Whether you’re building a new home or having your existing roof replaced, you have several options when it comes to roofing materials. While traditional asphalt shingles continue to be a popular choice, many homeowners are gravitating towards architectural shingles. These are thicker and have a dimensional structure, compared to three-tab asphalt shingles which simply lay flat. Here are a few of their most compelling benefits.

5 Advantages of Architectural Shingles

1. Life Span

Architectural shingles have a longer life span than traditional three-tab shingles. Most can last three decades to half a century, while some high-end shingles have warranties of up to 75 years. This is in contrast to basic asphalt shingles, which last 20 to 30 years on average.

2. Ease of Installation

Three-tab shingles require meticulous alignment with tab slots for insertion. Architectural shingles eliminate this need, however. Due to their increased thickness, they don’t need the same additional support underneath them that normal asphalt shingles require. Thus, the roofing installation is simpler and quicker.

3. Visual Impact

One of the most noteworthy reasons homeowners choose architectural shingles is due to their attractive aesthetic. They closely mimic the look of cedar shake roofing, adding texture and visual interest to your home’s exterior. Plus, they’re available in a range of colors, sizes, and shapes, so they can fit with any overall design.

4. Weather Resistance

Architectural shingles are thicker and have several layers of material, compared to three-tab shingles’ simple composition of asphalt and granules. These qualities promote exceptional resistance to wind, with the ability to withstand gusts of up to 120 mph compared to traditional shingles’ 80 mph limit. They also have better fire resistance

5. Overall Value

While architectural shingles do require more of an initial investment than three-tab, they won’t need to be replaced as frequently. This means you can ultimately stretch your dollars further and perform less overall maintenance on your home.

If you’re seeking a trusted roofing contractor to perform your repair or installation, turn to Thompson & Thompson 3rd Generation, Inc. Serving Omaha and Plattsmouth, NE, this company specializes in roofing services for both commercial and residential clients, as well as vinyl siding installation. The family-owned company is committed to quality craftsmanship and affordable rates. See their gallery of completed projects online. Call (402) 296-6051 to request an estimate.