Asphalt Roof Shingle Types

Did you know that asphalt shingles come in lots of different types? Here’s an easy-to-understand break-down of the styles.

1. Asphalt Roof Shingle Types – 3-Tab Shingles

If you’ve ever paid attention to shingles on an older home, you probably saw the 3-tab style. Each shingle is 3′ long, with 3 “tabs” that are each 1′ long. The exposed part of the shingle is roughly 5″ tall, and the joints are usually staggered, producing a very orderly pattern.

3-tab shingles are obviously the most economical option, at least for the short-run. Some 3-tab shingles will fade from one color or shade to another over the course of the 3-foot shingle; others are more uniform in color. 3-tab shingles use a single-ply of roofing material (as opposed to dimensional shingles). There is a fiberglass mat that is impregnated with asphalt and coated on both sides with small granules. The granules protect the asphalt from UV-degradation, while the asphalt protects the roof from water, and the fiberglass mat helps to hold the shingle together.

2. Asphalt Roof Shingle Types – Dimensional Shingles

A second type of asphalt shingle is the dimensional shingle. It’s also known as an “architectural shingle” and a “Timberline® shingle.” You’ve probably seen dimensional shingles on newer homes and admired the random and higher-definition look of this style.

Dimensional shingles are sort of like “1 1/2-ply” shingles. Where you see a “trapezoid” lying on top of the bottom ply (look at picture above), you have two-plys. Where you just see the bottom ply, you have one-ply. The “trapezoids,” in professional jargon, are called “dragonteeth.” Notice the variation of color from bottom to top of each course on the bottom ply. Notice also that some of the “dragonteeth” have darker granules, whilst others have lighter granules. All of this together, plus the random sizes and spaces of the “dragonteeth,” are what help give dimensional shingles their high-definition, random look.

3. Asphalt Roof Shingle Types – Designer Shingles

Designer shingles are not extremely common, but you’ve probably seen them a few times. Designer shingles utilize all sorts of patterns, shapes, and overlays. Here’s a couple examples.

4. Asphalt Roof Shingle Types – Specialty Shingles

While this last type of shingle is not really a separate style, per se, it does deserve its own category. Specialty shingles are often an innovation upon the dimensional shingle, with some special quality. For instance, GAF® has its Cool Series line and its Armor Shield™ II impact-resistant line, both of which are featured below.

GAF® Cool Series Shingles – Keep Your Attic Cooler in the Summer!

GAF® Armor Shield™ II Shingles – Class 4 Impact Resistance!

In conclusion, whatever style or color shingle you may be desiring, Caldwell’s Roofing can install it for you. Give them a call at 334.332.7799!