What is an Architectural Roofing Shingle?
Architectural roofing shingles are high quality and feature a unique textured look. Also known as three dimensional roofing shingles or laminate roofing shingles, they have been around since the 70’s and give a higher end look of slate or cedar shingles, without the disadvantages of natural shingles can bring.
Architectural roofing shingles have a distinctive look and appearance. Instead of running a row pattern that is used with the three tab shingles, architectural roofing shingles have a higher end appearance that gives the home a more unique look. Many homeowners today prefer these roof shingles for this reason. For the builders, they are also easier to install than the standard three tab roofing shingle.
Architectural roofing shingles use a mat base that has a heavier build than the asphalt three tab shingles. The base is either organic or fiberglass material coated with asphalt and colored granules on the surface. Unlike three tab roofing shingles which have a quarter inch notched groove every twelve inches, architectural roofing shingles are usually solid along the entire length. The shingle layers are overlapped and laminated together to produce the unique textured look found in architectural roofing shingles.
Architectural roofing shingles come in a wide variety of textures, patterns and colors. Many architectural roof shingles are designed with the look of slate, stone or cedar wood but without the weight, high price or susceptibility to natural damage.
Because of the heavier base, architectural roofing shingles are heavier than a normal three tab shingle, which helps them to stand up to wind and curling better than a three tab roofing shingle. Some of the higher end roofing shingles are rated for winds over 100mph.
Architectural roof shingles also have a heavy coat of granules that make them highly fire resistant.
