Types of Asphalt Shingles Explained

When you’re in the early stages of planning a roofing upgrade at your home in Michigan, you’re bound to have plenty of options to choose between. As you do your research and narrow down your preferred choices for your project, you’ll find that there are a wide range of asphalt shingles out there on the market. So, which one is the right choice? What are the differences? How can you know which shingle type works best within the Michigan climate, and what type of performance and lifespan can you expect? Let the experts at Lifetime Roofing walk you through the answers you’re looking for in this asphalt shingle roofing guide.

What Are Asphalt Shingles?

Asphalt shingles are up there among the most common and most cost-effective roofing options across North America. They’re composed of a fiberglass or organic mat base, which is coated with asphalt and ceramic granules. That’s the simplest explanation of asphalt shingle roofing, but there is a lot more to it. Within this category of roofing, there are several asphalt shingle roofing types, and what typically differentiates them from each other are the specific materials used within their designs, as well as their designs themselves.

The good news is that in many cases, you can expect a wealth of benefits with just about any asphalt shingle roofing system you invest in for your home—especially when you partner with the professionals at Lifetime Roofing, as our premium asphalt shingle options and skilled installation work combine for unmatched excellence.

Why Are Asphalt Shingles Popular?

Over the years, asphalt shingles have become increasingly popular among homeowners, and for good reason. Besides the fact that asphalt shingle roofing systems are among the most affordable and cost-effective in the industry, there’s a lot to love about their aesthetic versatility. They come in a wide selection of colors, textures, and styles, which will make it easy to find the right look to match your home’s style. Plus, asphalt shingles are low maintenance, which is another big plus. And while these shingles don’t offer as much longevity as other options—they’re typically going to last 20 to 30 years—working with the right contractor can mean a flawless installation (setting you up to maximize lifespan) as well as a robust warranty (protecting your investment in the long run).

Types of Asphalt Shingles

OK, so what are the different types of asphalt shingles? Typically, you’ll find: 

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

Also known as strip shingles, these are a basic and traditional type of shingle. Their affordability is their biggest plus, and with their lightweight design, they can also be installed quicker. That even keeps labor costs lower. With a clean and simple look, these shingles are common on homes with very straightforward roof designs.

Architectural (Dimensional) Asphalt Shingles

Also referred to as laminated shingles, these are the most commonly preferred among homeowners these days. With multiple bonded layers, they have a thicker construction and a more dimensional appearance. These shingles tend to last longer than 3-tab shingles, plus they have more to them from a design standpoint given the depth and shadowing they can add to a roof.

Luxury/Premium Asphalt Shingles

At the highest level, there are luxury shingles that are even thicker than the other options. They’re designed to replicate the appearance of high-end materials like natural slate or cedar shake while still providing the other benefits you would expect from asphalt shingles. The performance of these shingles is predictably better, as they offer superior resistance to wind, impact, and harsh weather conditions than other shingles might.

Know Who to Rely On When Updating Your Michigan Home With New Asphalt Shingles 

When you’re looking for a new roof at your Michigan home and you’ve decided on asphalt shingles as the right choice for your project, Lifetime Roofing is the name to know. After all, our asphalt shingle roofing options are the best you’ll find, as we offer premium products that are designed to meet the needs you have at your property. Our team primarily installs Tamko Stormfighter Flex, Tamko Titan XT, and the GAF Timberline Range, all of which have unique features and looks that can help your property stand out aesthetically while providing the level of performance you need functionally in the Michigan climate. 

Not only do we have some of the best asphalt shingles the industry has to offer, but our expert installers are widely recognized for their outstanding workmanship and unrivaled expertise within the roofing world. It’s no wonder why we’re ranked in the top 1% of roofing contractors in the U.S., and it’s also no surprise that we have a spectacular track record with our asphalt shingle roofing installations. Not to mention, we’re also available to help any time you need an asphalt shingle roof repair project at your property. Homeowners and business owners alike have turned to our team and come away thrilled with that decision, and we’d love for you to be next.

Reach Out to Start Planning Your Asphalt Shingle Roofing Project Today

If now is the right time to upgrade your home or commercial property with new asphalt shingles from the professional installers at Lifetime Roofing, we’d love to hear from you. Whether you have more questions about our asphalt shingles or you’re ready to get started on your project, contact us today. We’d love to get everything going with a free estimate!