Planning a new shingle install can be difficult, regardless of whether you are building a new house or replacing an old roof. There are many shingles available on the market and it can be hard to choose the best value and quality.
Knowing how different shingle types compare will help you choose the right one for your home. We have compared two popular shingle types to help you decide which one is better.
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles
For basic installations, the 3-tab asphalt shingle should be your standard choice. They can be described as the “no-frills” option. While they are made to do the job, you won’t get outstanding performance or long-term durability from them.
Because they are a single-layer, flat composite of ceramic, asphalt, and fiberglass, 3-tab shingles can be thin. They offer good UV reflection and waterproofing, but they are weaker than other shingles making them more vulnerable to wind forces.
When it comes to pricing, 3-tab shingles are the best. They are 40-50% cheaper than high-grade shingles and therefore the most affordable option for the short-term. You should replace your shingles at the latest within 20 years. This is due to the damage caused by hurricanes and storms in South Florida.
Ideal for: Projects requiring a fast, efficient fix without worrying about future replacement costs.
Architectural Shingles
The “architectural” class of shingles is an upgrade to the standard 3-tabs. These shingles have a dimensional construction, which is made up of multiple layers. They can be shaped to look like slate roofs or shake, and have a thicker thickness.
A strong structure will also provide extra durability. GAF Timberline HDZ architectural shingles come with LayerLock(tm), which allows for more secure installation. Timberlines have a wind warranty that doesn’t limit wind speed. This makes them one of the most storm-resistant roofing options. In South Florida’s humid tropical climate, the built-in algal protection is very useful.
Timberline shingles from GAF are more expensive than standard 3-tabs but they will save you money over the long-term. GAF Timberline shingles come with a lifetime warranty. This means that you won’t have to worry about replacing them for as long you own your property. These shingles have a 10% average increase in home value due to their superior quality.
Ideal for: Projects aiming to achieve the highest level of durability and protection.
This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing, one of the best roofing companies in St Petersburg FL. Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.
