Asphalt shingles are the most common form of roofing material used in the United States, primarily because they are so affordable. With a wide variety of colors and styles, asphalt shingle roofs are an economical and attractive way to spruce up your residence. One criticism of shingles used to be that the boring or repetitive look caused every roof on the block to look the same. Those days are over thanks to the advent of dimensional shingles.
Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminated shingles, are asphalt shingles with a twist. Laminated shingles, also known as “architectural” or “dimensional” shingles, are layered, and their thickness and depth make them look more like slate or wood shakes. Regular asphalt shingles have three regularly spaced asphalt tabs, giving the roofing material a very repetitive pattern. Dimensional shingles have two layers of shingle material bonded together. However, random notches have been taken out of the shingle, exposing the bottom layer. This gives these new shingles a three dimensional look, with different high and low tabs.
Check out color options at Owens Corning.
Because of the double bonded layer, dimensional shingles actually offer more protection from wind and hail — with the heaviest grades able to withstand 120 mph winds. They also have a longer lifespan — 40 years compared to the average 20 years for the single layer asphalt shingles. They also work on most roof types and pitches – like regular asphalt shingles, these can be used practically anywhere. In addition, Dimensional shingles are generally accepted as more aesthetically pleasing – so much so that many neighborhoods even require them
However there are a few cons to dimensional shingles. They are slightly more expensive – the double layer does add 20% to the cost on average. Additionally, they may be more susceptible to mildew and algae due to the notches – all asphalt shingles are susceptible to mold and mildew because the organic material in the shingle is one of mold’s favorite foods.
If you are interested in a more attractive option for your roof, call the professionals at Total Home Roofing. As the nations premier re-roofing specialist, we have extensive experience working with all types of shingle roofing for both residential and commercial properties.
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About Total Home Roofing: Total Home Roofing Central Florida’s #1 Residential and Commercial roofing company. Based in Rockledge, FL, founded in 2006, Total Home roofing has over 150 employees and 3 Central Florida offices available to serve you.
Serving Orlando, Winter Park, Winter Garden, Maitland, Apopka, Edgewood, Ocoee, Belle Isle, Bay Lake (part of Walt Disney World), Lake Buena Vista (part of Walt Disney World), Eatonville, Oakland, Windermere, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Vero Beach, Melbourne, Viera, Dewater, Titusville, Sanford, Daytona Beach, Port Orange, New Smyrna Beach, Ormond Beach, Kissimmee, Winter Haven, Ocala, Altamonte Springs, Longwood, Deltona, Oviedo, Deland, St. Cloud, Cape Canaveral, Ponce Inlet, Melbourne Beach, and the surrounding areas.
Locations: Brevard County FL, Orange and Seminole Counties FL, Volusia County FL, Cincinnati, Oh.
