When considering purchasing asphalt shingles the first thing you must do is get a measurement of the quantity of asphalt shingles that you will require. This is a very simple task; each square of shingle will usually cover one hundred square foot of roof area.
Using this basic measure as your guide line you will be able to determine exactly how many shingles you will need. When purchasing asphalt shingles you will have to do some searching on the internet to compare prices and quality of the various types of asphalt shingles that are available.
You must definitely look for the manufacturer's warranty and do a check to ensure that they offer at least a thirty year guarantee, after all this your big investment, so you want to make sure that you are getting your moneys worth.
Also the thickness of the shingles should be taken into consideration, do not choose a shingle based on it looks rather think in terms of its durability, how well it will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions and how long it is going to last. The two basic types of shingles are the "three-tab" and "dimensional" these are also referred to as "architectural" and "laminate" type shingles.
The three-tab shingles are designed with two notches cut into the lower edge which makes it look like three smaller shingles when it is installed on your roof. Although these three-tab shingles usually cost less than the dimensional type shingles, they are much more difficult to install, as you will need to follow the pattern.
The dimensional shingle comes with extra pieces of shingles laminated to it, which give it that added thickness and textured look, but as there is no particular pattern to follow it is much easier and quicker to install that the three-tab shingle system.
This type of dimensional shingle has a real shadow line which is created by the thickness of the extra pieces of shingles which are laminated to it.
The "40 year" dimensional shingles are by far the most expensive and the thickest type of dimensional shingles available with two artificial shadow lines along with an overall delicate quality of the shingle.
The "30 year "dimensional shingles only has one fake shadow line, with a less delicate blending of the granule colors and they are not as thick as the "40 year" dimensional shingles.
The "25 year" dimensional shingles is the cheapest type of dimensional shingles of the lot of dimensional shingles are can be described as a standard type of dimensional shingles.
The shadow lines are less defined and the shingles are thinner than the other types of dimensional shingles making them incapable of creating much of a three dimensional effect.
So now you know the difference between the two main types of asphalt shingles you should have an idea of what you can expect, but remember that the more expensive "40 year" dimensional shingles are at the top of the list of shingles when looking for longevity and durability, which should be your main priority when purchasing asphalt shingles.
But of course you will have to make sure and read the manufacturers warranty very carefully, making sure you understand all the fine print before you even begin purchasing.
