Architectural Shingles – Deciding the Right Roofing Material

By design, Palm Springs architects shingles can be installed at a steeper angle compared to organic shingles. Its heavier weight, compared to asphalt shingles, does not compromise durability once it is propped up at a steeper angle. This gives the architect the opportunity to provide a more aesthetic design to the house without worry of sacrificing the strength of the entire structure.

Architectural shingles also offer a wide array of color accents to choose from, and some designs imitate the appearance of organic shingles minus the disadvantages that goes with it. If you opt for slate shakes or cedar shakes for roofing, there would be limitations in the design aspect of your roof. These materials may not be able to handle the angle that the roofing is installed in. These materials can also sacrifice the durability of the roof. Architectural shingles also come with designs that copy cedar and slate shakes. However, these shingles are still considerably more flexible and durable.

In comparison to organic shingles, architectural shingles are more durable and flexible. Their layers are made up of different composites, each with its own use. A fiberglass or rubberized asphalt matting makes it more waterproof, while its interlocking tabs and weight gives it a more solid feel, making it withstand stronger winds. Its heavily granulated top coating makes it more retardant to fire, and at the same time, give it more color and texture.

Organic and asphalt shingles are more prone to deterioration due to constant changes in the weather. As each shingle shrink and expands every time the sun is out or the rain is pouring, there is a bigger chance for breakage and for water to seep in. Also, if the matting of organic shingles is made up of paper, they are more susceptible to fire damage. Earlier versions of architectural shingles may be prone to algae and mildew damage, but recent additions of copper or zinc granules in the laminated shingles had helped resolve those issues as well.

Other roofing materials like clay tiles and steel panels may offer a variation of design and durability, but it too shares its own disadvantages. Clay tiles may last longer than shingles, but its installation requires a wider area to compensate for its heavy load. Steel panels may need a shorter time to install, but the price for its installation, aside from the steel panels itself, would be more expensive – let alone its lacking features.

Architectural shingles are commonly preferred nowadays for its wide range of design and definitive advantages. Not only it is made to provide highlights in roofing features, but it is also used as an alternative to organic shingles due to its resilience to weather and breakage. Although it is much more expensive than other shingles or shakes, the expense is worth it in terms of design and durability. Consider it as a long-term investment – selling a house with its roofing still intact is a plus in terms of profit.