Are Architectural Shingles Worth the Investment?

What Are Architectural Shingles?

Architectural shingles (also called dimensional shingles) are a type of laminated asphalt shingles. Where traditional 3-tab shingles are primarily functional, architectural shingles are designed to marry functionality with aesthetics. Both 3-tab and architectural shingles are highly effective at protecting your home from the elements. But, if there is a specific look you want for your home, you may want to consider architectural shingles.

Another major difference between 3-tab asphalt shingles and architectural shingles is price. Depending on the shingles you select, architectural shingles can cost anywhere from 25% to 50% more than 3-tab shingles. This can add up to several hundreds of dollars difference. However, price is only one factor you should consider when selecting the material for your new roof. In some cases, a higher upfront cost may be balanced out when factoring in performance and longevity. 

Keep reading to learn more. 

Why Choose Architectural Shingles?

Because there is a significant price difference, you probably wonder, are architectural shingles worth the investment? The answer is that yes, they may be. It depends on your goals for your roof. While 3-tab shingles are effective and provide good roof protection, you may get more bang for your buck with architectural shingles. You also may be happier with the appearance and performance.

Below, we look at the benefits of architectural shingles and why you may want to consider them when replacing your roof. Keep reading to learn more.

Versatility & Aesthetic Appeal

As mentioned above, architectural shingles are designed to be both effective at protecting your home and beautiful. Laminated shingles tend to be thicker and have greater texture, color, and shadow variance than traditional asphalt shingles. If there is a specific look you are going for, or you want a specific color roof for your home, you will likely find something to suit your aesthetic with architectural shingles.

In fact, architectural shingles can even be designed to mimic the look of cedar shakes or natural slate tiles. Shingles designed to look like shakes tend to be thicker with random slots in them. They are then installed in a random pattern so that the color variance between shingles mimics the look of natural materials. Similarly, dimensional tiles designed to look like slate are made in the shape, color, and texture of slate tiles but don't have the same cost or weight.

Longevity & Fire Protection

Architectural shingles are among the most popular types of roofing because they have a long lifespan. Traditional asphalt shingles last for around 20 years, perhaps 25 if they are well maintained. Architectural shingles have an average lifespan of 30 years. With proper installation and maintenance, you can expect to get the full lifespan of your shingles, if not beyond. Architectural shingles also offer excellent levels of fire protection that are generally greater than some natural materials, like wood.

Architectural Shingles Offer a Good Value

Because of the wide range of colors and design options available, architectural shingles offer a good value for the cost. Many people prefer the look of cedar shakes or natural slate tiles. However, both of these options are significantly more expensive than dimensional shingles. In fact, cedar shake or slate tiles may cost up to four times as much as good architectural shingles. You can get the look you want without having to pay a premium.