In Florida, only the best roofing materials are strong enough to withstand our local weather patterns. While traditional 3-tab asphalt shingles aren’t up to the task, advances in roofing technology have created reliable asphalt shingles that can stand up to Florida’s major storms. Called laminated shingles, these roofing materials could be exactly what you need for your next roof replacement.
If you have questions about how laminated shingles perform in Florida, you’ve come to the right place. PITCH Roofing is a local, full-service roofing company with a stellar history of serving Floridians. Today, we’re covering everything you need to know about laminated shingles before you get your new roof!
What Are Laminated Shingles?
Also called architectural shingles, laminated shingles are some of the highest quality shingles on the market. Laminated shingles start with a baseboard, usually of fiberglass, like all asphalt shingles. Manufacturers then coat this baseboard in a thick layer of asphalt. For laminated shingles, they then repeat this process, giving the shingles more heft and weight.
Finally, the finished shingle is coated with a layer of protective stone granules. The final result is a thick, durable shingle that’s ready for the Florida elements. While it may not sound like a huge difference, the extra layer of asphalt makes them much more reliable than 3-tab shingles. If you’ve had a bad experience in the past or heard horror stories about shingle roofs, switching to laminated shingles can provide a much better experience!
With any roofing material, there are going to be good and bad sides to it. To help you make an informed decision for your next roof replacement, let’s start with the great things you can expect from laminated shingles!
Pros of Laminated Shingles
There are many advantages to choosing architectural shingles. But today, we’re focusing on the three biggest perks: durability, aesthetic options, and affordability. Let’s talk a bit about each of these subjects in more detail!
Durable, Hardy Roofing
After paying for a new roof, you expect it to withstand the local elements. That’s exactly what you’ll get with laminated shingles. Thanks to their extra weight, these shingles are much better at resisting wind and rain than traditional 3-tab shingles.
Here are the protective features that will safeguard your home when you choose laminated shingles:
- Rated for winds up to 120 mph
- UV reflection, preventing premature aging and lowering energy bills
- Enhanced water resistance thanks to the extra layer of asphalt
- Resistance to mold and algae growth, thanks to time-released zinc deposits in the shingles
With architectural shingles on your home, you can rest easy knowing that your roof is ready for the worst parts of Florida weather. That’s the kind of protection and reliability that we strive for at PITCH!
Countless Aesthetic Options
If you want to contribute to your home’s curb appeal, laminated shingles are the perfect choice. Traditional 3-tab shingles were flat and visually boring. Laminated shingles offer something very different, however.
Because of the way that they’re built up, laminated shingles create visual dimension on your roof. This is why they’re also called architectural shingles — they make a home feel much more lavish. With a patterned texture, you can expect great curb appeal after your shingle roof replacement, which means a better return on your investment when you sell your home.
Architectural shingles also come in a nearly-endless variety of colors. No matter what style or shade you’re looking for, you can bet that that option is out there. This presents the opportunity to customize your home and get the roof of your dreams!
Affordable Roofing
In roofing, “affordability” and “durability” rarely go together. But laminated shingles are the exception. On average, laminated shingles cost $5 to $9 per square foot. In the world of roofing, this is as affordable as it gets without sacrificing quality.
However, 3-tab shingles are even cheaper. Prices vary, but you can expect to pay $2 to $4 per square foot of 3-tab shingles. That said, a cheaper roof is not always a better roof. While 3-tab shingles are extremely affordable, they’re also not durable enough for the local climate. In our experience, you end up paying more for 3-tab shingles due to the frequent roof repairs!
Cons of Laminated Shingles
No roofing material is perfect, and that applies to laminated shingles as well. These shingles tend to have two problem areas: repairs and longevity. Let’s take an in-depth look at both of these issues!
Semi-Frequent Roof Repairs
In the first 5 to 10 years after your roof replacement with laminated shingles, your repair needs should be minimal. However, as your shingles age, they will need more frequent repairs. This should never be an overwhelming amount of repairs, but normal wear and tear can make occasional repairs necessary.
It’s also possible for architectural shingles to need repairs in the first years of its life. Usually this only happens if your home experiences hurricane-force winds in excess of 120 mph. In these situations, you can lose some shingles. However, it’s very unlikely that you’ll experience widespread destruction of your new roof during a hurricane. More likely, you may lose a few shingles that will need to be replaced. Luckily, this is a cheap repair!
Everybody wants a roof that won’t need any repairs, but that roof does not yet exist. Instead, it’s a good idea to stay up to date on regular roof inspections for your laminated shingles. This way, you’ll stay ahead of the damage and keep your roof in top shape!
Moderate Longevity
Whether or not laminated shingles have a good expected lifespan depends on how you look at the issue. On the one hand, 3-tab shingles only last 10 to 15 years in Florida. Compared to that, the 20- to 25-year lifespan of laminated shingles is pretty good!
At the same time, it’s also true that laminated shingles don’t last as long as some other roofing materials. For example, metal and tile roofs can last for 50 years or longer. Compared to those numbers, architectural shingles are sadly short-lived.
Whether or not 25 years of life is a long time, it’s important that you know how long your laminated shingles will last. Waiting too long for a roof replacement can lead to a lot of problems, including headaches with your homeowners insurance!
Get a Free Shingle Roof Replacement Quote
Whether or not you think architectural shingles are the right option for your home, PITCH Roofing has your back. As a full-service roofing company, we handle virtually all types of roofs, including residential and commercial structures. No matter what you’re looking for, roofing done right starts with a free, no-obligation estimate.
For your free roofing quote, call us at 727-677-4824 or schedule your estimate online! With PITCH, there’s no guesswork in your quote. Instead we provide an itemized estimate that walks you through every part of your roof replacement!
If you want an asphalt shingle roof, laminated shingles are among your best options. But whether these hardy shingles are your preferred material or not, you can count on PITCH Roofing to provide great customer service and quality workmanship. Reach out today and let us earn your business — you’ll be glad you did!
Heather Ware is an In-House Roofing Specialist at PITCH Roofing. Working daily alongside our internal roofing teams, she translates complex Florida building codes and roofing techniques into clear, actionable advice for homeowners. With 4 years of experience in the Florida roofing industry, her goal is to ensure property owners have the exact facts they need to protect their investments.
