Three Types of Asphalt Shingles to Consider for Your Roof Replacement

When planning for your roof replacement, there are choices to make in the process. Deciding which of the three primary types of asphalt shingles will work best for your long-term needs is a basic question you’ll need to answer as you design your new roof. 

Asphalt shingles are a popular roofing material option—and for good reason. Their durability, affordability, and beauty make them a great fit for many homeowners. They are known for their versatile customization and their diverse color options. Read on to gain insight into the three primary types of asphalt shingles. 

Complement Your Home’s Architecture with the Perfect Asphalt Roof Shingles

Asphalt roof shingles are a homeowner favorite because they combine reliable function with aesthetic flexibility to create outstanding shingles. They are an attractive option when it comes to roofing materials and are designed to fit a variety of budgets to give your home the protection it needs while amplifying its curb appeal. 

1. Three-tab Shingles

As the most cost-effective asphalt shingle option, this shingle gets its name from the three equal sections (or tabs) each piece contains. They look like three individual shingles but are actually a single strip, and their appearance is uniform and flat. Made of a fiberglass mat coated with asphalt, these shingles dominated the residential roofing industry market until technology improved and architectural shingles were developed. They are phasing out now, making them harder to customize with limited color options. 

• Lifespan – Up to 20 years
• Warranty – 25-year limited warranty from the manufacturer
• Color options – Limited, and may not be readily available
• Maintenance – Annually
• Durability – Can be prone to wind damage
• Best feature – Affordability

2. Architectural Shingles

A step up from 3-tab shingles in quality and appearance, architectural shingles are thicker and create a multi-dimensional texture to your roof’s appearance. Their added thickness offers enhanced durability and a longer life, making them a fantastic choice when you’re looking for the balance between aesthetics and performance. 

GAF’s popular Timberline® HDZ™ Architectural Shingles are made of multiple layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass, which are laminated together. Cut differently than the 3-tab shingles, their three-dimensional appearance adds exceptional visual interest to your new roof. And they can mimic the look of pricier shingles at a fraction of the cost.

When homeowners choose GAF’s architectural shingles combined with four GAF accessories, GAF architectural shingles with LayerLock Technology qualify for the outstanding WindProven limited wind warranty. This is the roofing industry’s first wind warranty with no maximum wind speed limitation. Now that’s durability! 

• Lifespan – 22-25 years when installed correctly and maintained over the years
• Warranty – These come with a 30-year prorated manufacturer’s warranty, which can be upgraded into a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty. 
• Color options – Variety of stylish color options 
• Maintenance – Annually 
• Durability – Reliable durability, but may incur damage from hailstorms
• Best features – Three-dimensional look adds aesthetic appeal 

3. Designer Shingles

Luxury designer shingles offer the summit of asphalt roofing technology and design. As the high-end option, they deliver maximum durability, outstanding weather resistance, and a stylish visual impact. Their composition factors into their high performance, making them the perfect choice for homeowners who prioritize exquisite looks and longevity. 

If you love the appearance of rustic cedar shakes, long-lasting slate, or wood shake shingles, GAF’s designer shingles mimic the beauty of these luxurious-looking shingles. Choose the color and design that brings out the best in your home’s architecture, and boost your curb appeal to the max with these gorgeous shingles. Of the three asphalt shingle options, designer shingles offer the most desirable features. They are the most significant initial investment, and add tremendous value to your home. 

• Lifespan – 30 years or more 
• Warranty – 30-year manufacturer’s warranty (prorated after 10 years). When you choose a full roofing system, your warranty may be able to be upgraded to a 50-year non-prorated warranty.  
• Color options – Various 
• Maintenance – Annually 
• Durability – Exceptional 
• Best features – Excellent curb appeal, outstanding durability and longevity, resists storm damage

Choose the Best Shingle for Your Long-Term Needs

While all three types of asphalt shingles protect your home and elevate its curb appeal, Architectural and Designer shingles deliver the optimal looks and weather resistance of the three. 

Warranties are an important area to compare before you decide which asphalt roofing shingle is best for your long-term needs. When you install all your roofing components (which is called “a complete roofing system”) from a single manufacturer, you’re well rewarded with the opportunity to upgrade your warranty. When it comes to an enhanced warranty, Architectural and Designer shingles are fabulous options.  

When comparing asphalt shingles for their durability, Designer shingles’ 30-year lifespan (when installed properly and maintained over the years) stands out from the other options. Architectural shingles last approximately 25 years, making them a solid choice as well, depending on your priorities and budget. 

Protect Your Home with a Gorgeous New Roof Installed by Our Experienced Team

Old roofing compromises your home’s protective layer and makes it vulnerable to leaks and costly moisture issues like rot, mold, and deterioration. Replacing your roof ensures your biggest investment is well shielded from the elements 24/7, so you can rest at ease even in the midst of a storm. 

At Lutgen Companies, we offer exceptional roofing installations by our skilled team. We are a GAF Master Elite Contractor, and only 2% of companies in America are awarded that status, so you can take the next step toward your roof replacement with us with confidence. Learn more about how our roofing services can enhance your home’s beauty while safeguarding it from Minnesota weather.