Your old roof is flat-looking 3-tab shingles, some of the tabs have lifted after a few storms, and the north side has those black streaks you see all over the neighborhood. Every roofer you talk to brings up architectural shingle roofing in Deltona, and you’d like to know if it’s actually better or just the more expensive option.
That’s a smart question to ask before you sign anything. A new roof is a big check, and you want to spend it on a roof that fits your house and the weather here, not on a sales pitch.
APC Roofing is a GAF Certified contractor, licensed in Florida (CCC1337030) and insured. We’ll look at your roof for free and tell you straight whether architectural shingles make sense for you. Call 386-259-8425.
What architectural shingles are
Architectural shingles, sometimes called dimensional or laminated shingles, are made from two layers of asphalt shingle bonded together. The bottom layer fills in the gaps of the top layer, which gives the roof a thicker, shadowed look that resembles wood shake from the street.
A 3-tab shingle is a single flat layer with cutouts that make it look like three separate tabs. It’s lighter and thinner. For years it was the standard on Florida homes, and many older roofs in Deltona still have it.
The extra layer is the point. Architectural shingles are heavier, stiffer and usually carry higher wind ratings than 3-tab. On a house that faces strong summer storms and hurricane-season wind, that matters more than the look.
How architectural shingles handle Deltona’s weather
Wind. Wind damage on shingle roofs usually starts at the edges and the ridge, where gusts can get under a shingle and break its seal. Heavier shingles with a wide sealant strip hold down better, and the starter strips along the eaves and rakes give the first row a sealed edge to grip. Correct nailing is a big part of the wind rating. Nails need to land in the shingle’s nailing zone, and they need to be the right number per shingle.
Sun and heat. Central Florida UV is hard on asphalt. Over time the granules on the surface wear away, the asphalt underneath dries out and shingles get brittle. Thicker shingles have more material to lose before they reach that point. Lighter colors also run cooler on the surface than very dark ones.
Algae. Those black streaks are usually a type of algae that thrives in warm, humid weather, especially on shaded slopes. Many architectural shingle lines come in algae-resistant versions, which is worth asking about here.
Heavy rain. Afternoon storms dump a lot of water fast. The shingles shed most of it, but the underlayment beneath them, plus extra protection in valleys and at the eaves, is what keeps wind-driven rain out.
What goes into a good architectural shingle installation
The shingle is only as good as what’s under it and how it’s fastened. A proper install includes:
- Tearing off the old roof down to the deck and replacing any soft or rotted plywood
- New underlayment, with added protection in valleys and around pipes
- New drip edge and new flashing at walls and pipes, not reused pieces
- Starter strips at the eaves and rakes so the edge courses seal down
- Nailing to the manufacturer’s pattern
- Matching hip and ridge caps
Many residential architectural shingle projects are finished in a single day, and the crew cleans up before leaving.
Architectural or 3-tab: which one is right for you?
For most Deltona homeowners replacing a roof today, architectural shingles are the better value. They cost somewhat more than 3-tab, but they’re sturdier in wind and they look better. 3-tab can still make sense on a detached shed or outbuilding, or where you need to match an existing 3-tab roof on part of a house.
If you’re weighing shingles against metal or tile, our roof replacement page for Deltona compares the options. For a look at the whole shingle category, see our asphalt shingle roofing page.
When an architectural shingle roof needs attention
Even a good shingle roof needs a look after a big storm. Watch for shingles in the yard, creased or lifted tabs along the edges, granules piling up at the downspouts or bare dark spots on the roof. If wind has been at work, our wind damage roof repair page explains what we check.
If you file an insurance claim for storm damage, you file it yourself and pay your own deductible. We document the damage, write the estimate and work with your adjuster.
Architectural shingle roofing questions from Deltona homeowners
Are architectural shingles worth it in Florida?
For most homes, yes. The heavier build and higher wind ratings are a good match for Central Florida storms, and the look is a step up from 3-tab.
Can you replace a few architectural shingles, or does the whole roof need to go?
Damaged shingles can often be replaced on their own. Matching the color exactly can be tricky on an older roof, and we’ll tell you how close we can get.
Do darker shingles make the house hotter?
Dark shingles absorb more heat at the surface. How much that changes the temperature inside depends on your attic insulation, so color is mostly a looks decision with some heat trade-off.
Can you install new shingles over my old roof?
A full tear-off is usually the better choice. Going over the old roof hides the condition of the decking and adds weight, and we’ll talk through it with you if you’re considering it.
How it works with APC Roofing
- Book your free inspection. Call 386-259-8425 or request a free online estimate.
- Get a clear, honest assessment and estimate. You’ll see photos of your current roof and get a written estimate with your shingle options. Financing is available through Aqua Finance, Fortifi, Hearth and Home Run Finance.
- Get your new roof and a clean yard. The crew installs it and cleans up before they go.
An aging shingle roof doesn’t give much warning in a storm. Brittle shingles that have lost their seal are the first to go when the wind picks up.
With a new architectural shingle roof, you can watch the next storm roll through without wondering what’s going to be in the yard in the morning. Call 386-259-8425 to book your free inspection.
