SB Roofing Blog

Architectural shingles are a new generation of high-quality roofing shingles with a distinctive, textured appearance.  They are also known as laminated or dimensional shingles; architectural roofing shingles are among the highest quality roofing products made. Architectural shingles were designed to produce an asphalt shingle product that had the higher end quality look of slate or cedar wood shake shingles, without the negatives of breakage, insect damage or weight. Architectural shingles come in a wide variety of colors, styles, and warranties.  

Architectural shingles have a unique visual appearance. Instead of a running row pattern as with 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles have a cedar shake texture appearance that give a more dramatic look to a home. Architectural shingles are also excellent for hiding roof imperfections due to their textured look. Because of this alone, many home builders prefer to use them today. However, many builders believe that architectural shingles are easier to install then 3-tab shingles.

Architectural shingles are manufactured using a mat base that is heavier than the standard 3-tab asphalt shingle. The mat base is made from either organic materials or fiberglass material coated with asphalt. Colored granules are then added to the top surface. Multiple layers are overlapped and laminated together to produce the textured appearance found in architectural shingles.

Due to the heavier mat base, architectural shingles are heavier than standard 3-tab shingles, thus making them less susceptible to curling and wind damage. Some higher end architectural shingles are rated for winds up to 120mph. They also have heavy coats of granules are also highly fire resistant.

Architectural shingles are excellent for more complicated and higher end roof lines, such as hip roofs, or roofs that include turrets and gables.

Synthetic Shingles are designed to look exactly like the natural roofs, such as slate or cedar, but at a fraction of the cost. Synthetic roofing is realistic looking and highly durable. These state-of-the-art shingles provide you with a stronger, pliable, and worry free roof for your home. After the shingles are installed, the sun bonds them together providing you with a solid membrane. This gives you additional protection for your roof.

Interest and use of synthetic roof shakes is growing. There are many advantages, from style and function, a long lifespan, and low maintenance. As homeowners grow more acquainted with the materials and the benefits, they will see the advantages a synthetic roof shake brings.

Synthetic slate has a very good textural effect and appearance and they solve many problems wood shakes have such as pests, and mold and mildew. Even better, they are guaranteed for 50 years. Synthetic roof shakes are made of many different materials and are an environmentally friendly alternative. They are all polymer-based, and some use recycled material. Different manufacturers use different materials for the synthetic roof shake but synthetic roof shake captures the texture and colors of natural materials, while delivering a highly durable shingle, which is weather resistant with a long lifespan.