The Benefits of Architecture Style Shingles
Home is where the heart is – and it’s important to protect your home with a reliable roof. In order to adequately protect your home from the elements, such as wind, rain, hail, snow/ice and the sun, you need a well-made and properly installed roof. Roofs are made of different parts and materials. Homeowners select various roof styles and materials based on the maintenance, lifespan and aesthetics they desire.

There are four main roofing materials that are used when installing new roofs on homes: slate, metal, wood and architectural/designer shingles. While slate roofs are beautiful to look at, they sometimes require additional structural support due to their weight. Metal roofs may not be as pretty and welcoming to look at. But they are very durable. Wood shingles require a lot of maintenance, care and upkeep. Architectural shingles are made out of asphalt but mimic the look of other high-end roofing products. Since you probably can already picture what a slate, metal or wood shingle looks like, take some time to understand what an architectural shingle does to protect a home’s roof.
WHAT ARE ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES?
Architectural shingles (also referred to as “dimensional shingles”) are high-quality dimensional or laminated shingles that are made from a fiberglass mat base. They have ceramic coated minerals that are embedded in water-resistant asphalt. Dimensional shingles can also be made to look like real slate or cedar wood shingles. They put less stress on your roof because they do not require extra support like traditional asphalt shingles do.
WHAT ARE THE PROS OF ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES?
- Architectural shingles have 25-50 year warranties
- Do not crack or break when exposed to harsh weather conditions
- More resistant to winds up to 120 mph, rain and snow
- Won’t fade and are treated to resist algae and mold
- Add to curb appeal of home
- Increase value of a home
WHAT ARE THE CONS OF ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES?
- Certain styles are more expensive than some other shingle materials
- Cannot be installed during extreme weather
- Architectural shingles must be installed exactly to manufacturer specifications in order for warranties to apply
OTHER POPULAR TYPES OF SHINGLES
- Asphalt – Cheaper, light weight, wide range of thickness and colors
- Wood – Rustic aesthetic, eco-conscious
- Metal – Longer lifespan than asphalt and wood, reflects sunlight
- Slate – Longest lifespan, natural aesthetic
- Clay & Concrete – Variety of colors, noncombustible and energy efficient
- Composite – Authentic replicas of natural materials
Best Contracting – Certified Roofing Contractor in Lancaster, PA
When it comes to selecting a roofing contractor that you can rely on to replace your roof efficiently, it’s important to do your homework. Unfortunately, the roofing profession is an unregulated industry, meaning no trade school, set number of courses, certificates or prior experience are needed to open a roofing business. With this being the case, some roofing companies consist of inexperienced workers who are not trained or skilled in protecting your home with the care you deserve. Luckily for you, Best Contracting in the Lancaster, PA region is a highly-qualified, certified and dependable roofing contractor that you can trust. We specialize in a variety of types of commercial and residential roofing, siding and gutters.
Here at Best Contracting, we pride ourselves on our various certifications, the quality materials we use and our dedicated team of skilled workers. If you find that your roof or siding is in need of repair or just needs an upgraded look , contact us today at (717) 283-4524 to discuss your roofing or siding options. We look forward to hearing from you soon!