Asphalt roofing shingles are the most commonly used roofing material on residential properties in the market.
Asphalt’s primary purpose in roofing shingles is to serve as a waterproofing agent.
It also holds the granules in place and adds to the overall strength of the roofing shingle.
The best asphalt will stay flexible, won’t dry out, and won’t become hard or grow brittle for the expected life of the roofing shingle.
Read more about the different types of asphalt shingles below.
Three major categories of Asphalt Roofing Shingles available in the market:
Strip Shingles (3-Tab)
Strip asphalt roofing shingles are single-layered asphalt roofing shingles typically designed to look like slate. Strip roofing shingles are usually the lightest weight asphalt roofing shingles available in the market.
Built on a tough fiberglass base, each shingle provides resistance to blow-off and tearing. Strip roofing shingles are used primarily by home builders manufacturing economy-priced homes or purchased by homeowners as replacement roofing shingles for homes that already have strip shingles on the roof.
CertainTeed manufactures strip roofing shingles under the product names XT™ 25.
Dimensional Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Dimensional asphalt roofing shingles are manufactured as multi-layered products and provide a thicker and richer appearance on the roof (a multi-dimensional look).
Dimensional roofing shingles typically are heavier weight than strip roofing shingles and usually have improved warranty protections, which can range from 30-years to a Lifetime.
CertainTeed’s Landmark™ Series roofing shingles are a prototypical design for a Dimensional roofing shingle.
Premium Asphalt Roofing Shingles
Premium asphalt roofing shingles are usually described as laminated shingles that have a differentiated appearance or functionality from traditional dimensional asphalt roofing shingles.
These products may have designs that mimic “old-world” roofing shingles, like natural slate or natural shake roofing shingles. CertainTeed’s Grand Manor™, Presidential Shake™, and Carriage House™ shingles are prime examples of premium roofing shingles that provide an enhanced aesthetic appeal.
Premium asphalt roofing shingles might also have important functional improvements such as Impact Resistance or Solar Reflectivity that can possibly extend the life of the roofing system or provide lower energy costs. Landmark™ IR and Landmark and Presidential Solaris™ would be primary examples of premium asphalt roofing shingles that provide enhanced functional performance.
Want to learn more about the different shingle options? Schedule a free roofing consultation!
