Picking The Best Shingles For Your Houston Roof

If you are in the market for a roof replacement as a result of storm damage or an expired warranty, picking the type of shingles for your roof is more than just a matter of aesthetics. Sure, finding some nice looking shingles to complement the exterior of your house is important, but cost and protection are essential. Most shingles provide an average of 20 years of protection, but there are alternatives. Our Amstill Roofing crew in Houston offers three kinds of shingles to Houston, Katy, and Sugarland, as well as other neighboring suburbs. Read on to learn the differences between each type in order to make an informed decision about the best rooftop shingle to meet your needs.

3-Tab Shingles

3-tab shingles are the most common type of rooftop shingle, but there has been a decline in favor of higher-end options, which will be discussed later on. That said, 3-tab shingles are still a viable and economical option. They are single-layer, which makes them lightweight and inexpensive. Typically, these kinds of shingles are made with fiberglass and then coated with different colored granules, which can create an overall appearance of varied tones. This makes the rooftop look more natural, which matches them to almost any rooftop. They last between 20-30 years depending on the manufacturer and the weather conditions. Because they are so lightweight, however, 3-tab shingles are prone to blowing off when faced with strong winds.

Laminate Shingles

Laminate shingles are an enhanced version of the typical 3-tab shingle. Whereas 3-tab shingles are made up of a single layer, laminates have an extra layer that provides extra thickness. This means they can withstand stronger winds and rougher weather conditions over time. On average, laminate shingles provide a warranty of around 30-50 years of protection, making them a more enticing option than the common 3-tab shingle. 

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are among the best and highest quality market offerings. Because they are higher-end, they do cost more than 3-tab and laminate shingles, but they are a very attractive option for your roofing. These shingles are made up of even thicker and heavier slabs which, as we have seen, are two factors directly correlated with how long your rooftop shingles last. There are two main reasons why architectural shingles are such an attractive option, despite their price tag. The biggest benefit of these shingles is that they last 50 years to a lifetime. Another benefit is that these shingles are typically layered in such a way that dramatically changes the look of your roof, thus adding more value to your home.

Amstill Roofing Will Offer Expert Guidance When Picking Your Rooftop Shingles

If your rooftop warranty is about to expire, contact us at Amstill Roofing so that we can complete a free inspection. After the inspection, we will advise you on what type of shingles meet your needs for safety and appearance.