Architectural Roofing Shingles

What are Architectural Shingles?

Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, are a type of asphalt roofing material designed to provide enhanced durability, aesthetics, and weather resistance compared to traditional three-tab shingles. They are made by layering multiple asphalt shingle pieces together to create a textured, dimensional look that mimics the appearance of wood shakes or slate tiles.

Features of Architectural Shingles

1. Multi-Layered Construction – Unlike standard three-tab shingles, architectural shingles consist of multiple layers of asphalt and fiberglass, giving them a thicker, more durable structure.
2. Enhanced Durability – These shingles are built to withstand strong winds, heavy rains, and hail, with many products rated for winds up to 130 mph.
3. Aesthetic Appeal – Available in a variety of colors and textures, they provide a high-end look without the high cost of natural materials like slate or cedar shakes.
4. Longer Lifespan – Architectural shingles typically last 25 to 50 years, depending on maintenance and climate conditions.
5. Better Warranty Coverage – Due to their durability, many manufacturers offer warranties of 30 years or more.

How Much Do Architectural Shingles Cost?

The average cost for an architectural shingle roof will range between $13,500 to $21,500 depending on the slope, pitch, and size of your roof. You can expect to pay $1.00 to $1.50 per sq. foot or $100 to $150 per square installed on a standard sized single story home. 50 year architectural roofing shingles could cost from $500 to $785 per square (100 square feet).

Roof replacement costs can vary by region, but it is always smart to get a few price estimates before contacting a local roofing installer.

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Architectural Shingles vs. 3 Tab Shingles

Architectural shingles are thicker asphalt shingle types that can create the appearance of visually stunning natural roofing like slate, cedar, or clay tiles at a fraction of the cost.  Because of their extra thickness and contouring, they cost more than traditional asphalt shingles, but they last longer from 30 to 50 years and carry longer warranties. They are fire resistant, wind resistant, and prevent algae and mold growth making them one of the most popular type of roof shingles.

Are Architectural Shingles Worth the Extra Cost?

There are a few reasons that homeowners consider architectural shingles to be worth the extra cost. They are more expensive than their cheaper traditional asphalt shingles counterpart, however they have an average of a 6% return on investment for your home’s value and outlast traditional shingles with a 30 to 50 year lifespan. Architectural shingles are the standard for high end homes and they just look better than standard shingles.

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Architectural Roofing Styles

Newly constructed homes often feature dramatic rooflines with turrets, gables, or hip and ridge roofing sections that architectural shingles complement nicely. Also, when these types of shingles are installed on highly sloped roofs, water or snow can fall off easily. Architectural shingles are also a great option if you are exploring an upgrade to your existing roof as they can increase the aesthetic appeal of your home, as well as your overall home value.

Synthetic Slate Roofs

Architectural roofing shingles can also imitate the look of  a new slate roof without the weight issues that normally accompany this natural roofing material. Synthetic slate shingles do not require any additional roof support as slate would, saving you money on costly structural reinforcements for your home. This shingle type is made with composite material molded to mimic slate’s texture, dimensions, and appearance.

Synthetic Cedar Wood Shakes

Architectural shingles can also simulate cedar wood shake roofs. Synthetic cedar shingles are quite thick with random slots similar to real shakes. Synthetic wood shingles boast random colors and textures that provide a terrific accent for steep roof planes, turrets, and gables.

Architectural Shingle Colors

Architectural shingles come in a wide range of colors, making them very versatile for your roof design. Roofing shingle colors vary depending on brand or design; however, most brands offer these colors for architectural roofing shingles:

• Black
• Blue
• Bronze
• Brown
• Copper
• Gray
• Green
• Orange
• Red
• Silver
• Tan
• Teak
• White

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