Asphalt Shingle Vs. Dimensional Shingle

Standard Shingles

• Asphalt shingles are also known as composition shingles, and they often consist of ceramic granules pressed into asphalt to enhance their weather resistance. Standard asphalt shingles usually come in thin strips with vertical indentations that make it appear as though a single strip consists of three separate shingles. Standard shingles are easy to install, and they're one of the least expensive roofing materials. As a result, they're the most common shingles used on U.S. homes, according to This Old House.

Dimensional Shingles

• Dimensional, or architectural, shingles are thicker and have more texture and color variations than standard asphalt shingles. Manufacturers create dimensional shingles that mimic wood, slate, clay and other costlier roofing materials. The thickness of dimensional shingles helps them last longer, and they may come with a manufacturer's warranty that lasts 40 years or more. Standard asphalt shingles generally come with warranties that last 20 to 30 years.

Costs

• Roofers usually provide price quotes by the square, and a square equals 100 square feet. Dimensional shingles could cost you about twice as much as standard asphalt shingles, based on "This Old House" estimates. You may pay $25 to $30 per square for a traditional asphalt shingle, but an architectural shingle may cost you as much as $60 per square. Even at that price, dimensional shingles cost significantly less than slate and other materials they're designed to imitate. For example, This Old House indicates that natural slate roofing generally costs at least $300 per square.

Considerations

• Dimensional shingles are heavier than standard asphalt varieties, so they're less prone to blowing away in high winds. Some manufacturers' ratings on dimensional shingles indicate they withstand winds that exceed 100 miles per hour. Both standard and dimensional asphalt shingles are prone to staining and algae growth, especially in areas where wet leaves tend to settle on rooftops. High humidity also promotes algae growth. Some manufacturers coat their shingles with zinc or copper to prevent such problems.