Finding the Best Asphalt Shingles for Your Roof

9/29/2015

Learn more about the different types of shingles available as you look for the best asphalt shingles for your roof, including Three-tab, Dimensional, and Premium.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular product used to roof American homes, with four out of five homes having an asphalt shingle roof according to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturers Association. Most asphalt shingles come in a wide variety of color and design options, but in terms of shingle type, there are chiefly three design categories:

• Three-tab (also called Standard or Strip shingles)
• Dimensional (also called Laminate or Architectural shingles)
• Premium shingles.

Let’s take a look at these three different shingle types:

Strip Shingles are the original and the most basic of roofing shingles available in the industry. Strip shingles are denoted by the fact that they are single layered roofing shingles that are generally designed to look like slate. Strip shingles have a very flat appearance on the roofline and are typically the lightest weight roofing shingles available in the market.

Strip shingles used to be the predominant roofing shingle available and used in the market. Today, however, with significant advances in technology and consumer sophistication, strip shingles are used primarily by home builders manufacturing economy priced homes.

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

Dimensional Shingles are now the predominant roofing shingles installed in North America. These products are manufactured as dual-layered products (or multi-layered in some instances) and provide a thicker and richer appearance on the roof, giving it a multi-dimensional look. Dimensional shingles are typically heavier than strip shingles and usually have improved warranty protections, which can range from 30-years to Lifetime.

CertainTeed’s Landmark™ Series roofing shingles are an example of a dimensional shingle.

Premium Shingles are usually described as laminated shingles that have a differentiated appearance from traditional dimensional shingles. These products may have designs that mimic “old-world” roofing shingles, like natural slate or natural shake shingles, to provide an enhanced aesthetic appeal. Some premium shingles are also manufactured as impact-resistant which can protect the shingle from hail-storms and possibly extend the life of the roofing system.

CertainTeed’s Grand Manor™ and Presidential Shake™ products are prime examples of Premium roofing shingles.

As you can see, there is an asphalt shingle for every budget, as well as specialty shingles for enhanced performance and aesthetics. To find out more about the best asphalt shingles for your roof, and view numerous shingle design and color options from CertainTeed, visit our online catalog.