Considering a new roof? You may want to know about the new option of dimensional shingles for homeowners who want both greater roof durability as well as a more stylish architectural look.
What are Dimensional Shingles?
Originally developed in the 1970s, dimensional shingles were created for luxury homes in order to make safe, durable, asphalt roofs that have the traditional appearance of cedar shingles. In traditional 3-Tab asphalt shingles, there are three regularly spaced asphalt tiles which are long and flat. By contrast, dimensional shingles have two layers of bonded material, and come in many decorative and even ornate colors and cuts, making the roof surface look more high-end and unique.
Benefits for Home Appearance
While 3-Tab shingles do offer a variety of colors, they otherwise have a bland appearance and no ability to highlight architectural features of a home. In contrast, dimensional roofing shingles:
- Can be made to look like more expensive roof types such as tile, slate and shake.
- Look better on homes of any type.
- Help hide structural imperfections.
- Work on most roof pitches and types.
- Meet most HOA requirements.
- Can compliment any home style from Victorian to Mission.
Performance Advantages
Equally important for homeowners in the Central Texas area where unpredictable weather can be hard on roofs, dimensional shingle roofs out-perform 3-Tab shingles on durability.
They offer:
- Longer lifespan of roof and manufacture warranties of 30 years or more.
- Up to an 110 mile per hour warranty on wind rather than the 60 mph on 3-Tab shingles.
- Resistance against warping.
- Better at protecting a home against water damage.
- Superior protection against hail.
Availability
Luckily, dimensional shingle roofs are increasing in popularity as homeowners see how much more attractive they can make a home. That means that you can now find many colors and options readily available.
Cost
Because a roof with dimensional shingles contains up to 50% more materials, it costs slightly more. However, that upfront cost is mitigated by the fact that:
- This roofing choice often increases the value of a home.
- The roof may last longer.
- Longer warranty on the roof may decrease home insurance cost.
In addition, replacing an asphalt roof with dimensional roof shingles is becoming the "norm" in many older residential areas, meaning that if you replace your roof with 3-Tab shingles now, your home may eventually look dated.
Your home is your biggest investment and it pays to take care of it. As a roofing expert with years of experience in the Austin area, we suggest that you strongly consider the advantages of choosing a dimensional shingle roof replacement.
If you are questioning whether you need a new roof, call the professionals at Longhorn Roofing at (512) 982-6070 today, or click on the box below to fill out a form.
