Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are inexpensive, easy to install, durable, and affordable. This type of roofing shingles last for many years. Asphalt shingles are produced as organic and fiberglass composite material. Both types of shingles have an asphalt exterior. The difference is that fiberglass shingles have a fiberglass base while the organic type has a base made of a wood product which is usually paper. There are three types of asphalt shingles called three-tab, dimensional, and luxury. Since the 1960’s, three-tab (3-tab) asphalt shingles have been the most common type sold. Three-tab shingles have a basic one-piece single layer. The warranty lasts from 10 to 20 years. Commonly purchased colors include brown, black, blue, red, green, and multi-colored shingles.

The other two types of asphalt shingles are dimensional and luxury shingles. Dimensional shingles are also called architectural or laminate shingles. The luxury style is also called premium shingles. Three-tab shingles and architectural shingles are available in both asphalt and fiberglass. Architectural shingles are heavier with multiple layers of shingles. They are strong, attractive, and more expensive than the basic single layer shingles. Sealed tab shingles withstand high wind speeds rated between 60 mph and up to 150 mph. Roofing shingles are sensitive to weather and the sun. During high wind storms, they blow off and fade under the hot sun.