TAB VS. ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES: THE 3 MAJOR DIFFERENCES

Ben Munger • March 7, 2020

Do you go with the basic 3 tab shingle or upgrade to an architectural style roof? 

When a homeowner makes a decision for a roof replacement in St Louis, the first decision they typically make is what kind of roof shingle to use. Do you go with the basic 3 tab shingle or upgrade to an architectural style roof? 

When making this choice, there are 3 major differences between 3 tab and architectural shingles that the homeowner has to consider. They are curb-side appeal, durability, and price and purpose when considering a roof replacement.

CURB-SIDE APPEAL
 
When we think about curb-side appeal, we are usually considering how our house will appear to others especially when we are looking to sell at some point in the future. Yet curb-side appeal should be just as important to the homeowner who is planning on staying in their newly roofed home for the long-term. You should be pleased every time you pull up to your house and see your new beautiful roof!

From a color perspective, both 3 tab and architectural shingles come in a variety of colors that are sure to complement the scheme of your house. However architectural shingles do offer more color choices as well having differing coloration that gives the roof replacement St Louis a dimensional look. 

Additionally, architectural shingles come in different sizes and shapes. This really gives the roof a nice look that just can’t be replicated by the ‘flat’ appearance of 3 tab shingles. Overall, architectural shingles is the way to go for the best curb-side appeal. 

DURABILITY

One fact should tell you all you need to know about the difference in durability between the two shingle types. Architectural shingles are 50% heavier then 3 tab, due to their extra thickness and laminated composition. 

Because of this, architectural shingles also come with a longer warranty then 3 tab shingles, typically double the length. Most 3 tab shingles will come with 15-25 year warranties while architectural shingles will have anywhere from a 30-50 year warranty. The length of warranty is dependent on the manufacturer as well as the installation guidelines used and the roofing contractor. 

PRICE AND PURPOSE

On average, architectural shingles are between 10 – 20% more expensive then 3 tab shingles. This is understandable due to the greater curb-side appeal and nearly double the durability that they offer. 

When price is a major concern some still go with 3 tab shingles. Also, landlords will use 3 tab shingles for their rental properties or investors will do so when they are looking to flip a house just to lessen the upfront cost. But the truth is, many home owners are moving away from 3 tab shingles. The value of architectural shingles is just too great!

Whatever roofing company in St Louis you decide, Contemporary Roofing is here to help you through the process from decision making and installation to getting you the best warranty available. Contact us today and you’ll be on your way towards a beautiful new roof. 

 
Popular Roofing Service Areas 

Wentzville | St.Louis | Eureka | Chesterfield 
By Ben Munger March 18, 2020
Is a roof leak a big deal? Do I have to get it fixed right away? Will it cause that much damage to my home? The answer is yes! Letting a leak continue can cause many damages to your home and can be a bigger issue in the long run. What damages can a leak cause? Mold The most common damage would be mold. If this leak has gone unknown for some time it can leak into the attic, ceilings and make its way down to your walls causing it to rot and get moldy. Mold can cause some serious health issues if not taken care of right away. Interior Damages You wouldn’t think that a leak wouldn’t cause much visible interior damages, but an unnoticed leak can cause water stains and bubbles in your wall. No one ever wants an unattractive stain on their ceiling or wall. Exterior Damages When you think roof leak, do you think of exterior damages? If you have a roof leak it can cause damage to your trim, fascia, soffit and wall framing. Some occasions it can cause an electrical fire if it were to come in contact with your electrical box. Higher Energy Bills A leak can damage your insulation and cause loss of cool or warm air. Which can raise your monthly energy bill. How do you know there is a roof leak? Some roof leaks can be hard to find at times. Keeping an eye out for any water stains on your ceiling or walls. Also, if you hear any water leaking that is a good sign that there is a roof leak. What should you do when you notice a leak? What you will want to do first is make sure you protect all of your belongings. Cover or move all furniture around the area that is leaking. Next, you will need to grab a bucket or something that will catch all the water so it will not destroy anything else in your home. Make sure to put holes in any bubbles that you see around the leak. Try to dry up the areas as much as you can to avoid any mold. After all of that give a professional roofer a call to come out for an emergency roof repair. Also, always give your insurance company a call to see if the repairs can be covered. If you come across a roof leak make sure you get it taken care of right away, so it does not become a bigger and more stressful situation. Need a professional Roofer In Saint Louis give Contemporary Roofing a call today for a free estimate! 636-757-3563
By Ben Munger March 7, 2020
LOCAL ROOFING COMPANY IN ST LOUIS MISSOURI We’ve all heard the horror stories of friends and acquaintances working with a traveling roofing company or exterior remodel contractor. They gave them an “incredible deal” only to find out the workmanship was terrible, the quality of materials was poor, and that the company was a fly by night operation that was only preying on consumers that suffered from recent storm damage! Unfortunately, these out-of-towners come rushing in any time the St. Louis area weather gets violent weather. And just like the storms they chase, they are in and out of town in a blink of an eye, leaving their clients no recourse for their poor work and craftsmanship. Often these out-of-towners will even change their company names and phone numbers to avoid you! That is why when picking a roofing company in Missouri, it is essential to work with a local one. Here at Contemporary Roofing we serve the St Louis and St Charles area proudly. No need to worry about getting a hold of us for any reason, whether it is for a free estimate or to answer any questions you may have about a future project or one we have already completed. THE BEST ROOF WARRANTY There is nothing that brings greater security then having a roof over one’s head. Well, except maybe a roof that is backed by an industry leading warranty! When deciding on a roof replacement or repair, you want to make sure you pick one that will last. Perhaps more importantly, you want to know that if there is an issue, that it is covered and will be fixed. Maybe you are planning to move shortly after having a new roof installed. Does your warranty transfer fully over to the next owner? Does your warranty come with full system coverage which includes underlayment, starter, ice and water shield, hip and ridge shingles? Does your warranty include tear off costs and disposal costs if necessary? What about algae resistance and high-wind coverage? There are a lot of components to a roofing warranty and a lot of loopholes that certain roofing companies in St Louis may use to get out of fixing your roof. That is why we work with Owens Corning: their products come with a top of the line warranty. All of the things mentioned above are covered! You don’t need to worry when working with Contemporary Roofing. Peace of mind comes standard. GUARANTEED ROOFING When picking a roofing professional, it is essential to find a contractor that will stand by their work. While most roofing companies will claim to do so, it is not always the case. A common story in the industry goes like this: a customer has a few shingles pulling away from the roof. They call the company that installed the roof and then they get the “run around.” The company is so busy they do not have time to come look. After a couple more calls, they agree to come look at some undetermined date. When they finally show up, they tell you that the issue is not covered under their warranty. Then after you do your best lawyer work, scouring over the warranty document, and make your best argument that the problem should be covered, they nonchalantly say they will “see what we can do…” WHAT A HASSLE! At Contemporary Roofing, we GUARANTEE OUR WORK! In fact, it is a part of process. We conduct a Quality Assurance Checkup after every single job that we conduct. We do not just slap a roof on your house and walk away. We stand behind our work and excellent customer service is our top priority. GET THE BEST SHINGLES – ROOF APPEAL IS CURB APPEAL Your roof can make up 50% of your home’s exterior. When you make the decision as to what roofing company to work with, you want to make sure you get the highest quality, most durable, and best looking shingles possible. That is why we chose Owens Corning Roofing as our provider. Aside from their industry leading warranty we described above, they excel where it counts: Shingles which prevents ugly black streaks caused by algae on the roof. Your roof is secure in violent storms, protected from winds up to 130 mph An excellent selection of shingle colors to meet your needs A slightly larger shingle to insure pristine installation and a beautiful look There is no ground to compromise on shingle quality. It has to both look excellent and perform beyond expectations. Otherwise, you will have a roof that will need replacing when it is time to move or when it gets damaged by a violent storm. So why take the risk? Give yourself the peace of mind of a beautiful and durable roof that Contemporary Roofing can provide. FINANCING OPTIONS FOR A ROOF INSTALLATION It’s important to find a roofing professional that will help you to work within your budget, no matter what your financial situation may be. Some things to consider are: -Does the roofing company offer %100 financing? -Do they offer multiple financing options? -Do they offer financing to help cover the deductible for insurance work? -Do they work easily with the insurance companies or will it be a hassle? Here at Contemporary Roofing we have several financing options to fit your needs. We even offer financing choices to help cover the deductible for insurance work. No one should be denied a new roof because of their financial situation. We do our best to help all of our customers get what they need and deserve. We know that a new roof is not always an easy expense to cover. That is why we provide the best customer service possible with multiple financing options for our clients. We also work hard with your insurance company so you do not have to. We want your brand new roof to look exactly how you imagined it and we want to make the process as easy as possible for you. Contemporary Roofing serves the Greater St Louis and St Charles roofing area specializing in Residential and Commercial roofing in St Louis offering replacements and repairs. Interior and Exterior Painting. After you view some of our work and testimonials, contact us today for a FREE ESTIMATE. Popular Roofing Service Areas Wentzville | St.Louis | Eureka | Chesterfield
By Ben Munger March 7, 2020
A great roof St Louis is one that blends seamlessly with the house it is on top of. The colors, patterns and design all match to great effect. What are some things to consider when picking the right color for your roof? 1.Consider the Feature’s of Your House It’s essential to step back and take a look at your house. What colors do you have on your house currently and what would a great complementary color be for the roof St Louis? Does your house feature a variety of colors or is it one tone, or do you have red brick? Thinking about these things will help you to decide what kind of color and pattern will look best on your roof. 2. Check out the Neighborhood It’s always a good idea to take a look around the neighborhood for ideas. Typically houses are similarly made and you can see what looks great and what just does not work. You might come across a gorgeous architectural shingle design, layered with similar tones that just looks magnificent. Then again, you may come across a bright green roof and think “YIKES!” Either way, by just observing other’s roofs, you will get a better idea of what it is that you really want. 3. Check out your options and compare with your home colors There are so many more designs and options available in roofing today than years past. We encourage you to check out the color and design options we have available. Make sure you take into consideration the features of your house, and also any long term plans that you may have for future projects. If you are going to get new siding in the next year or so, make sure you think ahead. Of course, we are happy to help you along in the process! Contemporary Roofing provides the best solutions to your roof replacement St Louis needs, with quick and reliable service from a reputable roofing company in St Louis. Give us a call now at (636)-515-7692 to get a free roof estimate. Popular Roof St Louis Service Areas Wentzville | St.Louis | Eureka | Chesterfield
By Ben Munger March 7, 2020
Spring is here and it’s time to enjoy the beautiful weather, longer days, and spring cleaning! Below are some things that you can add onto your “Honey Do” list that you may not think of and that will save you a lot of money in the long run. Replace batteries in smoke detectors Clean your dry vent Drain water out of your water heater Replace HVAC filter Spray for pests Check seals around windows Clean out gutters Schedule a roof inspection from a roofing professional in St Louis
By Ben Munger March 7, 2020
Without a doubt the most common and used shingle for steep-slope roof’s in St Louis are asphalt shingles. They are the most common for a good reason, they are cost effective and a great solution for your roof installation’s in St Louis. Asphalt shingles give the owners and the roofing company hundreds of products to choose from. The shingles are available in a basic three-tab design, architectural, or laminated. The laminated design is the most popular of all the designs. Asphalt shingles are well known for their low cost, easy application, and their great look. You cannot go wrong when choosing an asphalt shingle for your roof installation in St Louis. If you decide that the asphalt shingles are not for you, another great shingle that is very popular is the organic shingle. The organic shingle is made with a base mat of organic materials such as waste paper, cellulose, wood fiber, or other materials. To make it waterproof it is saturated with asphalt and then a top coating of adhesive asphalt is applied and covered with solid granules. Like the asphalt shingles there are many choices of colors and textures. They will leave your roof looking beautiful for an affordable price. Key Benefits for using Shingles on Your Roof in St Louis Available in many styles and sizes Dozens of colors to choose from Water resistant Very durable and long lasting Available with fire ratings to meet any building code Extended labor and material warranties are available Available with wind and hail protection Please consider Contemporary Roofing when choosing a roofing contractor in St Louis.
By Ben Munger March 7, 2020
Nothing is meant to live forever, and your roof is no exception. While roof repairs in St Louis can increase its longevity, there is no avoiding that your St Louis roof has a lifespan and will need to be replaced. At Contemporary Roofing we not only use the best quality materials but be have the know how and confidence to ensure that your new roof will last it’s full lifespan. HAIL DAMAGED ROOF REPLACEMENT ST LOUIS Here in the Midwest you never know what the weather is going to throw at you. Hail is one of those not so wanted surprises that can strike when we least expect it. When softball size hail comes down to play, St Louis roof’s usually take the hardest beating. If you are lucky, you will only have to replace a significant portion of your shingles, but other times it may cause for a whole roof replacement in St Louis! When hail happens give us a call! We will come asses your damage and put our expert roofing company in St Louis on the job to make sure your roof is as good as new! THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING US FOR YOUR ROOFING NEEDS! We know that there are a lot of different roofer’s in Saint Louis that you could choose for all your roofing needs. So why us you ask? Being a local family owned company, we care about our community. We pride ourselves in having integrity and superior customer service. Our work shows that we are dedicated to each job big or small. We thank you for your support and look forward to working with our neighbors in the St. Louis roofing region!
By Ben Munger March 7, 2020
During spring and fall the condition of your gutters are very important. You want to be sure that you have the necessary number of downspouts and the correct size as well. Unfortunately, because of the cost of the downspouts many gutter companies will leave them out or do not make them the appropriate size to make the overall price cheaper. Having the low bid gives them an advantage but causes the consumer trouble in the long run. Before the rainy season approaches, it is ideal to have your gutters cleaned out and be sure that all joints are sealed. You will also want to flush out your down spouts and underground drains that the downspouts are connected to. These few tips will help avoid more costly problems. If water flows over the back of your gutter system, it can cause damage to your fascia, soffit, and roof. If you choose to do the maintenance on your own, please remember to be safe! We are here for all your maintenance needs as well! Give Contemporary Roofing a call and we can take it off your list of things to do!
By Ben Munger February 21, 2020
When it comes to roof replacement in St Louis there are so many terms you may not have heard of that it may sound like a foreign language! This can make the process of repairing or installing a new roof overwhelming and stressful. Below are a list of commonly used roofing phrases that may help you along the way! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, we are here to help! Asphalt : A bituminous substance, native in various areas of the earth and composed mainly of hydrocarbon mixtures. It is used in the manufacturing of composition shingles. Asphalt Roofing Cement : Sometimes known as flashing cement or mastic, is used to bond roofing materials. ASTM-American Society For Testing Materials : formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Base Flashing : Is used at the joint between the roofing surface and a vertical surface such as a wall or a parapet, guarding against water penetration to the roof deck. Blend : The mixture on the surface of a shingle that has multiple different colored granules. Blinding Nailing : When nails are strategically placed so that the heads are concealed by the layers of the roofing materials. Blisters : Bubbles that can appear on the outward surface of asphalt roofing. Bridging : When reroofing, this is the process when new shingles follow the shape of the old roof. Some also use the term “butting up”. Built-Up Roofing or (BUR) : This is the most common roofing material used on low-slope roofs. It is composed of alternating layers of reinforcing fabric and asphalt and is finished with a top layer of aggregate, such as stone or gravel. Butt : This is also referred to as the tab of the shingle and is the part of the shingle that is exposed to weather. Cant Strip : This is usually used in low sloped roofing, it is a 45 degree beveled wood, fiberboard, or metal strips at the junction of the roof and a vertical surface used to break a right angle. Cap Flashing : is a material often aluminum or galvanized steel that is used over joints in a roof and wall construction to prevent water seeping in and causing damage. Caulk : A material that is a waterproof sealant that is used to fill in a gap or seam. Cement : A substance that sets, hardens, and then adheres to other materials to bind them together. Class A : Is the highest rating, offering the highest resistance to fire. Examples of Class A roofing covers are, concrete or clay roof tiles, fiberglass asphalt, composition shingles and metal roofs. Closed Valley : When roofing materials cover the entire valley. Coating : This is the top layer of protection for the membrane, receiving the impact of sunlight rain, hail and physical damage. Collars or Vent Sleeve : is a pre-formed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roof around the vent pipe opening. Course : A horizontal unit of roofing running the length of the roof. Cricket : A ridge structure designed to divert water on a roof around the high side of a chimney or the transition from one roof area to another, the cricket is normally the same pitch as the rest of the roof, but not always. Cupola : A small tower or dome-like feature projecting from the top of a barn roof. Ranging from large and ornate to small and simple. Dead Level : When a roof or a section of the roof does not have any pitch. Deck : This is the roofing material between the structural components and the insulation and weatherproofing layers. The most common types of roof deck are plywood or tongue and groove wood systems. Double Coverage : When there are two complete layers of shingles. Dormer : When a window projects through the sloping plane of the roof. Drip Edge : Drip edge is a metal flashing that is installed at the edges of the roof to help control the flow of water away from the fascia and to protect the underlying roofing components. Drip Course : The first layer of shingles that slightly overhangs over the edge. Eave : The edges of the roof which overhang the face of a wall and, normally, project beyond the side of a building. Exposure : This is the part of the shingle that exposed to weather. They are measured from the butt of one shingle to the next overlapping shingle. Felt Underlayments : A layer of protection installed between the roof deck and the roofing shingles. There are three different types of felt underlayments, asphalt saturated felt, rubberized asphalt, and non-bitumen synthetic. Lap : This is the overlay from one surface to another. Laminate Shingles : This is an asphalt shingle that is made up of a heavier base and multiple layers to create extra thickness. Lock Shingles : These shingles have a mechanical locking feature but are not very common. Low Slope Application : This is when you apply shingles on a slope that are measured between 3-4 inches apart. Mansard Roof : The upright or vertical part of the roof. Modified Bitumen : This is an asphalt product that can be applied in multiple ways to the roof in hot and cold temperatures. Normal Slope Application : When shingles are installed between 4 and 21 inches per foot. Open Valley : A sheet of metal (usually steel, sometimes copper) is fastened to the roof deck. The metal is usually pre-painted to best complement the shingles’ color blend. Roofing shingles are installed then cut and sealed where they overlap the metal channel. Seal Down : An asphalt strip that is use to bond a shingle to another shingle above. This helps build wind resistance. Sheathing : exterior grade boards used as a roof deck. Side Lap : A horizontal lap Skirt Flashing : A large piece of flashing that is often found at the bottom of an addition or dormer. Slope : Slope is the incline of the roof expressed as a ratio of the vertical rise to the horizontal run, where the run is some portion of the span. The ratio is always in inches per foot. Soffit : The underside of an eave that is finished. Soffit Vent : An opening that is needed to take in the outside air. They are needed to have a good ventilation in the attic. Span : The horizontal measurement from eave to eave Square : A measurement that that covers 100 square feet Square Butt Shingles : Unlaminated, 3 tab, 20 year shingles Starter Course : The initial shingle products installed on the roof, just before the first course of the finish shingles, which will comprise the visible parts of the roof. Tab : The portion of strip shingles that have cut outs or slots that give the appearance of being individually applied once installed. Valley : the intersection of two roof slopes. Vent : Where air lets out. Weathering : Changes made to the roof due to outside exposure. Changes such as color, texture, and the efficiency of the over all roof. If you are looking for a roofing company in St Louis please consider Contemporary Roofing.
By Ben Munger February 21, 2020
Imagine walking into your home and you smell something that is musty. You start wandering around your home to investigate, checking your laundry room and kitchen, but you simply can’t quite figure out what the smell is. Try looking at your ceiling around your home for any damp, dark, or discolored areas. It could be that your roof has a cracked shingle or hole in it and has started to leak into your home causing mold. There are many reasons a roof can leak and cause mold The most commonly known reason is that your roof is simply coming to the end of its lifespan. A roof is only expected to last 20-35 years depending on materials used. Installation may not have been completed correctly. The materials were installed improper by the contractor. The shingles are broken, or the flashing has a crack. The flashing is the metal piece placed under the shingles to provide a water-resistant layer. Your chimney has a crack around the bottom portion connected to your roof. The mortar (a mixture of water, sand, and cement) can be damaged by more extreme weather conditions. Why fix a molded area? Mold can cause several health issues if the problem is not resolved > Respiratory problems: wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest tightness > Cough and throat irritation > Sinus congestion, runny nose and sneezing > Eye and skin irritation > If you notice any signs of leaking or mold coming from your roof St Louis, it is very important to get the problem fixed right away before the issue grows to a larger area. If you need professional roofing help, give Contemporary Roofing a call today for a FREE inspection!