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What Are Dimensional Shingles?

What Are Dimensional Shingles?

 

 
Looking to get a new roof and still deciding on the material? Here’s what you need to know about dimensional shingles for your roof.

 

Asphalt is the most common shingle roof you’ll see in the United States. Asphalt is cheap and comes in various colors and styles. A popular type of roofing material is dimensional shingles.

 

Dimensional roof shingles appeared in the 70s. Designers had to create new roofing tiles to appease homeowners. People also call dimensional shingles architectural shingles. However, the two are technically not the same.

 

So, what is a dimensional shingle? How do these types of roofing tiles differ from ordinary ones? We have a lot to discuss, so read on if you’d like to know more about dimensional shingles.

 

What Are Dimensional Shingles?

 

Dimensional shingles get their name from their three-dimensional appearance. Manufacturers create the shingles by putting two layers of asphalt and fiberglass on top of each other.

 

The bottom layer has notches that help create a “3D” effect. Dimensional shingles can come in many shapes and colors. The only prerequisite for a shingle to be “dimensional” is that it looks 3D.

 

An architectural shingle is a dimensional shingle, but a dimensional shingle isn’t necessarily architectural. Architectural shingles are a variety of dimensional shingles.

 

Architectural shingles are a fancier type of dimensional shingle. It’s hard to tell when you compare the two, but there is a difference. Architectural shingles have more pattern variations than dimensional shingles.

 

Installing an architectural shingle roof is a custom job that may take more effort to do correctly.

 

How Much Do Dimensional Shingles Cost?

 

Shingles range in price from cheap to expensive. You can expect to spend almost $150 per square for more durable dimensional shingles. A square is a 10 by 10 area, or 100 square feet.

 

Wooden shingles and shakes cost about the same as dimensional shingles. Higher-end shingles cost $160 per square.

 

Natural slate and clay tile shingles are even costlier. Expensive slate shingles can cost a grand per square, and clay roofing is around $600 per square.

 

Dimensional roofing shingles may cost more upfront, but they have lower lifetime costs than 3-tab shingles. Compared to their cheaper counterparts, you’re not likely to need repairs on your dimensional shingles.

 

How Long Do Dimensional Roof Shingles Last?

 

Dimensional shingles often come with 30-year warranties. If installed correctly, you can expect your roof to last at least 25 years. Dimensional tiles can take more punishment from the elements than 3-tab shingles can.

 

More robust dimensional roofing tiles can withstand 130 mile-per-hour winds. Dimensional tiles are also less liable to warp from wind and rain exposure.

 

Dimensional roof shingles are impact-resistant. The thicker construction makes it harder for falling debris to damage the asphalt roof. The more robust tiles require less overall maintenance than 3-tab tiles.

 

Maintanance Disatvantages

 

Dimensional tiles do have disadvantages. The second layer’s notches sometimes hide algae, mold, and mildew. Mold feeds on the organic materials inside the tiles.

 

If you live in a tropical area, consider metal roofing instead. Roofs in tropical regions are more likely to grow fungus. Roof pitch affects how long shingles last as well. If you’ve got a steep roof, water can drain away easier.

 

The longer water settles on your roof, the more it can damage the shingles.

 

Shingle Colors and Styles

 

Higher-end dimensional shingles are sometimes hard to distinguish from slate or wood. The various dimensional shingles’ colors and textures can mimic other materials well.

 

You can find tiles shaped in Victorian-style shingles or Colonial shingles. If you’re looking for bolder colors, shingles are available in reds, blues, greens, and greys.

 

There are energy-saver shingles also. These dimensional shingles help reduce heat absorption and keep your house cool.

 

When Should You Choose 3-Tab Shingles?

 

There are times when there’s an advantage to choosing 3-tab roofing shingles. Only 3-tab shingles can replace a damaged roof of the same type. Replacing them is almost like rebuilding your roof from scratch.

 

Some homes may not have the structural integrity to support dimensional tiles. Dimensional tiles are heavier than their 3-tab counterparts. You won’t have to reconstruct your roof to accommodate the heavier roofing tiles.

 

Talk To a Licensed Professional

 

Before making any home renovations, the soundest thing you can do is talk to a licensed professional. Research is helpful, but someone qualified to repair roofs and lay tiles would know to tell you if you’re doing the right thing.

 

Your roof adds structural integrity to your home and helps keep you safe from the elements. Knowing if you choose suitable tiles to keep your home habitable is important.

 

The best person to seek advice from is a factory-certified roofing contractor. Factory-certified means that manufacturers approve of these particular contractors installing their products.

 

Should You Buy Dimensional Shingles?

 

Dimensional roofing shingles are a long-term investment. If you have the money to spend, you should consider it. You can get plenty of other shingle colors and styles without spending money on dimensional roofing.

 

If you already have 3-tab asphalt shingles, switching to dimensional ones may not be worth the price.

 

Are You in Need of Roofing Renovations?

 

Dimensional shingles are a popular roofing choice. You can get dimensional singles in various colors and shapes. The tiles can even mimic slate and cedarwood.

 

Dimensional roofing tiles are durable and rated for up to 130 miles per hour wind speed. They have heavy impact resistance also. These hardy tiles are costly, though; you may spend up to $500 per square foot.

 

Only consider Dimesiional tiles if you think they’re worth the price. Request a free quote at Unrivaled Roofing today to have roofing work done.