Architectural Shingles Vs. Asphalt Shingles
Shingles are used for residential and commercial roofs. There are a variety of types, including steel, aluminum, cedar, copper, rubber, concrete or clay tile, and asphalt. The type of shingles you choose can be based on your budget, style preference, and weather conditions where you live. Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used variety and come in different styles including architectural. While architectural shingles are a subtype of asphalt shingle they have specific types of construction and levels of durability. Does this Spark an idea?
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Asphalt
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Asphalt shingles are versatile and the most common shingles used on homes in the United States and Canada. They are easy enough to cut, fit and install that homeowners are able to apply them without a professional contractor or roofer. Asphalt shingles don't need any additional accessories for the roof's edge, chimney, vent flashings or wall terminations.
Architectural
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Architectural shingles are a type of asphalt shingle. They are heavier than other shingles but do not require other support under the roof. The weight and design of architectural shingles make them look three-dimensional. Some architectural shingles will be put on the typical way with nails, but others come with interlocking tabs which will be used along with nails. Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional or laminated shingles and are easy to install.
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Construction
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Asphalt shingles are made of multiple layers of asphalt on top of either fiberglass or an organic material such as cellulose fibers. Minerals are embedded into the top of the shingles to give them color and protect them from ultraviolet rays. Architectural shingles are made the same way but more asphalt is added to the fiberglass or organic material. Granules are added to the top layer of the shingle.
Durability
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Architectural shingles can withstand winds up to 120 mph and are highly fire resistant. Some manufacturers will mix zinc or copper into their architectural shingles to make them more durable to prevent algae growth and stand up to harsh conditions. Asphalt shingles are designed to last anywhere from 15 to 30 years and the architectural type can last up to 40 years.
Considerations
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Because they are heavier, architectural shingles are higher quality roofing products. But they can get algae and mildew if wet materials such as leaves build up on them. Other problems with asphalt shingles are curling and cracking caused by sunlight and extreme temperatures, and high winds can rip them from your roof. The cost of architectural and other asphalt shingles varies depending on where you live but they tend to be priced lower than other roofing materials.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
