Which Asphalt Shingles Are Right For Me?

This is a question we get often at Southern Roofing & Exteriors when meeting with clients in regard to their roofing needs. Let’s take a look at the 3 main styles of asphalt shingles and which would be best for you and your home!

3 Tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles are pretty much the lowest you can go as far as price and performance with asphalt shingles. They used to be made in different varieties but pretty much all manufacturers have gone from offering 20-year and 25-year 3 tabs to just offering 25 year. They are the lightest of the main 3 shingle categories as well as offering the least amount of resistance to the wind (most manufacturers give a 5-year 60MPH wind rating.) Here at Southern Roofing & Exteriors we are certified with GAF & Certainteed and offer Royal Sovereign as well as XT25 3-tab shingles to our clients. They are a great, budget-friendly option for your home!

Architectural / Laminate Shingles

These styles of shingles have become the most popular on the market today! Sometimes often referred to as “dimensional” shingles, these shingles provide greater aesthetic appeal as well as greater resistance to the elements than the 3-tab shingles. Most manufacturers state that architectural shingles will weigh around 220-230 lbs per square, giving them more weight than the 3 tabs, as well as providing double the wind resistance being offered at 130 MPH with most manufacturers.

The new GAF Timberline HDZ is the main option our clients choose for their homes! With a redesigned look, a 3-inch wide nailing zone for easy installation, 25-year algae streak resistance (No more black stains!), and the first manufacturer to mechanically fasten the common bond area, these are a no-brainer choice for our clients. GAF is also the first manufacturer to offer an unlimited wind rating on their architectural line of shingles!

Designer / Luxury Shingles

These shingles are ideal for clients with a large budget and typically for their “dream / forever home” with a much higher weight and warranty period (up to 50 years) these shingles are beautiful and last a long time! With such options as Grand Manor, Carriage House & others with Certainteed and Grand Canyon, Camelot II & Stateline from GAF, homeowners have lots of options as far as looks go and won’t have to worry about their roof for years to come! With some of these options boasting an impressive over 420 lbs per square, these are nice, THICK shingles that are resistant to damage from storms and look beautiful! All of these are great options for your roof, still not sure about which is best for you? Give us a call here at Southern Roofing & Exteriors at 678-348-0273 to schedule a free roof consultation! Whether it’s currently leaking, showing signs of age, or in need of replacement we can help!