Asphalt shingles are, without any doubt, the most popular roofing material in America, and not even today, yet for a long time. Apparently, the first use of asphalt shingles was at the beginning of the twentieth century, somewhere in 1903.
Since then, asphalt roofing has become more and more advanced and popular, so today, we have several types of asphalt shingles. The most popular ones are:
- 3-tab asphalt shingles,
- fiberglass roofing shingles, and
- architectural shingles.
Besides these three most popular types of residential roofing shingles, Jackson homeowners may have heard of several other shingle types, including luxury shingles, premium (or designer shingles), performance shingles, and others. But we will stick to these three known asphalt shingle roofing types since they are the most represented on the market.
Each type has its advantages and downsides, and that’s why every homeowner needs to know the differences so he can decide which one he should put on his roof, especially if longevity is the most important factor to consider.
Furthermore, the roof’s longevity is also affected by weather, so homeowners in Jackson, Tennessee, must conduct an additional check and choose the type of asphalt shingle that can withstand changing weather with lots of rain, snow, and storms.
3-Tab Asphalt Shingles
3-tab asphalt shingles are also known as traditional shingles or strip shingles. They are known for their flat, simple appearance, with the same shape and a typically slate look. These shingles have two main advantages, which are affordability and easy installation. They also weigh significantly less than other asphalt shingles.
As for durability, even though the manufacturer-specified lifespan of the 3-tab asphalt shingles is around 25 years, the reality is that 3-tab asphalt shingles last around 18 to 20 years. Furthermore, certain research and tests have shown that 3-tab asphalt shingles are a better option for colder climates, as they have proven to be extremely durable in areas where winter is severe.
Fiberglass Roofing Shingles
Fiberglass shingles are one more popular option when choosing shingles for your home in Jackson. They are a type of asphalt shingle with a fiberglass mat as a base, making them more water-resistant and fire-resistant.
The durability of fiberglass shingles is truly enviable since fiberglass shingles can last up to forty or even fifty years. But only in hot climates. As for cold climates, fiberglass shingles aren’t the best option since they are prone to damage. Also, since they are thinner than regular, 3-tab asphalt shingles, they provide less insulation, so the energy consumption is higher.
One more downside of fiberglass shingles is their price since they are more expensive than 3-tab asphalt shingles, but they are also less expensive than architectural shingles, making them a moderately expensive option for roof installation.
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional shingles since they are way thicker than 3-tab shingles, which gives them that well-recognized, three-dimensional look. Because of the thickness, architectural shingles are significantly heavier than 3-tab or fiberglass shingles. Because of the above-mentioned features, we may conclude that architectural shingles are sturdier roofing material than fiberglass shingles and 3-tab shingles.
As for durability, architectural shingles can last up to 30 years or even more in ideal conditions. Besides being durable, architectural shingles are also known for their ability to withstand high winds and a variety of styles.
One more advantage architectural shingles bring to their owners is an extensive warranty since manufacturers’ warranties include limited lifetime warranties that cover wind resilient for up to 120 mph.
The downside of architectural shingles is their cost since they are significantly expensive, especially compared to 3-tab shingles.
Conclusion
Even though fiberglass shingles are the most durable, before deciding what kind of shingles you should purchase for your Jackson home, take into consideration some other factors as well, like climate (for example, architectural shingles are the best option for areas with severe weather), aesthetic preferences, and your budget.
Probably the best advice would be to contact Jackson roofing contractor before the final purchase to get professional advice based on their knowledge and experience and save yourself thousands of dollars in advance.
