Shingles on the roof are important as they protect the roof and house. There are various types and they come in different styles and sometimes different colors. Architectural shingles, or dimensional are one type and they can last 15-30 years, depending on the environment and maintenance.

The higher the pitch or the greater the slope of your roof, the more you’ll see the shingles from street level. When selecting your asphalt roofing shingles, choose a color and profile that will enhance your home’s architectural style and draw the eye upward toward any special details, like dormers and gables.

about 18 to 20 years

approximately 25 years

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.

Three-tab shingles are weaker, less durable, and not as long-lasting. They can be subject to damage in areas or regions of the country that experience reoccurring bad weather.

3-tab shingles are lower in quality; they will blow off a lot sooner than other economical options, which makes these shingles a more costly maintenance item in the long run. Part of the reason for this is that it is easier to install an architectural shingle properly.

Architectural shingles are more durable and last longer than three-tab shingles, but they also do cost more. Many homeowners will choose between three-tab shingles and architectural shingles on the basis of both budget and appearance.

Currently, we know of no 30 year dimensional 3 tab shingles being manufactured. We’ve seen some insurers try to replace these discontinued shingles with just 3 tab, but we argue against this as 3 tab is not the closest thing to “like with like”.

Architectural asphalt shingles are thicker and stronger. They have more weight which makes them less likely to move or fall off even in higher winds. Their extra thickness also makes them harder to damage. This kind of roof is simply more durable and will last longer.

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. Architectural shingles have many benefits, including better curb appeal, improved wind resistance, and a longer manufacturer warranty.

Asphalt shingles are manufactured in two different types: three-tab and architectural. Three-tab shingles are distinguished by cutouts—tabs—made along their long lower edge. Architectural asphalt shingles contain no cutouts, but their lower portions are laminated with an additional asphalt layer.

Laminate (also known as dimensional, architectural or composite shingles) shingles are constructed with a thicker base at which multiple layers of material are adhered to. This gives a layered or three-dimensional look, whereas the standard three-tab shingle contains a flat layer with no dimensional “thickness” to it.

Value Report found that the average American homeowner spends $22,636 on a new asphalt shingle roof of midrange quality. That new roof will increase the home’s value by $15,427, on average. That works out to 68 percent of the investment.

Architectural shingles are engineered to remain cooler than traditional shingles by offering greater light deflection. They also provide added insulation, which reduces heat transference between your home and the outdoors, resulting in lower heating and cooling bills.

Architectural shingles are high-quality dimensional or laminated shingles that add beauty to your roof. The shingles are thicker and offer different color variations to add three-dimensional light and shadows to the roof. They may be installed in different sizes and with complementary colors for certain home designs.

It’s one of the most common questions people ask when it’s time to replace their roof: Are 50-year shingles worth the money? And like most questions, our answer is simple. In most cases, 50-year shingles won’t improve on resale value of a home over 25- or 30-year shingles.

A heavier shingle doesn’t necessarily make a better shingle. Many years ago roofing contractors would compare shingles by weight, the heavier the shingle the better. Lighter shingles were always the lower quality shingle that would not last. Weight is no longer a factor when choosing a shingle.

Average Cost to Replace a Roof by House Size

For wind protection, you want a hip roof that has four slopes, pitched ideally at about 30 degrees. The idea is that more slopes will handle high winds better, so anything more than a two-slope gable roof will be more resistant to wind damage.

Architectural shingles weigh about 400 lbs per square

25 to 40 years