Five Types of Asphalt Shingles for Roof Installation

This guide explores the five types of asphalt shingles—Laminated, 3-Tab, Mosaic, Gothic, and Fish Scale—offering insights into their installation scenarios, advantages, and specifications.

 Whether you're planning a new roof or renovating an existing one, this article provides the information you need to select the ideal shingles for your specific needs.

Below are the installation scenarios and specific needs for different types of asphalt shingles, helping you select the most suitable type from the five types of asphalt shingles for your roof.

Type 1: Laminated Asphalt Shingles

• Installation Application

Laminated Asphalt Shingles are ideal for roofs needing extra durability and strength. A base layer is first installed, followed by a second layer to boost structural stability.

These shingles are perfect for extreme weather conditions, such as in coastal cities on India’s eastern coast (e.g., Visakhapatnam), where strong winds and heavy rainfall are common. The double-layer design effectively withstands wind pressure and rain.

 For homeowners seeking long-term roofing solutions with reduced maintenance costs, or for commercial buildings (such as warehouses and factories) needing to bear heavy loads, Laminated Asphalt Shingles are an ideal choice from the five types of asphalt shingles.

•  Advantages

Attiroof's Laminated Asphalt Shingles, with their layered texture and robust design, are ideal for diverse architectural needs, ensuring enhanced durability, thermal efficiency, and suitability for a variety of roofs with a pitch of 5-90 degrees, excluding flat surfaces. This makes them one of the most versatile options among the five types of asphalt shingles.

Type 2: 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

• Installation Application

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles are quick and easy to install, ideal for lightweight roofs. Installation involves laying a waterproof membrane and then applying the shingles directly, saving time and labor costs.

These shingles are well-suited for budget-conscious residential projects, especially in inland areas like Delhi and northern Indian cities, where they meet basic waterproofing and aesthetic requirements.

For first-time homeowners or small projects (such as garages or annexes) looking to complete a roof quickly at a lower cost, 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles are an excellent choice from the five types of asphalt shingles.

• Advantages

Attiroof's 3-Tab Asphalt Shingles offer a blend of classic design and versatility, suitable for various buildings with roof slopes between 5-90 degrees. This makes them a practical choice within the five types of asphalt shingles, offering easy installation, durable protection, and effective waterproofing for both cement and wooden structures.

Type 3: Mosaic Asphalt Shingles

• Installation Application

Mosaic Asphalt Shingles feature unique designs and can be arranged in various patterns and colors. Careful layout during installation ensures aesthetic appeal.

These shingles are perfect for homes prioritizing appearance and personalization, particularly in modern buildings or high-end villas (such as those in newly developed communities in Bangalore), where Mosaic Shingles can enhance visual appeal.

For homeowners seeking architectural beauty and personalized design, or investors looking to increase a property’s aesthetic value, Mosaic Asphalt Shingles are highly suitable among the five types of asphalt shingles.

• Advantages

These shingles offer a stunning blend of aesthetics and practicality. Suitable for roofs with a pitch of 5-90 degrees, they provide exceptional durability, thermal insulation, and versatility, making them an ideal choice from the five types of asphalt shingles for various architectural projects, from residential homes to commercial buildings.

Type 4: Gothic Asphalt Shingles

• Installation Application

Gothic Asphalt Shingles are commonly used in traditional buildings, where careful arrangement and overlap during installation are crucial to maintaining the architectural style.

They are ideal for regions with rich history or distinctive cultural features (such as the ancient buildings in Udaipur), where Gothic Shingles can seamlessly blend with the local architectural style.

For homeowners needing to maintain a traditional appearance and architectural culture, or for those involved in historic building restoration projects, Gothic Asphalt Shingles are the ideal choice from the five types of asphalt shingles.

•  Advantages

Attiroof's Gothic Asphalt Shingles offer a distinct, dimensional look that enhances not just villas but any structure that meets the installation criteria, providing exceptional insulation, waterproofing, and longevity for slopes of 5-90 degrees. They stand out among the five types of asphalt shingles for their aesthetic appeal.

Type 5: Fish Scale Asphalt Shingles

• Installation Application

Fish Scale Asphalt Shingles have a unique shape that requires precise alignment during installation to ensure a tight fit and prevent leaks.

These shingles are ideal for homes and villas emphasizing decorative appeal, particularly in coastal regions like the vacation homes in Kerala, where Fish Scale Shingles add a unique style to the roof.

For homeowners wanting to enhance the individuality and visual impact of their roof design, Fish Scale Asphalt Shingles are an excellent choice from the five types of asphalt shingles.

• Advantages

Attiroof's Fish Scale Asphalt Shingles offer timeless aesthetics and practicality, suitable for various applications with thermal insulation, lightweight durability, and seamless waterproofing. Among the five types of asphalt shingles, they stand out for their decorative versatility. Choose from an array of colors and customizable features to enhance any architectural style with sustainability and superior weather resistance.

Here are the basic specifications of Attiroof's commonly used Asphalt Shingles, helping you better estimate installation costs for the five types of asphalt shingles.

1. Weather Resistance

The fiberglass base enhances strength and provides excellent resistance to wind, rain, snow, and UV rays, ensuring stable performance in all weather conditions. Asphalt, as the primary waterproof and windproof material, offers outstanding weather resistance.

In Mumbai, where strong winds and heavy rains are frequent, many residential and commercial buildings opt for asphalt shingles. After several heavy rains and storms, the roofs remained intact, demonstrating the shingles' excellent wind and waterproofing properties. This makes them one of the preferred choices among the five types of asphalt shingles.

2. Cost-Effectiveness

Asphalt shingles are cost-effective compared to other materials, with installation and maintenance being more economical. They do not easily accumulate dirt, requiring no frequent cleaning, and are easy to maintain, significantly reducing maintenance costs. Their lightweight nature allows for easy installation without the need for complex tools or techniques, saving time and labor costs.

In Delhi, if you plan to operate a small café, choosing asphalt shingles as your roofing material offers a significantly lower initial investment than concrete or metal roofs, and maintenance costs are also more economical, making it suitable for a start-up budget. This makes them a strong candidate among the five types of asphalt shingles.

3. Energy Efficiency

Some shingles reflect sunlight, reducing cooling demands and lowering energy consumption.

In Bangalore, some homes using reflective asphalt shingles reported a 15%-20% reduction in air conditioning usage during the summer, lowering electricity bills and enhancing living comfort. This feature is one of the key benefits of certain products among the five types of asphalt shingles.

4. Diverse Designs

Mineral granules increase UV resistance, reduce fading, and offer various colors and styles that can be matched to different architectural styles, enhancing the building's aesthetic appeal. The variety of design options makes this one of the most versatile choices within the five types of asphalt shingles.

5. Algae Resistance

Anti-algae components prevent moss and algae growth, keeping the roof clean and aesthetically pleasing, particularly in humid climates.

In Kerala, where humidity is high, many homeowners have chosen algae-resistant asphalt shingles, successfully preventing moss growth and maintaining the roof's appearance, thereby reducing the need for cleaning. This makes them a practical choice among the five types of asphalt shingles.

6. Fire Resistance

Asphalt shingles are fire-resistant, preventing fire spread and increasing building safety.

In Ahmedabad, builders recommend using asphalt shingles because their excellent fire resistance can effectively improve building safety, especially during the dry season, reducing the risk of fire. This safety feature is a significant advantage among the five types of asphalt shingles.

7. Durability

High-quality asphalt shingles often last 15-20 years, maintaining good condition in various environments and reducing the frequency of replacements. Their long lifespan is a key factor among the five types of asphalt shingles.

When choosing asphalt shingles, consider your needs, budget, architectural style, and environment. The right asphalt shingles offer durability, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic appeal, providing the ideal roof solution. Among the five types of asphalt shingles available, selecting the one that best meets your criteria is crucial.

If you are looking for a more personalized roofing solution, feel free to contact Attiroof. Our professional team will offer you tailored advice to ensure your roof not only performs well but also perfectly matches your aesthetic preferences. Choose Attiroof and let your roof stand out!