Your Asphalt Shingle Options

9/19/2018

According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association, four out of five American homes have asphalt shingle roofs. Asphalt roofing shingles are the most popular product used for roofing in America, and there are several different kinds. The average shingle will come with a variety of color and design options, but the type of shingles available can be divided into three base categories: Three-tab (sometimes called Standard or Strip shingles), Dimensional (Laminate or Architectural shingles) and Premium shingles. We’ll take a closer look at each of these three different shingle types and their identifying characteristics.

Strip Shingles

Strip Shingles are the original type of shingle, and they are the most basic shingles available in the industry. Strip shingles are single layer shingles that are usually designed to look like slabs of slate. They can be identified by their very flat appearance and their light weight. They are generally the lightest weighing type of shingle that can be found in the market. Although they used to be the most commonly bought and sold shingle, significant advances in technology and consumer sophistication have relegated strip shingles to use primarily in the construction of economy priced homes.

CertainTeed’s XT™25 and Patriot shingles are examples of strip shingles.

Dimensional Shingles

Dimensional shingles have replaced strip shingles as the predominant roofing shingle in North America. They are dual or multi-layered and give the roof a thick, rich appearance that looks multi-dimensional. Compared to strip shingles, dimensional shingles are usually heavier, and they often have better warranty protections that cover the shingles from 30 years to lifetime.

Examples of dimensional shingles include CertainTeed’s Landmark™ Series roofing shingles.

Premium Shingles

Usually described as laminated shingles, premium shingles stand out in appearance from traditional dimensional shingles. These types of shingles are often available in designs that mimic the look of “old-world” roofing shingles such as natural slate or shake. These natural designs provide an enhanced aesthetic appeal. Premium shingles are also often made to be “impact resistant”, protecting them from hailstorms and potentially extending the life of the roofing system.

The Grand Manor™ and Presidential Shake™ products from CertainTeed are examples of premium roofing shingles.

There is an asphalt shingle for every budget and specialty shingles for enhanced performance and visual appeal. To learn more about different types of shingles and view design and color options from CertainTeed, take a look at our online catalogue.