Every home owner knows that the roof serves as one of the most essential fixtures on a structure or building. This has in recent years seen massive growth and evolution of roofing products which can be largely attributed to the technological advancements taking place. With the right roofing in place, you are guaranteed of a home or structure that is easy on the eye and alluring. It is indeed hard to mention quality or high-end roofing products without stating the impact of architectural shingles which have been grabbing all the headlines on home improvement catalogs and magazines.
What are Architectural Roof Shingles?
Asphalt and fiberglass for years now, are products that have been synonymous with roofing especially in regards to residential homes. These shingles are thickened asphalt shingles with a natural touch added to them giving the products a look similar to that of clay or slate for that matter. The roof shingles are without a doubt quite elegant and appealing, and the fact that they are less expensive than roof products made from natural materials makes them ideal for roofing especially in residential homes. They are however more expensive than your standard asphalt shingles or fiberglass.
Besides having made a solid reputation of being ranked among the best roofing materials currently on the market, architectural roof shingles otherwise known as laminated shingles or dimensional shingles come with numerous benefits to their advantage giving them an edge over competition. To begin with, they are composed of ceramic coated granules for visual appeal and texture, heavy fiberglass basing, and water resistant asphalt which makes the perfect blend that not only gives the shingles a solid structure but also an elegant look.
The architectural roof shingles are available in a wide variety of elegant designs and styles aimed at matching different tastes and preferences. The most exclusive slate shingles entail composite materials aimed at giving them a look and texture similar to that of natural slates. The versatility offered by the shingles can therefore be termed as one of the highest in the vibrant industry if the range of colors produced is also anything to go by.
Benefits of Using Architectural Roof Shingles:
The natural beauty and allure offered by architectural shingles serves as the paramount benefit of the roofing products. Besides mimicking natural roofing materials such as cedar wood which can be quite expensive to purchase and install, the shingles enhance an appealing three-dimensional touch rare to ordinary roofing solutions. They also come in a wide range of textures, design and colors to match the varying tastes or preferences of individuals.
The materials used to make and manufacture architectural roof shingles offer high levels of insulation from almost any harsh weather conditions. They are distinctively known to facilitate great cooling solutions during hot seasons mainly owed to their effective deflection properties. It is however essential to note that the quality of architectural roof shingles varies depending on the manufacturer or brand. Some of the best shingles on the market are also coated with zinc granules to prevent growth of mold and algae.
The shingles are quite easy to install and work with; a factor primarily attributed to their lightweight nature. This however, should not fool you as they indeed offer optimum levels of durability. The extra thickness entailed in designing architectural roof shingles not only guarantees years of service which is actually more than conventional shingles, but also makes them resistant to harsh and hostile conditions such as fire or wind. This is reflected in the warranties that are attached to the products usually from 30 to 50 years depending on the manufacturer.