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What is the difference between architectural shingles and asphalt shingles?

 The difference between architectural shingles and asphalt is that while asphalt have one layer of materials architectural shingle are thicker and more durable. This will allow architectural shingles to better protect against cosmetic damages and have better water shedding abilities. While asphalt comes in the standard three-tab shingle variety with three separate tabs that are 12 inches wide architectural shingles are characterized as dimensional or laminate with various sizes, shapes and colors. This can allow for more aesthetic choices as asphalt typical only comes in that rectangular shape with gray or brown colors. 

What is an architectural roof shingle?

Architectural shingles are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles and are composed of heavy fiberglass mat bases with ceramic coated granules which are tightly embedded and resigned. This makes them water resistant and with thicker materials more durable against impact.

Are architectural shingles better?

Architectural shingles are the upgraded option of asphalt shingles yet can even imitate higher end roofing materials such as cedar and slate. Since they are nearly two-three times as thick they are less vulnerable to cosmetic wear, rip offs and curling.

What are the advantages of architectural shingles?

Architectural shingles are stronger and more refined and due to its thickness and composition will have higher wind resistance. Some can even withstand 120 mph winds whereas standard asphalt can only resist 60-80mph winds. They also offer better fire resistance and water-shedding.

How many years do architectural shingles last?

Architectural shingles are premium versions of asphalt shingles and can last longer. Where asphalt lasts around 15-20 years, architectural shingles can last from 25-30 years

What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

The longest lasting type of roofing shingles will actually be slate shingles as they have a roof life of over 125 years. Metal roofing also has a long roof life of 50 plus years and depending on the metal material can last longer in range.

Are architectural shingles energy efficient?

Architectural shingles are engineered to act as a cool roof with greater light deflection. They have added insulation will will reduce heat transfer from the outdoors and indoors so a more stable building temperature is maintained without fluctuations. This will allow your HVAC system to operate more smoothly which lowers HVAC bills as a result since energy isn’t being wasted to keep up with constant daily changes in temperature.

What color shingles are best?

For any type of roofing materials, not just with architectural shingles, lighter colors will be better for energy efficiency. This is due to the fact that dark colors absorb sunlight and heat while lighter colors reflect it off better. Roof coatings will therefore typically be white in color or of a lighter color hue such as light blue, soft green and similar colors.

What is the most energy efficient roofing material?

The most energy-efficient type of roofing materials can be considered white roof tiles as well as metal roofing. Metal roofing can reflect 75.4% of solar energy while tile roofs have a building envelope or space between the tiles and substrate of the roof itself which can allow for more airflow between the roof while cooling it down.

Get Help From a Professional Roofer Today

When you’re looking into adding architectural shingles get in touch with your local qualified roofing company. They will best be able to inspect your roof and offer the best recommendations of roofing materials based on the climate where you live as well as your particular roof’s specifications. Architectural shingles are great premium roofing options that can mimic higher-end materials with more versatile looks at a lower roofing price. See what size, shape, texture, and color options are available to you with architectural shingles today and get a pristine looking roof for your property!

If you’re interested in architectural shingles in Austin, TX call 512-617-7335 with Texas Cool Roofing & Waterproofing!

How do I know if my roof has storm damage?

Unfortunately, there is no single universal sign of damage to your roof. In fact, because the roof is so high up, you might not be able to even see the damage without being on the roof itself. There are, however, a few of the more common indications that damage has been done to your roof.

If heavy winds have hit your area, you may notice missing shingles. There are less obvious signs of wind damage as well. The thin horizontal lines where the granules have been worn off about an inch or two beneath the shingle may become evident. This indicates that the shingle was broken and potentially flapping due to the strength of the wind.

This is important because your shingles are what help to keep your roof watertight. Without them, moisture could get into your home and cause damage to areas other than the roof.

There is also the case of discoloration from heavy water damage that can be seen from the ground. Typically it is hardest to determine if you have incurred roof damage after a hail storm. Dents to areas of your home typically cannot be seen from the ground and require a formal inspection to spot.

What causes roof damage?

There are three main factors that can seriously damage a roof. It is important to note that your roof is technically being damaged just about every single day. Even if the weather in your area is perfect, it is still taking a pounding from the UV rays that the sun projects.

In any event, the first major factor is wind damage. High enough winds can peel up portions of shingles or other areas of the roof. This compromises the integrity of the shingles around it as well as the roof as a whole.

Water damage is another major contender. If a storm is heavy enough, that water can beat down on your roof and make its way underneath the roofing material. This can lead to leaks as well as structural damage to the roof and other areas of your home.

Lastly, hail is another major factor in damage. Most roofs are now equipped to handle hail of most sizes, simply letting it bounce away. But if the hail is large enough, it can leave indentations in your roof and the other appliances on your rooftop that are there.

Hail damage is perhaps the most difficult when it comes to storm damage to spot because it can be subtle unless you get right on top of it. In most cases, hail damage can be an annoyance, compromising the structural integrity of the shingles or other areas of the roof. In major hail cases, it can cause holes that can lead to leaks and other damage to your roof.

Can I claim roof damage on insurance?

The short answer to this question is a “yes, but…” Damage to your roof from the aforementioned factors typically falls under being covered by peril. In most cases, your homeowners’ policy will help cover the cost of the repairs if not completely cover them.

The problem here is in dealing with the insurance company. The process can be a long one as the insurance company has to send a claims adjustor out to inspect the damage and make sure that it wasn’t caused through negligence or lack of maintenance.

They do this because insurance companies will find any reason to not pay that claim out. They are in the business of taking your money, not paying it out. Still, if you can reasonably show that your roof was in good condition and simply damaged by severe weather, they will end up covering at least some of it.

How do I know if my roof needs replacing?

This could be one thing or a series of issues coming together at once. If you have shingle roofing, there are a few signs to look for. If the majority of your shingle edges are cupped or curled, if the shingles themselves are cracked, or if there are bald spots where the granules are missing, it may be time to replace your roof.

If your roof is over 20 years old and has experienced recent storm damage in Austin, TX, it may also be time to replace them. Really, the best bet is to talk to your local roofing contractor and get an opinion and a quote from them. A reputable company like Texas Cool Roofing & Waterproofing will advise you for or against a replacement based on your current situation. You can find out more about how we can help by calling 512-617-7335.