Likewise, three-tab shingles offer fewer options regarding shapes and colors. In this sense, architectural and designer shingles are more premium options.

  • Architectural Shingle Roof

Most asphalt shingle roofs use architectural shingles, also called laminate or dimensional shingles. Manufacturers add several layers to the base mats, making these shingles heavier and providing a multidimensional look to your roof. This feature gives durability to architectural shingles.

You can find two types of architectural shingles; regular and upgraded. Regular grade shingles cost $11,200–$17,100 for a 2,000-square-foot home and are less durable than upgraded shingles. Thus, these shingles do not fulfill several states’ wind regulations.

Regular or upgraded architectural shingles are excellent for any home, depending on the weather and locale.

  • Upgraded Architectural Shingles

There is no comparison between upgraded architectural shingles and their “regular” counterparts. It is heavier and thicker, giving your roof better definition and curb appeal. Don’t you want a simple shingle roof? If so, this one may be for you.

Architectural shingles cost 10 to 15% more than conventional ones, with an average cost ranging from $13,100 to $19,000.

The thickness of these shingles makes them stand out from the street, and they can endure 25 to 30 years. Besides, these heavier products are less likely to blow off during a windstorm. Depending on the manufacturer, these shingles might weigh 100 lb. per square foot more than regular ones.

  • Designer Shingles 

Designer shingles are the best-grade asphalt shingles on the market. These shingles stand out for their great usefulness and attractive design.

You can find dimensional, useful designer shingles in many hues. They may cost between $18,500 and $22,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home. So, they are the costliest asphalt shingles.

These beautiful and durable shingles are twice as heavy as three-tab shingles. Therefore, they are more impact- and tear-resistant, which makes them ideal for hurricane- and tornado-prone areas.

Is Asphalt Shingles Good for My Home?   

Asphalt shingles are affordable and dependable. They come in several forms, colors, and sizes to suit your home’s demands. Likewise, they are ideal if you have a specific design in mind.

However, asphalt shingles are not the most durable roofing material available. So, a standing seam metal roof will work better for harsh weather.

For more information, contact Camden Roofing & Construction, LLC in Charlotte and Raleigh, NC at 919-729-5050.