People tend to use asphalt shingles for residential homes because of their affordability and longevity. At Maupin Roofing, we’ve had numerous clients ask about the different types of asphalt shingles since they want to truly understand all their options before choosing one for their home.
Here, we share the most common types of asphalt shingles, the advantages of choosing asphalt shingles over other materials, and tips on how to choose the best asphalt shingle type for your specific home.
Main Types or Categories of Asphalt Shingles
1. Traditional Shingles
Also known as strip shingles or 3-tab shingles, these are the most basic and economical option. They are named for their design, which features three uniform tabs, giving the roof a flat and consistent appearance.
While they offer a straightforward look and are budget-friendly, they usually have a shorter lifespan compared to other types, typically lasting around 20 years.
2. Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles (AKA dimensional shingles or laminate shingles) are made with multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass mats, creating a rich, multidimensional appearance. This added depth makes roofs appear more appealing while also improving sturdiness. It also improves protection against weather elements.
This type of asphalt roofing shingles can last between 20-30 years, which is why they’re the most popular roofing material for homeowners in Oklahoma and across the country.
3. Premium Shingles
Sometimes called luxury or designer shingles, premium shingles are made to replicate the appearance of natural materials like slate or cedar shakes. They are thicker, more durable, and offer more when it comes to improving your home’s curb appeal.
With a lifespan of up to 50 years, premium shingles are a great investment for homeowners who want to boost their home’s curb appeal and want something that provides long-lasting protection.
4. Performance Shingles
Performance shingles are basically a category that any shingle type can achieve if it’s been specifically engineered to withstand specific environmental challenges.
Some of the unique benefits are:
Impact resistance: Features exceptional durability and is designed to handle hail and debris impact so there’s a lower likelihood of damage during storms.
Wind resistance: Built to resist uplift in high-wind areas, providing reliable protection as it’s able to withstand harsh weather conditions and protect from wind damage.
Algae resistance: Treated to prevent algae growth, which can leave stains and cause deterioration over the years.
Fire resistance: Manufactured to protect your home against fire hazards.
Accessory Shingles
Accessory shingles are used to complement the main roofing shingles and other elements of the roof. They’re often used for specific areas, such as ridges, hips, and valleys. These shingles are installed to create a cohesive appearance and provide additional protection to specific parts of the roof that are more likely to be damaged.
Quick Roofing Fact
In the roofing industry, composition shingles or composite shingles are what you call shingles that are composed of more than a single material. Usually, composite shingles use asphalt, fiberglass, and mineral granules. For example, wood shake shingles are not composition shingles because they only use one material (wood shake), and the same goes for slate shingles, clay tiles, and other roofing materials.
Benefits of Choosing Asphalt Shingles Over Other Roofing Materials
Now that we’ve discussed all the different types of asphalt shingles, you might be wondering: why pick asphalt over other roofing materials like metal, tile, or wood? Asphalt shingles actually bring a lot to the table, especially for homeowners in Oklahoma.
1. Affordable and Easy to Install
Asphalt shingles are one of the most budget-friendly roofing options in the market. Aside from lower prices, asphalt shingles also promise easier repairs, quicker installations, and widely available materials.
If something goes wrong at some point, you won’t have trouble looking for rare parts or specialized installers. That convenience adds a lot to the overall value you get from your roof.
2. Keeps Your Home Cooler
Roofs are exposed to UV rays and heat consistently. These days, modern asphalt shingles are designed with energy efficiency in mind. They reflect more sunlight than older versions, which helps reduce the amount of heat absorbed into your attic and living space. That means your AC won’t get strained keeping your temperature stable, and your home just stays cooler without much effort.
Some asphalt shingle types even come with cooling granules that specifically protect from UV rays. It’s a small feature that can make a big difference over the years.
3. Solid Warranty Coverage
Another bonus is that asphalt shingles often come with generous warranty coverage, especially if they’re installed by a certified contractor like Maupin Roofing. Depending on the type you choose, warranties can range from 20 years all the way up to lifetime protection.
4. Easy Maintenance and Repairs
Unlike tile or slate which can crack or shatter, asphalt shingles are easier to replace if they ever get damaged. And since they’re so widely used, finding matching materials for a quick fix is usually a breeze. You won’t need a full overhaul just because one corner of your roof took a hit during a storm.
5. Versatile Looks
Another advantage of asphalt shingles is that they can look like other materials, such as slate, wood, shake, and even tile. They’re also cheaper and easier to install than the actual materials they’re mimicking. This gives you a lot of freedom to choose a design that fits your home’s personality without stretching your budget too far.
How to Choose the Right Shingle Type for Your Home
There are many types and specifications to choose from when picking asphalt shingles for homes, so it’s understandable that many homeowners aren’t sure which type is the best one for them and their property. Considering the following might help you narrow down your options.
1. Budget
If you’re thinking of starting a specific roofing project or upgrading your existing roofing system, think about how much you’re willing (or able) to invest. While traditional 3-tab shingles are generally more affordable, architectural and premium shingles have better durability and aesthetic appeal, though at a higher cost.
2. Appearance and Preference
Consider your property’s architecture and choose shingles that complement its design. Architectural and luxury shingles give you a more textured and sophisticated look compared to the flat appearance of 3-tab shingles. Ultimately, it will be up to your aesthetic preference.
3. Climate Considerations
Your roof will be facing extreme conditions like high winds and storms. If this happens a lot in your area, consider options like performance shingles because these are specially designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and provide the best protection.
4. Lifespan
If you plan to stay in your home for many years, we recommend investing in higher-quality shingles from the very start. High-quality materials promise longer lifespans, and though they might be more expensive, they’re generally more cost-effective as years go by.
Contact Maupin Roofing for Expert Guidance and Services
Looking for roofing contractors or roofing companies in OKC to partner with as you explore your asphalt shingle options? Our team at Maupin Roofing can guide you through the selection and installation process, making sure you not only make the right roofing material choice for your new roof, but also that the whole process is as efficient as possible.
Get in touch with us today to get started!
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