Are Architectural Shingles Worth the Cost?

Homeowners looking at roofing options often ask: with all the hype about architectural shingles, are they worth the extra cost? In a word, yes—the benefits of architectural shingles make the extra cost more than worth it. (Which, depending on your contractor, is around $15 per square. On most roofs, this results in the extra cost of $450.) Why exactly are architectural shingles worth the extra money? Architectural shingles have many benefits, including better curb appeal, improved wind resistance, and a longer manufacturer warranty.

Architectural shingles are also known as laminated, composite, or dimensional shingles—so called due to the three-dimensional appearance they provide.Both three tab (i.e. “regular”) and architectural shingles are types of asphalt shingle. The key distinction between the two is that architectural shingles are constructed with a thicker layer of a more refined type of asphalt, which provides a number of added advantages.

Architectural shingles are very appealing to the eye—they are as good-looking as very expensive slate shingles. However, while their three-dimensional appearance might rival the look of slate, architectural shingles are much lighter than slate shingles, which means that they don’t need the added, costly support built into an existing roofing structure to keep them in position. Essentially, with architectural shingles, you’re able to get a bigger boost in your home’s curb appeal for less money.In fact, if you ever decide to sell your house, these higher-quality shingles will increase your home’s value and quite possibly attract a wider pool of potential buyers.

Architectural shingles are, however, heavier than the three tab shingles, which means they are able to withstand higher wind speeds. In fact, some architectural shingles can withstand wind speeds up to 130 mph, while a regular three tab shingle is much more susceptible to being damaged or torn off by the wind.

Lastly, architectural shingles are worth the cost because they come with a great warranty. Ranging from 35 to 45 years (or sometimes, depending on the manufacturer, to the shingles’ lifetime), all architectural shingles come with some kind of valuable warranty that is often much longer than a three tab shingle warranty.

When you consider purchasing architectural shingles, you’re actually considering extending the life of your roof for a very long time (with proper maintenance). If you still can’t decide whether architectural shingles are right for your home, give Harbor Roofing and Siding a call—our roofing pros will be glad to help you find the perfect roofing materials for your home and budget.