The majority of homes have asphalt shingle roofs do to their relative inexpensive costs when compared with other types of roofing materials. However, what many homeowners do not know is that there are multiple types of asphalt shingles to choose from. While the most common types of asphalt shingles are three tab shingles, which have three cutouts that look like separate pieces, architectural shingles may also be an option for some homeowners depending on the type of roof that they have.
Both three tab shingles and architectural shingles and can be made from fiberglass or from organic materials. What makes architectural shingles different from three tab shingles different is that they are much thicker and are designed to resemble other types of roofing material. For example, some architectural shingles may look like cedar shakes, slate tiles or clay tiles. Depending on the homeowners’ preferences, a Charleston roofing contractor may help find the right type of architectural shingle for the home.
Architectural shingles have some distinct advantages over three tab shingles. In climates that experience hotter weather, for example, these shingles will offer some cool roof benefits by reflecting light and adding a layer of insulation between the attic space and the outside environment. Additionally, the coatings that many manufacturers add to the shingles can resist algae and mold growth.