What is laminate shingles?

Laminated shingles, also known as architectural roof shingles or three-dimensional shingles, are thick, double-layered fiberglass roofing shingles that offer a bold and visually striking aesthetic to your home's roof.

What is the difference between asphalt and laminate shingles?

Composition. 3-tab asphalt shingles are made of asphalt, are flat and have a single tab shape and size. Laminate shingles, or “laminated architectural” shingles, are made of a more refined asphalt, have a heavier base mat and multiple material layers.

What is 30 year laminated shingles?

Are also known as the dimensional or architectural shingles. Owen's Corning 30 year shingles sell under “Oakridge”. These shingles are thicker, heavier and have more tar which sticks shingles together by thermal sealing.

How long do laminated architectural shingles last?

Pro: Laminate Shingles Are Durable

In addition, laminate shingles are less likely to curl than asphalt shingles. Thanks to their durability, manufacturers tend to back these products up with extended warranties that last throughout the roof's entire lifespan, which is typically at least 30 years.

Are laminated shingles impact resistant?

With more protective asphalt, granules and fiberglass per square foot, laminated shingles can resist sun, heat, impact and water damage more effectively and for a longer time than 3-tab shingles can. This is reflected, in general, by longer warranty times and higher wind ratings for laminated shingles.

What Are Laminated Shingles And What Are The Benefits?

How do you tell if a shingle is laminated?

3-Tab, commonly known as regular asphalt shingles, are flat and uniform in shape. Laminated, oftentimes known as architectural shingles, are similar to asphalt shingles but come in different shapes and sizes with a heavier base mat. Due to its different sizes and shapes, it appears more dimensional than 3-Tab.

Is it worth getting impact resistant shingles?

Short Answer: Yes, impact resistant shingles are worth the additional cost as they are more hail and wind resistant, have better warranties, most insurance companies offer a discount on your premium if you have IR shingles, and most folks find the peace of mind they get with IR shingles worth it.

Is laminate shingle good?

They Are Strong and Durable

The boost in longevity is due to the shingle's unique three-dimensional shape and thicker material layers, which allow for extra strength and security without the need for additional roof support.

What is the wind rating for laminated shingles?

Laminated shingles with 30- to 50-year warranties typically weigh 250 to 300 pounds per square, and are designed with a maximum wind resistance of 70 to 110 miles per hour.

What are the three types of shingles?

The 3 types of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, architectural, and luxury. The great thing about asphalt shingles is there's one for every budget and home aesthetic. However, there are massive differences between the 3 types. Let's look at each shingle's basic information, look, cost, lifespan, warranty, and pros and cons.

Do 40 year shingles really last 40 years?

Architectural shingles: Also called dimensional shingles, these asphalt shingles are mid-range priced and last between 20-30 years. Premium shingles: The highest price tag when it comes to asphalt shingle materials, these last between 25-40 years.

Do 50 year shingles really last 50 years?

The next thing you need to consider is this: 50-year shingles do not necessarily have a lifespan of 50 years. In fact, they usually fall 5-10 years short of that period. While this is sometimes caused by improper installation, it is more often the result of poor maintenance or negligence.

How can you tell the difference between 20 and 30 year shingles?

The larger your roof, the larger difference there will be between the 20-year shingles and the 30-year. The 3-tab, or 20-year shingles look flat because of the way they lay. Choosing architectural or 30-year shingles will give your roof more dimension. The shadow line is what gives the appearance of depth.

What is the best type of shingle?

Asphalt shingles

Even though asphalt shingles are one of the best overall types of roof shingles, there are actually three different types of asphalt shingles. The three options to choose from are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. 3-tab asphalt shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip.

Are 30 year shingles worth it?

While 30-year architectural shingles might cost more upfront, their durability generally makes them a better long-term investment.

What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

Of the 3 types of asphalt shingles, the longest lasting are luxury (or premium) asphalt shingles. Luxury asphalt shingles are larger and thicker than 3-tab or architectural shingles, which makes them more durable.

What are the best shingles for windy areas?

Shingles that are “impact-resistant” are considered a class 4 product, and are designed to withstand high winds and hail damage. They may be made of copper, aluminum, resin and plastic (composite). Shingles with a Class 4 rating have an impact resistance rating of UL 2218.

What are the best windproof shingles?

If you're looking for the shingle with the best wind protection. There is no doubt the GAF Timberline HDZ shingle provides the greatest protection from the wind. And if you're still not sure what shingle is right for you after learning about the HDZ shingles. We'd recommend you check out all about metal roofs.

What is the strongest roof for wind?

What is the downside of laminate?

Susceptible to liquid damage: Laminate floors are sensitive to moisture. Oversaturation of any liquid, not just water, can cause the planks to buckle, stain and break down if left untreated.

What are the cons of laminates?

What are the disadvantages of impact resistant shingles?

The biggest downside to installing impact-resistant shingles is price. Class 4 impact-resistant shingles tend to cost 10% to 20% more than standard asphalt shingles. If standard shingles cost $1.00 to $1.50 per square foot for materials alone, impact-resistant shingles will cost $1.10 to $1.80* per square foot.

How do I know if my shingles are impact resistant?

To qualify as UL 2218 Class 4 impact-resistant, shingles have to pass the standardized UL 2218 assessment—colloquially known as the "steel ball test." During this assessement a 2-inch steel ball is dropped, twice, from a 20-foot height on an installed shingle to evaluate the its ability to withstand the impact.

What is the difference between Class 3 and Class 4 impact resistant shingles?

Class 3 shingles can withstand steel balls that are 44 mm or 1.75 inches in diameter. Class 4 shingles can withstand steel balls that are 50.8 mm or 2 inches in diameter.