
Full Answer
How much does it cost to install architectural shingles?
Typical labor expenses for most roofs utilizing asphalt or architectural shingles are roughly $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot on average, putting the labor costs for a 1,500-square-foot roof around $1,500 to $2,250 out of the $6,960 total. Roof shingles are also put in square increments.
What is the difference between 3 Tab and architectural shingles?
Three Tab or Architectural Shingles
- Aesthetic Difference. Dimensional shingles were developed in the 70’s for the high end home market. ...
- Performance Difference. Architectural shingles typically have a minimum of 25 to 30 year warranties. ...
- Cost Difference. Today laminated shingles are available in many different warranty lengths from 25 to 50 years. ...
- Shingle Type Summary. ...
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 shingle 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.
What do architectural shingles look like?
Some are patterned to look like slate, tiles, and even Cedar shakes. Architectural shingles can handle up to 120mph winds, and many other extreme weather conditions. The mineral top coat makes them highly resistant to heat, including fire.

What is an architectural grade shingle?
Architectural shingles are high-quality dimensional or laminated shingles that add beauty to your roof. They are made from a fiberglass mat base with ceramic coated minerals that are embedded in water-resistant asphalt. Several layers of material may be used to create the shingles.
What are the pros and cons of architectural shingles?
They are quite a bit heavier and thicker than 3-tabs. A thicker shingle allows for greater endurance and strength and when it comes to wind and other extreme weather conditions, architectural shingles are considerably more durable. Three-tab shingles are weaker, less durable, and not as long-lasting.
Are architectural shingles worth it?
In a word, yes—the benefits of architectural shingles make the extra cost more than worth it. (Which, depending on your contractor, is around $15 per square. On most roofs, this results in the extra cost of $450.)
What is the difference between architectural shingles and regular shingles?
Architectural vs. Three-tab shingles are flat and have a single tab shape and size. They are uniform, which gives them a matte appearance. Architectural shingles appear more dimensional. These shingles can mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials like cedar or slate, which can add to the home's curb appeal.
How many years do architectural shingles last?
Lifespan. Because of their durability and high-quality composition, architectural shingles generally have a longer lifespan than the 3-tab variety. They stand up better to weather conditions such as heat, snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Their average lifespan is about 18 to 20 years.
What shingles is best for roofing?
Asphalt Roofing Shingles Relatively lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most houses. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive single shingles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one shingle at a time.
What color shingles last the longest?
light shinglesThe big benefit to using light shingles is energy efficiency. Lighter materials don't absorb sunlight as easily as dark shingles. Instead, they reflect that light back into the sky. This helps the shingles last longer and helps keep houses cool during hot summer weather.
How much more expensive are architectural shingles?
40 to 50 percentWhen it comes to cost, architectural shingles typically runs $35 to $45 per bundle. Three-tab shingles cost an average of $25 to $30 per bundle. On the surface, the architectural shingles are 40 to 50 percent more expensive.
How much extra is architectural shingles?
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.
How long do 30 year architectural shingles really last?
The truth is, a 30-year shingle will not really last 30 years. The expected service life of a 30-year product, if properly cared for, is approximately 25 years. If it's not cared for properly, that 30 year shingle will only last 12 to 15 years.
Which is better asphalt or architectural shingles?
Traditional asphalt shingles offer great durability, especially in mild climates. But if you live in an area that is particularly windy or prone to extreme winter weather, architectural shingles provide superior protection against these elements.
Are architectural shingles harder to install?
Since an architectural shingle roof is easier to install, is more durable and comes with a better warranty, its lifespan cost is, in many instances, actually less than that of a more basic 3-tab roof.
What are 3 disadvantages of composite shingles?
ConsThe impact of anything, including tree limbs and hail, can break or crack composition shingles. ... The small granules that cover each shingle can be dislodged in inclement weather.Excess sun exposure and trapped moisture can cause shingles to break down prematurely.Their lifespan can be shortened by other factors.More items...•
What is the price difference between 3-tab shingles and architectural?
When it comes to cost, architectural shingles typically runs $35 to $45 per bundle. Three-tab shingles cost an average of $25 to $30 per bundle. On the surface, the architectural shingles are 40 to 50 percent more expensive.
Which type of shingle carries the longest warranty?
The Golden Pledge is the highest level of protection you can purchase. 100 percent of material defects are covered for 50 years, or 20 years for 3-Tab shingles.
Are architectural shingles harder to install?
Since an architectural shingle roof is easier to install, is more durable and comes with a better warranty, its lifespan cost is, in many instances, actually less than that of a more basic 3-tab roof.
What is architectural roofing?
With these advancements came a new name: architectural roofing shingles. Also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, architectural roofing shingles are among the highest quality roofing products made. Traditionally, they are composed of a heavy fiberglass mat base and ceramic-coated mineral granules that are tightly embedded in carefully ...
Do architectural shingles need additional support?
These architectural roofing shingles do not require any additional roof support as slate would. The products' random colors and textures better accent the steep roof planes, turrets, and gable features of roofs.
What is architectural shingle?
Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, consist of a heavy fiberglass mat base laminated to multiple layers of water resistant asphalt. Ceramic-coated mineral granules are ingrained in the top layer of the shingle. Additionally, the mat base on an architectural shingle is made much heavier than a traditional asphalt ...
When did architectural shingles become popular?
History of Architectural Shingles. In the 1970s, architectural shingles emerged as a sturdier, high quality option for asphalt roofing. Today, architectural shingles are widely popular among homeowners, and asphalt shingles make up 80% of the roofing market. Some prominent roofing companies who have joined the architectural shingles industry ...
How fast can architectural shingles withstand wind?
Since architectural shingles also have multiple laminated layers, they can withstand wind gusts of up to 110-120 mph. Lighter weight 3-tab asphalt shingles can peel back if wind gusts are over 80 mph.
What is a 3 tab shingle?
3-Tab: Similar to architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles are made with asphalt. However, they differ from architectural shingles in multiple ways. 3-tab shingles received their name from their identical cutout patterns that come in three tabs. They contain only one layer of asphalt which makes them much lighter and, therefore, ...
What are the disadvantages of laminate shingles?
Disadvantages of Laminate Shingles. Cost: 3-tab shingles are cheaper and lighter than architectural shingles. Environmental Footprint: Since asphalt shingles are petroleum based, their production can require more energy usage and emit more greenhouse gases than alternatives such as cedar shakes.
Why do asphalt shingles crack?
Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperature fluctuations can cause asphalt shingles to expand and contract which can lead to cracking. They perform better in colder climates as extreme heat can also cause them to crack or lose their color.
How long do 3 tab shingles last?
Because of this, their lifespan is usually 12-15 years, they’re cheaper, and they have shorter warranties. Unlike architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles come in one size and shape, giving them a consistent, flat look. They lay side by side.
What is architectural shingle?
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 and carry longer warranties.
What colors are used for architectural shingles?
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: 1 Black 2 Blue 3 Bronze 4 Brown 5 Copper 6 Gray 7 Green 8 Orange 9 Red 10 Silver 11 Tan 12 Teak 13 White
How long do architectural shingles last?
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.
How much does it cost to install a shingle roof?
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).
Can shingles fall off a sloped roof?
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.
Is architectural shingles worth it?
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 regular shingles.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles, also known as composite shingles, are a great option if you have spent a fortune on your custom house and wish the expenditure wouldn’t get any worse.
Strip shingles
In the list of asphalt shingles, the strip or 3-tab shingles are the most basic. Made from a single layer of asphalt, they have a flat appearance. It weighs less as it requires only one layer and is the cheapest of asphalt shingles. For CertainTeed architectural shingles, you may consider the XT 25 strip shingle.
Dimensional shingles
You may know it as laminate shingles or the most predominant of the asphalt shingles family. It’s because it mimics the look of wood shake and natural slate roofs. Additionally, it features a thick and multi-dimensional appearance due to the combination of two or more layers.
Luxury shingles
If you want consistency in the quality of materials used for your custom house, this is the highest-quality laminated shingles available. Luxury shingles are no match for dimensional shingles due to their dramatic appearance and high functionality.
