Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in North America thanks to the long lifespan and affordability of the material.

Not all asphalt shingles are the same and understanding the differences between shingles will help you make a better roofing purchase.

In this article, we will look at the 3 main types of asphalt shingles: 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles, and luxury shingles. We will start out by looking at the best shingle option and move to the most affordable shingle.

Luxury Roofing Shingles

Luxury shingles are the highest quality laminated shingles available for Park City homeowners, offering a distinct appearance and functionality that outperforms all other shingles. Luxury shingles are considered the shingle “heavyweights” due to their robust construction that offers improved weather protection and durability.

Luxury shingles are stunning to look upon, presenting the highest quality, coloration, and dimensionality. These products offer the most realistic representation of the old-world wood shake.

Certainteed’s Presidential TL shingles are a an example of a luxury shingle.

Dimensional/ Architectural Shingles

Dimensional or architectural shingles are the most common asphalt shingles used in Park City. These products are manufactured with two or more layers of asphalt that are fused together for a thicker and richer multi-dimensional appearance. Architectural shingles are engineered to better replicate a natural slate roofing aesthetic and are capable of handling extreme weather.

Dimensional shingles site perfectly between luxury and 3 table shingles in terms of price and quality and have improved warranty protection when compared to 3 tab shingles.

CertainTeed’s Landmark® shingles are a prototypical design for a dimensional roofing shingle.

3 Tab Shingles

3 Tab shingles are the original and most basic asphalt shingles. 3 tab shingles are made from a single layer of asphalt and have a very flat appearance. Since they are made from a single layer, they generally weigh and cost less than other asphalt shingles.

Because 3 tab shingles are made from a single layer of asphalt, they also offer very limited protection. In areas like Park City 3 tab shingles are simply not an option as the snow and ice in our area cause the shingles to fail.