top of page
  • Writer's pictureShannon George

So Many Shingles So Little Time

Updated: Jun 23, 2023

All types of shingles are the first defense in protecting a structure. Asphalt shingles not only protect a home but can make a home look good while it's doing its job. They are available in a multitude of colors and can be made to look like higher-end shingles such as tile or wood shake shingles.


Today we will dive deeper and look at the 3 types of asphalt shingles. The most popular form of roof seen on houses is an asphalt shingle roof. An asphalt shingle is a type of roof shingle that uses asphalt for waterproofing.


Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing covers in North America because it has a relatively inexpensive upfront cost and is fairly easy to mount. Asphalt shingles are not made entirely of asphalt. Instead, they consist of either a fiberglass or felt paper foundation covered with asphalt and capped with ceramic granules, which makes them waterproof. The more popular version is fiberglass because it is thinner, less expensive, and has fire protection.


Before we look at the types of shingles offered, let’s look at why asphalt shingles might be best for your roof.

  • Affordability. Asphalt shingles offer quality and extended lifespans. For overall performance, asphalt shingles are economical to install, repair, maintain, and replace due in part to their resistance to extreme hot and cold, winds, and even fire.

  • Quick Turnaround. The installation of asphalt shingles is simple with quick turnaround times. Many times the installation is timely, effective, and completed in a single day

  • Variety. There is a surprising amount of variety when it comes to asphalt shingles. Between colors, textures, and patterns, all of your needs can be met.

When the time comes to consider a total roof replacement, there can be an overwhelming amount of options and materials to choose from. Even narrowing the selections to shingles still leaves a multitude of choices with pros and cons to each. Today we share the top three shingle options that Herring Residential has to offer.

Let’s take a look at these three different shingle types Herring Residential specializes in

  1. Premium Shingles consisting of Stommaster Slate and Stormmaster Shake

  2. Architectural Shingles consisting of Pinnacle Pristine Architectural Shingles and Legend Designer Fiberglass Shingles

  3. 3 Tab Shingles consisting of ProlLam Shingles and GlassMaster Performance Fiberglass Shingles

Premium asphalt shingles bring a more prestigious look than traditional shingles.


They will mimic natural roofing shingles like slate or shake. The result is an elegant upgraded aesthetic but at a fraction of the cost of the transitional slate or shake. These top-tier shingles will often have a list of enhanced attributes that more than make up for the higher cost. Although premium shingles can cost double that of a 3-tab shingle, the premium slate and shake shingles are bigger and thicker, making them more durable than 3-tab or architectural shingles. The extra weight of premium shingles might be a con with regards to installation and time to complete the roofing project, but keep in mind the extra weight helps to resist tears and impact damage. The resistance to damage and extreme conditions means that one can expect an average lifespan of 30 years with Premium shingles.


At Herring, we proudly offer StormMaster® Slate and Shake shingles featuring Scotchgard™ Protector.

With these shingles, your roof can have the look of slate or wood shake, but without the exorbitant cost.. Constructed with a rubberized SBS polymer, StormMaster® Slate roofing shingles create a durable and hardy roof shingle capable of weathering extreme weather conditions. This is epically a viable option for North Carolina with its regular experience with hurricanes.


Architectural shingles, also known in the industry as dimensional or laminated shingles make up the majority of the roofing shingles used on homes in North America.


They are built in multiple tabs, layered, and laminated together to provide a thicker more dimensional appearance. The layering adds weight and heft to the shingles which results in more robust warranties(up to 30 years) and resistance to damage such as high winds from tornadoes and hurricanes. It should be noted Architectural Shingles may not be the best fit for shallow roofs because wind cannot flow through them.


At Herring Residential, we are proud to offer Pinnacle® Pristine featuring Scotchgard™ Protector and Legend Fiberglass Shingles that give eye-pleasing style at a wallet-pleasing cost.

They will cost more than the traditional 3-tab shingles but not as much as your premium shingles. Both options offer the best in protection and beauty for a fair price. Bold cuts and contrasting color due to variation of shapes and sizes when installed Scotchgard™ Protector technology helps protect shingles from ugly black streaks caused by algae, keeping a roof looking beautiful for years, a stunning color that lasts.


Of the three categories of asphalt shingles, the 3 tab shingle is the most common roofing material for residential homes in North America.


This is due to their economic affordability. The strip shingle is just that a strip of shingles designed in a single flat layer with evenly spaced cutouts on the bottom of the strip. This design allows the strips to fit together like puzzle pieces. Because of the design and fitting together of pieces, roofing contractors must ensure the cut-outs are straight and line up with other tabbed strips. A 3-tab shingle roof will not require excess maintenance at the beginning of its lifespan, but over time Maintenace and repairs for cracked and cracked shingles will need to be executed. 3-tab shingles can be more susceptible to storms and can wear out more quickly because they do not have the thickness of architectural or fiberglass shingles.


At Herring Residential, we are proud to offer ProLam™ shingles with the look of an architectural shingle at a budget-friendly price and GlassMaster® 3-tab shingles that offer time-test results and classic designs.

The 3 tab options through Herring Residential are stylish, affordable, and great for homeowners looking for a traditional roof with a tighter budget. Classic and traditional styles don't have to be out of reach to protect the integrity of the home.


When it comes to sheltering and protecting your family, no matter the budget or style, Herring will always offer quality service at a fair price. You can trust that your family is safe and secure under a new roof by Herring Residential. Reach out today to schedule a free estimate.



bottom of page