Did you know that the word “shingle” is derived from the German word “Schindel,” which means a roof slate? Schindel is also a common German surname, and many assume the name was given to roofers from the past and the name stuck.

Anyhow, enough of the quiz question facts, let’s get into the topic of asphalt shingle styles. Today in America, shingles are by far the most popular roofing material that people choose to cover their homes with. There are various styles, but we won’t cover them all in this short post.

Instead, we’ll take a look at four of the most common asphalt shingle styles on the market right now. Let’s do this!

Three-Tab Shingles

You will commonly find three-tab shingle roofing systems across America. You can identify these shingles by the three tabs that give an illusion of three shingles when you install them.

The reason why these shingles are popular for residential roofing is that they are so cost-effective. They also give you a uniform and clean-looking roof. 

You should know, however, that although inexpensive, these shingles don’t last as long as other styles. In a mild climate, you might expect them to last between ten to fifteen years or so.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are durable and thick, making them sturdier than many other shingle types. They tend to much much thicker than three-tab versions, and manufacturers make them mimic high-end materials in appearance, such as cedarwood.

For these reasons, many see them as premium roof tiles. They also have excellent wind resistance and waterproofing properties. However, you get what you pay for, and these shingles will cost you more than three-tab versions. 

That being said, if you want to add some curb appeal to your home, architectural shingles are a fitting choice. You may spend more on them initially, but they may also add significantly more value to your home in the long run.

Organic Asphalt Shingles

organic asphalt shingles are a more longstanding traditional style of shingles. Manufacturers usually make them from materials such as recycled single layers of wood fibers or paper. 

The wood fiber, paper, or some other material is covered with asphalt first to give the tile waterproof properties. Then the next step is to cover the tile with adhesive asphalt and ceramic granules. 

The draw to this shingle type is it’s eco-friendly, rugged, and versatile. It is pretty expensive though, and it can warp more than other shingle options. 

Fiberglass Asphalt Shingles

Fiberglass asphalt shingles are similar to organic asphalt shingles. The major difference is that fiberglass is the base material, rather than some organic substance like paper or wood. 

The main benefits of this shingle type are that it’s lightweight and thinner than other tiling options. Homeowners may also want this option from their roofing company because its got high-level fire rating protection and is energy efficient.

The Different Asphalt Shingle Styles

We’ve now covered four very popular asphalt shingle styles. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, but in the end, they all do a pretty good job of protecting your home from the elements and looking smart. 

We appreciate you checking out this post and hope you find the info useful. We’d also like to invite you to check out our blog for further informative posts. Thanks!

Jane