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In the U.S., asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material for residential homes. There are many reasons why this type of shingle is so popular, including its affordability and ease of installation.
The three main types of asphalt shingles used on residential homes include three-tab, laminated shingles, and multilayered architectural shingles. In this article, we're going to look at the benefits of laminated shingles, also referred to as architectural shingles.
While laminated shingles are more expensive than single-layer 3-tab shingles up front, this more durable material can be the more cost-effective choice in the long run.
Investing in a new roof is a big decision, so you'll want to have as much information as possible when selecting a roofing material. Let's examine everything you need to know about laminated shingles and their benefits.
What Are Laminated Shingles?
Also known as architectural shingles, laminated shingles are one of the three available types of asphalt shingles. While three-tab shingles are the most common and multilayered shingles are the most durable, laminated shingles are a reasonable middle ground when selecting roofing shingles.
Laminated shingles are composed of several layers and can withstand strong winds and weather better than three-tab shingles, which are single-layer shingles.
Consumer Reports found that multilayered architectural shingles performed better overall than the other available types of asphalt shingles. Their testing results found that architectural laminated shingles performed exceptionally well, as did top-performing three-tab shingles. At the same time, though, they found that these multilayered shingles might be overkill for many consumers.
Since multilayered asphalt shingles are more expensive, heavier, and typically require more labor-intensive installation, laminated shingles can be an excellent option to save money on materials and labor without sacrificing durability and durability strength.
What Are the Benefits of Laminated Shingles?
There are several advantages to architectural laminate shingles that are worth familiarizing yourself with before selecting the type of asphalt shingle you want to install on your roof.
1. Strength and Durability
Of course, one of the homeowners' and business owners' main concerns when replacing a roof is durability. Repairing roof shingles is a big chore, not to mention one that needs to be high on your priority list once you realize that your shingles need work.
One of the benefits of laminated shingles is that they are composed of several layers of asphalt and made of high-quality materials; this means that they are better able to hold up to the elements that threaten shingles' integrity than 3-tab shingles.
When you invest in shingles that are less likely to break or crack, you don't have to worry about frequent shingle repairs or replacements.
2. Weather Resistance
The Atlanta area can experience a wide range of extreme weather. When you invest in a new roof, you want to know that it can withstand this weather, including powerful thunderstorms with damaging winds, heavy rain, and large hail, as well as winter storms complete with sleet, snow, freezing rain, and strong winds.
Compared to traditional three-tab shingles, laminated shingles have much higher wind resistance. While the specific rating can vary based on the manufacturer, architectural laminate shingles commonly carry a 110 mph wind rating when 4-5 fasteners are used per shingle. The same shingle attached with six fasteners per shingle can qualify for a 130 mph wind rating.
It's worth noting that, in some instances, using staples to fasten shingles will void the wind rating warranty from the manufacturer.
Additionally, several factors can influence how wind impacts your asphalt shingles. Some examples include the geometry of your roof, where your home is located, the age and condition of the roof, installation quality, and the quality and strength of the fasteners.
The thickness and density of laminated shingles also offer increased protection from snow loads, which can have a devastating impact on vulnerable or weak roofs. The multiple layers that comprise these shingles are bonded by asphalt sealant, which helps to reinforce their waterproof capability.
3. Design Versatility
There are countless customization options when you choose laminated shingles. You aren't forced to select shingles that don't fit the architectural style of your home or building and instead can choose an aesthetic look that suits both your home and your taste.
Laminated shingles are available in a wide array of textures and colors. You can even choose to go with architectural shingles specifically designed to look like other classic (and more expensive) roofing types, such as slate or cedar.
These shingles can also be used to showcase the best features of your home. Because they are installed one by one, there is an opportunity to create unique designs with these beautiful shingles. Finally, laminated shingles can provide a solution for homes with complicated or challenging roof designs when other roofing materials aren't a good fit.
4. Resale Value
Anytime you invest in your home or building, it makes sense to pay attention to how it impacts your property value. Laminated shingles can add value to your home both in their aesthetic appeal as well as their durability.
Of course, whether or not a new roof impacts your property value will have to do with a long list of factors. One of these is the quality of the installation. It doesn't matter how much you invest in roofing materials if they aren't installed correctly, as they won't be able to perform optimally and protect your home.
5. Warranty
Another benefit of selecting laminated shingles for your roof is that they usually have a long warranty. This type of warranty typically covers you if you need to replace your shingles due to a manufacturing defect or a natural calamity of some type.
Since these shingles are so durable, warranties commonly last between thirty and fifty years. As you likely know, it can be a significant weight off your shoulders to know that your new shingles are covered for the foreseeable future.
6. Long-Term Cost-Effective
Architectural laminated shingles cost more than 3-tab shingles right out the gate. In the long run, though, you can ultimately save money.
Generally, you can expect a laminate shingle roof to cost roughly 20% more than a three-tab roof. Throughout the roof's lifespan, you'll find that the additional durability translates into fewer calls to professional roofers or trips up to the roof yourself.
As we discussed above, laminated shingles can also boost the value of your home and come in handy if and when you choose to sell your home. Even though they cost more out of pocket, laminated shingles are likely the more cost-effective option in the long term.
7. Energy-Efficiency
Another concern when choosing a roofing material is whether or not it will help keep the costs of heating and cooling your home down throughout the year. In the Atlanta area, most homeowners are mainly concerned with the hot summer months, where cooling a home isn't just expensive and taxing on the cooling system.
Some laminated shingles are constructed with unique, highly reflective granules that reflect UV rays away from the structure rather than absorbing them; this can help reduce the roof's temperature and keep heat out of the home.
Reflecting heat and light away from the roof can also increase the shingles' service life and underlayment because it helps reduce the roof's temperature and puts less strain on the materials.
8. Damage Resistance
Since architectural shingles are thicker and denser than three-tab shingles, they are more resistant to damage from large hail or falling branches.
This feature also means that you have a reduced risk of underlayment damage when falling objects land on your roof.
What Are the Drawbacks of Laminated Shingles?
With any roofing material (and, frankly, most things in life), there are two sides to every coin. While laminated shingles are an excellent option for many home and business owners, there are still some drawbacks you'll want to consider when deciding on the roofing material.
1. Up-Front Cost
While investing in laminated shingles can save you money in the long run versus less durable 3-tab shingles, they also cost more upfront.
It's worth noting that architectural shingles are still a relatively affordable option compared to other roofing materials. If you're on a tight budget, though, and less concerned with the total cost over the roof's lifespan, 3-tab asphalt shingles may be a better option for your needs.
2. Structure Specific
Architectural laminated shingles are beautiful and durable, but they are only recommended for some structures.
Even though these shingles are considered quite durable, they aren't recommended for low-sloping roofs because roofs with a low slope are more susceptible to wind-driven rain.
These shingles also need to be installed when there isn't any risk of extreme weather to ensure they can perform at their highest capacity for the roof's lifespan. Look at this article to learn more about the best time of year to repair or replace a roof.
3. Weight
Another consideration when choosing the type of roof you want to install is the weight of the materials. Three-tab shingles are lighter than architectural shingles, with the former weighing between 50 and 65 lbs per bundle and the latter weighing between 65 and 80 lbs per bundle.
When you're receiving a quote from a reputable roofing company in your area, you can talk to them about how the weight of architectural shingles might impact the structural integrity of your home, if at all.
Before you have roofing professionals out to your home, read this guide on what to look for in a roofing estimate.
How Are Laminated Shingles Different From 3-Tab Shingles?
When you think of asphalt shingles, 3-tab shingles are likely the material that comes to mind. This choice is an affordable and popular roofing option with only one layer and a flat, two-dimensional look when installed on a roof.
How are three-tab shingles different from laminated shingles? Let's take a look at some of the critical factors that differentiate them.
1. Composition
While both three-tab and laminated shingles are made of asphalt, laminated shingles are made using a more refined asphalt, multiple material layers, and a heavier base.
2. Durability
Laminated shingles are made of multiple material layers and, therefore, are more durable. Three-tab roofing is more vulnerable to high winds and extreme weather than architectural shingles.
3. Installation and Materials Cost
Three-tab shingles are made of less material than architectural shingles and are more affordable upfront. On top of that, architectural shingles are usually a bit more expensive to install.
4. Appearance
Architectural shingles come in more sizes and shapes that can add aesthetic value. They also have a more dimensional look, while three-tab shingles look more uniform and flat.
When you choose laminate shingles, you can select the material and style them to imitate cedar or slate roofing.
5. Long-Term Cost
Laminated shingles typically last longer and do not require repair as often as three-tab shingles; this means that even though there is a higher up-front cost for architectural shingles, the cost over the roof's life is comparable between the two options, if not providing more savings when you choose laminated shingles.
Searching For the Right Roofers in the Atlanta Area?
Hiring a roofing company is not a decision you want to take lightly. Experienced and professional roofers can help you choose the right type of roof for your home, provide warranties on labor and materials, and leave you with a roof that a professional installed correctly.
On the other hand, hiring unprofessional or inexperienced roofers can put your home and your safety at risk. When people you don't know are going to be walking around on top of your roof, you want to have the certainty that they know what they are doing.
Look no further if you're searching for the right roofers in the Atlanta area. At Colony Roofers, we're closing in on more than 3000 completed jobs and pride ourselves in offering a customer service experience that goes above and beyond our customers' expectations.
Colony Roofers is a roofing company that you can trust. Every one of our employees is handpicked for their hard work, integrity, and experience, so you can rest assured that you will always have a consistently excellent experience working with our team.
Are you in need of experienced roofing professionals? If so, contact us today to schedule an estimate.
