Laminated shingles are a type of roofing material that is made by sandwiching a layer of asphalt saturated felt in between two layers of heavy paper.
This asphalt saturated felt then gets coated with an acrylic finish which makes the shingle look shiny and new for many years.
color.
Metal Laminated Shingle – Like the polymer shingles, metal laminated shingles have great durability and offer great wind resistance as well as fire protection up to class A rating.
Unlike their asphalt counterparts however, metal roofs are much more expensive and are not as easy to install.
Fiberglass Laminated Shingle – Fiberglass shingles are the most affordable option but they do come with some drawbacks, namely their class A fire rating is only good for 30 minutes instead of an hour like other laminated shingle types.
These low profile roofs also have a lighter weight than asphalt shingles and metal roofs.
What are the Benefits of Laminated Shingles?
Laminated shingles have many benefits that homeowners should consider when shopping for a new roof. Some of these include:
Class A fire rating, which means they meet strict safety standards needed to keep your family safe in case of an emergency, excellent durability and low maintenance costs.
Laminated shingles are also highly resistant to wind damage which is the number one cause of roof repairs in many areas. This makes them a great choice for areas with high wind speeds.
Laminated Shingles are the perfect choice for homeowners looking to have an affordable roofing material that is also long lasting. The
Best part is there are so many options available that even customers with smaller budgets can afford laminated shingles.
As you can see laminated shingles are an excellent roofing material because they have many benefits and offer long lasting protection against the elements.
They are also very affordable so homeowners should consider taking advantage of this type of roofing during their next home renovation project.
What are the drawbacks of Laminated Shingles?
Like all types of roofing materials there are some drawbacks to be aware of when choosing laminated shingles. These include:
They do not come with the same fire protection as other popular types such as metal roofs which offer an hour long class A rating instead of 30 minutes.
This can be a problem in high wind areas where the wind may blow around sparks that could catch other parts of your roof on fire.
For homes where you are looking for a low profile roof, laminated shingles may not be right for you because they have more ridges than many other options which means there is less surface area to cover your home and therefore it cannot offer as much protection.
Laminated shingles are not the best choice for customers who want an environmentally friendly roof because they do contain some asphalt and other petroleum based products.
As is common with most types of roofing materials, there will always be a drawback or two to consider before choosing laminated shingles as your next roof type.
These drawbacks however, are not deal breakers and many homeowners choose laminated shingles for their affordability, durability and great protection.
How to find the right laminate shingle for your home?
Listed below are some of the most popular brands and styles on the market today.
Alcoa Roofing Shingles
Alcoa offers a wide variety of different types of laminated shingle including their famous Designer Collection which includes 15 beautiful colors to choose from so you can find your perfect match within this collection.
If you don’t find your ideal color here Alcoa also offers their Signature Series which comes in 13 colors.
CertainTeed Laminated Shingles
Certainteed’s laminated shingles are available on their Classic Collection, Heritage Series and Designer Collections where you can choose from over 60 different color options to match your home perfectly.
You’ll also find a number of different styles to choose from so you can personalize your roof.
GAF Laminated Shingles
Gaf offers an affordable laminated shingle option called the Presidential Collection that comes with 20 unique color options for customers who want their home to be uniquely theirs.
With this collection they also offer one of the longest warranties available on the market today.
As you can see there are many different styles and brands of laminated shingles to choose from so customers should take their time to research which brand is right for them before making a final decision about whether or not they want these types of roof tiles on their home.
How to clean and maintain laminated shingles?
It’s important to keep your laminated shingles clean so they can continue providing the protection you need against harsh weather.
To get rid of any dirt or dust that could affect their ability to protect your home, simply use a broom and sweep it off regularly.
If there are any stubborn areas where this doesn’t work then customers should consider using a pressure washer to clean their laminated shingles.
It’s important however, not to use one that is too powerful, otherwise you’ll risk damaging the protective coating on your roof tiles which could result in them needing to be replaced sooner than expected.
Laminated Shingle FAQs
What exactly do the numbers on my roof mean?
The first number refers to how well it repels water, while the second one means its wind resistance ability. For example, if you have a 30/50 roof, it means the first number is for water repellency and second number is its wind resistance ability.
Are laminated shingles difficult to maintain?
No, they are actually very low maintenance. When it comes time for your yearly inspection or repair work, you will need to make sure the company is using high quality products and also check that there are no holes or weak spots in your roof.
Because these roofs do not contain a solid layer of asphalt, they are more susceptible to damage from water and therefore need extra attention.
What type of warranty do laminated shingles come with?
Most companies offer a 50 year limited warranty on their product.
The best way to find the right company is by researching online and finding one that offers quality products. Check out customer reviews because this will give you an idea about how long your roof might last if it’s installed by that company.
Can I install laminated shingles on my own?
Yes, you can but it’s not advisable unless you are very experienced.
There is a large learning curve when installing your roof and hiring professionals will make sure everything goes smoothly without any complications or problems along the way.
It will also be more affordable than having to fix any mistakes that may arise when you do it yourself.
The Bottom Line
The best thing about laminated shingles is that they offer the same protection as traditional asphalt roofs, but come with a warranty of up to 50 years.
This means you can rest easy knowing your roof will be protected for many years to come and save money on costly repairs in the future. As it also adds style and beauty to any home.
If you’re considering installing a new roof soon or are looking for an investment-worthy home improvement project, we hope these tips have been helpful!
