The roof on your home is one of the most important investments you will make. Roofs are responsible for protecting the belongings and people inside the structure from environmental elements and harm as well as protect the structural integrity of the home. A leaky roof can cause costly water damage to the structure and belongings housed inside. Whether you are researching roofing options for a new structure or in need of replacing your current roof, the decision is a big one. More than likely you are aware of metal roofing and traditional shingle roofing. What if you want a durable roof that looks high-end, but is actually cost-effective? Architectural roof shingles may be the solution for you. This is your guide to everything you need to know about architectural roof shingles when preparing to invest in a new roof in Ann Arbor MI.
Have you ever walked by a house and admired the elegant slate roof? You probably thought to yourself that you would love to have a designer roof but cannot see shelling out the big bucks to do so. If this is you, you aren’t alone. However, what you probably didn’t realize is that it may not have been an authentic slate roof. It may have only looked like it! More than likely, it was an affordable, yet trendy architectural shingle roof.
Architectural roof shingles are also known as laminated shingles or dimensional shingles and are designed to be of high-quality and dimension. They were originally developed in the 1970s and are made from a durable fiberglass mat base with ceramic coated minerals that are embedded in water-resistant asphalt. In most cases, each shingle is made of several layers of material laminated together to create the final product.
The neat thing about choosing architectural roof shingles is that the possibilities are virtually endless. You can choose shingles that imitate tile, cedar, slate, and so much more. Not only do the synthetic shingles look like the real deal, but they are more cost-effective and weigh less than say for instance an authentic slate roof. Architectural roof shingles come in almost any color you can think of. You can also choose the desired texture and depth that you are looking for. You can even choose architectural shingles that look like an authentic wood roof!
Architectural shingles are extremely durable and long-lasting. In fact, they can last anywhere between 30 and 50 years before needing to be replaced. They are also designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as high winds up to 120 miles an hour and heavy snowstorms, rain, ice, and hail.
When it comes to price, architectural roof shingles cost about 20 percent more than traditional asphalt shingles. However, this cost is offset by the fact that this type of roofing lasts longer and adds value to your home in the event that you decide to resale at some point in the future. This would certainly be listed as an upgrade to the home.
For those who are new to the world of architectural shingles, it can be understandably easy to confuse them with traditional asphalt shingles. There are distinct differences between traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles and architectural shingles. Traditional asphalt shingles tend to be less expensive, however, they do not have as long of a lifespan as architectural shingles. Architectural shingles also tend to be more fire retardant as well. The reason is that the oils used in traditional shingles make them more likely to catch fire.
Due to the fact that 3-tab asphalt shingles are only made from a single layer, they are more susceptible to damage from harsh weather conditions. Traditional shingles also require more care and maintenance than architectural shingles.
Even though the up-front cost of architectural roof shingles can be more than for that of traditional shingles, there are several benefits to choosing this type of roofing that far outweigh the extra up-front cost.
Perhaps one of the most appealing benefits is that your home will look as if it has a roof that costs a million bucks without the price tag to go along with it. Guests and passersby will not be able to tell that the roof on your home is not actually a tile roof, but rather made from architectural roof shingles.
Architectural roof shingles were originally developed for and mainly installed on larger higher-end homes. However, the trend has caught on and architectural roof shingles are now installed on homes in every price range. As long as the home has a peaked or slanted roof, this roofing solution is a viable option. Architectural roof shingles are of a lighter weight than their authentic counterparts, which means extra roofing support to handle extra weight is not necessary. This type of roofing system is now very popular with new roof installation and roof replacement. Homeowners are opting for architectural shingles as opposed to traditional shingles when it comes time to replace their existing roof.
There’s no need to worry about a long and drawn out installation process when it comes to architectural shingles. The installation process for architectural roof shingles is fairly simple for professional roofers. It typically involves nailing the shingles to the roof in an overlapping pattern that is consistent with the look you are trying to achieve. The desired pattern will play a large part in how the shingles are nailed down to the frame of the roof.
Depending on the style of the shingles, in addition to nailing the shingle down, there may be interlocking pieces to help align the shingles in the desired position and give you roof the intended look. Roofing can be a dangerous job and an improperly installed roof can cause expensive damage. It is always best to trust the professional roofing contractors in Ann Arbor Michigan for your roof replacement or installation.
Architectural roofing shingles have risen in popularity over recent years and for good reason. They are a great value for your money, require less maintenance, last longer than traditional shingle roofing systems, provide an elegant, high-end look, and offer consumers an endless amount of choices when it comes to color, texture, pattern, and dimension. If it is time for a roof replacement, this a roofing option you certainly want to seriously consider for your next roof.
When it comes to your roof, getting the roof you want at the right price is only part of the equation. You also want to make sure your new roof is installed right the first time. A2 Roofing is the leading residential roofing professionals in Arbor, Michigan. We understand how important it is to not only protect your home but keep your family safe. We offer complex and simple roof repair, roof replacement, roof inspections, and much more!
A2 Roofing is licensed and holds GAF certifications, CertainTeed certifications, and insurance. Contact us today for all of your roofing needs!