Residential Roofing Insights
Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for homeowners due to their versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation. While choosing the right shingles for your home might seem straightforward, it involves more than just picking your favorite color and style.
Shingles vary in quality and performance. Thanks to recent advancements, you can now have a roof that provides excellent protection for many years. To make a well-informed decision, it’s important to understand the features that distinguish high-quality asphalt shingles.
Types of Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles fall into two main categories, differentiated by their base material, which impacts their durability, weight, and protective qualities.
Organic Shingles
Organic shingles are made from a cellulose fiber base (like paper or wood products) that is saturated with asphalt and then compressed. This process creates a waterproof shingle that performs well in cooler climates. Organic shingles are more flexible and resistant to tearing compared to fiberglass shingles. They are heavier and can withstand higher winds and more extreme temperature fluctuations.
Fiberglass Shingles
Fiberglass shingles have a base layer of fiberglass that is coated with asphalt and topped with ceramic granules. These shingles are lighter because they use less asphalt. Fiberglass shingles are ideal for warmer climates, offering better heat resistance and a higher fire rating. However, they are less effective in cold temperatures and high winds compared to organic shingles.
Choosing the Right Shingle Grade
Asphalt shingles are available in three grades: good, better, and best, each offering different levels of performance and aesthetics.
Good
At the entry level, “3-tab” shingles are the most common and affordable. They consist of a single layer of asphalt and are recognized by their uniform, flat appearance. With a wind rating of up to 60 miles per hour, these shingles typically come with shorter warranties and can last between 10-20 years.
Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, are a step up from 3-tab shingles. They feature multiple layers of asphalt, creating a thicker and more dimensional appearance. Architectural shingles mimic the look of natural slate or cedar shakes, adding depth and visual interest to your roof. They have a higher wind rating of up to 130 miles per hour and generally come with longer warranties, lasting about 15-20 years in Florida.
Best
Premium or designer shingles represent the highest quality in asphalt shingles. These laminated shingles are constructed with multiple layers of fiberglass and asphalt. They offer top-notch energy efficiency, weather resistance, and sophisticated designs that resemble old-world wood shake or natural slate roofs. Although they are the most expensive, premium shingles come with enhanced warranties and can last over 20 years.
Evaluating Performance Capabilities
The performance and durability of your shingles should align with your local climate and weather conditions. When choosing shingles, consider the following performance attributes:
Wind Ratings
For homes in hurricane-prone areas, wind resistance is crucial. Shingles are rated based on their ability to resist uplift during wind gusts. Some shingles withstand winds up to 60 mph, while more robust options can handle gusts up to 150 mph. Remember, sustained winds at these speeds can still cause damage.
Impact Ratings
Impact resistance measures how well shingles can withstand impacts from debris, particularly in areas prone to hailstorms and high winds. Shingles are rated from Class 1 (least resistant) to Class 4 (most resistant).
Fire Ratings
Asphalt shingles have three fire ratings: Class A (highest resistance), Class B (moderate resistance), and Class C (light resistance). A higher fire rating can be crucial, especially in wildfire-prone areas, providing extra safety during evacuations and reducing the risk of roof fires from wind-blown embers.
Choosing the right shingles for your home may seem daunting, but New Roofs Group is here to simplify the process. We offer some of the industry's best dimensional asphalt shingles, including Owens Corning’s TruDefinition® Duration® Shingles and TruDefinition® Duration® Designer Shingles.
Our team is certified by industry leaders and committed to delivering professional, high-quality roofing services. Contact us for more information about our products and to request a free estimate. We proudly serve homeowners in the Tampa Bay, Sarasota, and North Port areas.
