Tags: Roofing Materials, Utah Roof Care
If you are looking at a roof replacement in Northern Utah, architectural shingles are almost certainly what your contractor is going to recommend. And in most cases, they are right. Let me explain why these have become the standard and why they perform well in our specific conditions.
What makes architectural shingles different
Unlike a flat, single-layer three-tab shingle, architectural shingles are built with two or more layers of asphalt-coated fiberglass laminated together. This layered construction makes them thicker, heavier, and more dimensionally stable. On the roof, they create a rich, textured look with natural shadow lines that mimic the depth of wood shake or slate.
But the benefits go well beyond appearance.
Why they handle Utah well
Wind resistance. Architectural shingles are typically rated for 110 to 130 mph winds, compared to about 60 mph for three-tab. Along the Wasatch Front, we get canyon winds, microbursts during monsoon season, and winter storms that can push sustained gusts well above what a three-tab is rated for. The heavier weight and stronger sealant bonds of architectural shingles hold up better under those conditions.
UV resistance. At our elevation, 4,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level, UV exposure is significantly more intense than at lower elevations. Architectural shingles have more asphalt and more granule coverage per square foot than three-tabs, which means more protection against the UV degradation that shortens roof life in Utah.
Temperature performance. Utah's temperature swings are hard on roofing materials. We can go from 15 degrees to 50 degrees in 24 hours. The thicker construction of architectural shingles gives them more thermal mass and better resistance to the expansion and contraction cycles that crack thinner shingles over time.
Hail impact. The laminated construction absorbs hail impact better than a single-layer shingle. While no shingle is hail-proof, architectural shingles are less likely to crack or puncture under moderate hail than three-tabs.
The warranty advantage
This is where architectural shingles really pull away. Most three-tab shingles carry a 20 to 25 year warranty. Architectural shingles start at 30 years and go up from there. Premium architectural lines like CertainTeed Landmark Pro and Northgate come with limited lifetime warranties when installed by a credentialed contractor.
And the warranty is not just longer, it is better. Higher-end architectural shingles qualify for enhanced warranty programs that cover more, including the cost of labor for warranty repairs, not just replacement materials. We talk about this in detail in our article on why we install CertainTeed.
What about the price difference
Here is the thing that surprises most homeowners. The price gap between three-tab and architectural shingles has narrowed significantly over the years. On a typical residential roof in Layton or Kaysville, the upgrade from three-tab to a quality architectural shingle might add $1,000 to $2,000 to the total job cost. For that, you get a longer-lasting roof, a stronger warranty, better wind and UV resistance, and dramatically better curb appeal.
In my opinion, it is the best value in residential roofing. You are paying a modest premium for significantly better performance and protection. That is why we recommend architectural shingles for virtually every residential replacement we do.
Are there situations where they are not the best choice
For most residential homes in Northern Utah, architectural shingles are the right call. The main exceptions are flat or very low-slope roof sections, where you need a different system entirely, and situations where a homeowner wants a specific aesthetic like metal, tile, or synthetic slate. For the typical pitched residential roof along the Wasatch Front, an architectural shingle is hard to beat.
Have questions about your roof? We offer free roof assessments. We will take a look, tell you what we see, and give you honest recommendations. No pressure, no obligation. Give us a call or schedule online.
"In 2018 Bob Harvey Roofing replaced the asphalt roofing of my garage with a metal roof. The metal roof looks beautiful and is serving trouble-free."Richard Holdaway , Google Review