At one time, laminated shingles were only found on upper scale homes. Now, these types of shingles are gaining popularity in the American home marketplace. In fact, you can discover laminated shingles on many houses in your own neighborhood. If your home doesn’t have these shingles, then you might want to consider a replacement. Laminated shingles are an upgrade from the traditional 3-tile shingle roofing, and they are a viable option for those who want to add aesthetic appeal to a home. Here are a few things that you will want to know about laminated shingles.
What Are Laminated Shingles?
Laminated shingles are starting to gain in popularity, and they are an effective way to shingle your roof. The shingles consist of several layers of fiberglass that is dipped in asphalt. The process is finished with a coat of fire-resistant granules. These shingles are also called architectural or dimensional shingles as a way to differentiate them from the traditional 3-tile product.
These shingles were developed in the early 1970s, and they were made mostly for higher-end homes. Homeowners wanted a product with asphalt that could boost the curb appeal of the house and still have the aesthetic appeal like shingles made of tile or slate. These shingles were also designed to have greater durability and performance due to the asphalt.
Over the years, laminate shingles were made to have the textures that were highly desired by homeowners as they still retained the durability of asphalt. However, these shingles do need a professional to install them. They can be a little more complicated than a 3-tile shingle installation.
The Difference Between Laminated and 3-Tile Shingles
Traditionally, most homes will have shingles with 3-tabs. These shingles are all the same size and shape, and they are usually placed in a row after each other. As they are installed, it creates a brick-like structure on your roof. These traditional shingles are called 3-tab (or 3-tile) because the three tiles will form one unit, and the pattern is repeated across the roof. These shingles also have a flat texture with no dimensional thickness.
Laminated shingles are single unit shingles with a different size and shape. You will not have any uniformity with this style of shingle. They are great for those who want to make a different pattern on the roof, and they can also help you to hide any imperfections on the roof.
As it pertains to construction, laminated shingles do need some additional steps for installation. Laminated shingles require multiple layers of fiberglass, but they also have a stronger base layer than the traditional 3-tab shingle. All those layers of asphalt also make your roof stronger as well. These laminated shingles use a heavy type of asphalt that will also give your roof more stability than 3-tab shingles.
The Benefits of Laminated Shingles
Laminated tiles are changing the way that roofing companies and contractors are designing new roofs. They have more advantages than traditional 3-tile models in the marketplace today. Here are some of the benefits of laminated shingles.
Improved Design
If you are looking for a more multi-dimensional design, then you will want to choose a laminated shingle. They allow you to add more layers to your roof, and you can customize your home to stand out in the neighborhood. Interior designers are starting to take notice of laminated shingles since it can give you the freedom to personalize the look of your home. You can even imitate the look of cedar or slate without purchasing these materials for your home. For those who want to resell their home or build a new house, laminated shingles are a more attractive option for your roof.
Long Warranty
You want to choose a product that will last for several years. Many of the laminated shingles on the market have warranties that last 30 to 50 years. These warranties will protect and replace your shingles if there is any damage or manufacturing defect in them.
Durability
Laminated shingles have an extended warranty, but you might not need it. These shingles are more durable than other types in the marketplace. From snow to rain, the natural elements can wreak havoc on your roof. The several layers of asphalt will protect your roof from the weather and wildlife. They do a better job of handling inclement weather, including driving rains, direct sunlight, and strong winds. Many of these laminated shingles can also endure winds of up to 110 mph.
These shingles can also hold up to the extreme heat. During storms, you might be worried about damage to your roof. Laminated shingles are strong enough that they will not break. In addition to that, these shingles are fireproof. They have components that are fire, mold, and algae-resistant.
Cost-Effectiveness
Laminated shingles do need a significant investment, but they are cheaper over time. You can expect to pay 20 percent more for a laminated shingle than the traditional 3-tile one. However, this investment will pay you back in a few years. With their added durability, you will not have to replace them or schedule frequent repair calls. For the most part, they will stay as strong as the day they were first installed.
If you are thinking about selling your home, your home will be appraised at a higher value than those homes with traditional shingles. With these shingles, you are choosing high-quality over budget-quality materials for your roof. It might seem like a substantial investment, but you will be happier with the product over the lifespan of your home.
Laminated shingles look great on any type of roof. These shingles are a better value and more durable than those traditional 3-tab shingles. Your home will also stand out in the neighborhood when you install these shingles on your roof. When you need to choose new shingles, you should consider laminated shingles for your next project.
RGB Construction can help with your next roofing project. If you are interested in our services, make sure to fill out the contact form.
