Material study illustration of architectural composition shingles

Roof Types · Shingle

Architectural Shingle Roofs, Installed as a System

Architectural shingles are an attractive, cost-effective choice for many Florida homes. Their performance depends on every layer beneath them, which is why Global Roofing & Contracting installs shingles as a complete system.

Type
Architectural (dimensional) shingles
Credential
CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator
System
CertainTeed Integrity Roof System
Best for
Value, variety of colors, lighter weight
Material study

The short answer

Architectural shingles are thick, dimensional asphalt shingles that offer good looks and value. In Florida, they perform best as a complete system of underlayment, starter strips, ridge caps and ventilation. Global Roofing & Contracting is a CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator and offers the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System for shingle roof replacements.

Global Roofing & Contracting · Est. 2004 · FL License CCC1330308

What makes a shingle architectural

Architectural shingles, also called dimensional or laminated shingles, are built from multiple layers bonded together. The result is a thicker shingle with a textured, shadowed look that resembles wood shake or slate more than older flat three-tab shingles.

They are heavier and more robust than three-tab shingles and typically carry better wind ratings. For many Florida homeowners, they strike a practical balance between appearance, performance and cost.

Material study illustration of architectural composition shingles
Material study

The parts of a shingle roof system

The shingles you see are only the top layer. A shingle roof performs well when every component is designed to work together, ideally from the same manufacturer.

  • Underlayment: the water-resistant layer over the deck that serves as a backup if water gets past the shingles.
  • Starter strips: specially designed shingles at the eaves and rakes that seal the first course and help resist wind uplift at the edges.
  • Hip and ridge caps: shaped shingles that cover the peaks, where wind and weather hit hardest.
  • Ventilation: intake and exhaust vents that let hot, humid air escape the attic, which protects both the shingles and the deck.
  • Flashing: metal at walls, chimneys, valleys and penetrations that directs water away from vulnerable joints.

Florida heat and wind

Sun and heat are hard on asphalt. High attic temperatures can age shingles faster, so balanced ventilation and lighter or reflective colors can make a real difference in Florida. Humidity also makes ventilation important for preventing moisture problems in the attic.

For wind, correct nailing, sealed starter courses and properly installed ridge caps are what keep shingles on the roof. Shingle roofs are installed to the Florida Building Code, and careful attention to edges and corners is where craftsmanship shows.

CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator

Global Roofing & Contracting holds the CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator credential, which reflects training in CertainTeed installation methods. Global also offers the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System, which pairs CertainTeed shingles with matched CertainTeed accessory components.

Using a matched system means the underlayment, starter, ridge and ventilation products are designed to work together. It also keeps the whole roof within one manufacturer’s specifications.

Replacement timeline and cost factors

A typical shingle replacement follows Global’s four-step process: free inspection, emergency services if needed plus a detailed estimate, a meeting with your insurance adjuster when needed, then scheduling and installation. Once materials are secured, Global sets a timeline with you and sticks to it.

Many shingle roofs on single-family homes can be completed in a relatively short window once work begins, though weather, roof size and deck repairs affect the schedule. Cost depends on roof size and pitch, the shingle line chosen, the number of layers to remove, deck condition, ventilation upgrades and code requirements.

Roofing Systems

Roofing Systems
Made for Florida.

Six systems, one standard of installation. Choose a material to see where it performs best and what matters about it on a Florida home.

Overhead view of a multi-tone clay-look tile roof with hips and valleys on a Naples home Global project · Naples, FL

Clay & concrete tile

Tile Roofing

The signature Florida roof. Clay and concrete tile bring long service life, thermal mass and the architectural character of Mediterranean and coastal homes.

Benefits

  • Durable, long-lived tile field
  • Broad range of profiles and colors
  • Suits Mediterranean & Spanish architecture

In Florida

In high winds, performance depends on what you can’t see: underlayment and attachment. Global’s founder is certified through the Tile Roofing Institute’s Florida High Wind Installer program.

Best for Mediterranean, Spanish and estate homes

View tile roofing
Material study illustration of standing seam metal roof panelsMaterial study

Standing seam

Metal Roofing

Continuous panels joined by raised, interlocking seams with concealed fasteners. The result is a clean, modern profile with very few exposed penetrations.

Benefits

  • Concealed-fastener panel design
  • Reflective finishes help limit heat gain
  • Low-maintenance, contemporary look

In Florida

Panel gauge, clip spacing and attachment are specified to the home’s wind-load requirements. That detail work matters on the coast.

Best for Modern, coastal and Old-Florida homes

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Material study illustration of architectural composition shinglesMaterial study

Composition & architectural

Shingle Roofing

Composition shingles, including dimensional architectural shingles, offer a versatile, cost-conscious system with a wide palette of colors.

Benefits

  • Versatile and cost-conscious
  • Dimensional architectural profiles
  • Manufacturer-backed roof systems

In Florida

Global holds CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator and Integrity Roof System credentials, a CertainTeed designation for qualified installers.

Best for Traditional and transitional homes

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Material study illustration of stone-coated steel shake-profile panelsMaterial study

Tile, shake & shingle profiles

Stone-Coated Steel

Steel panels finished with a stone-granule coating that can take the profile of tile, shake or shingle at a fraction of the weight.

Benefits

  • Tile-like look at lower weight
  • Interlocking panel system
  • Textured, natural finish

In Florida

A practical option when the look of tile is wanted but structure or weight is a consideration.

Best for Homes wanting tile character with less weight

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Material study illustration of slate and composite slate roofingMaterial study

Natural & engineered

Slate & Composite Slate

Natural slate or engineered composite slate for a classic, dimensional roofline with crisp shadow lines.

Benefits

  • Classic, dimensional appearance
  • Composite options reduce weight
  • Distinctive estate aesthetic

In Florida

Composite slate delivers the look of stone with lighter weight, often a better fit for existing Florida structures.

Best for Estates and traditional architecture

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Material study illustration of cedar shake roofingMaterial study

Natural wood

Cedar Shake & Shingle

Cedar shakes and shingles create a warm, textured, natural roofline. Reroofs and repairs included.

Benefits

  • Warm, natural texture
  • Hand-split or sawn profiles
  • Reroofs and repairs

In Florida

Wood roofs in a humid climate reward careful detailing, ventilation and maintenance planning.

Best for Cottage, coastal and craftsman homes

View cedar shake & shingle

Our Process

A Better Roofing
Process.

Four clear steps from first call to final walkthrough, built around documentation, communication and a jobsite you’d be comfortable walking through.

  1. 01

    Inspect

    Request your free, no-obligation roof inspection by phone or online. We assess the whole roof system, not just what’s visible from the ground.

  2. 02

    Document & Estimate

    Emergency services when they’re needed, then a detailed estimate built on aerial measurement (EagleView) and industry-standard estimating (Xactimate).

  3. 03

    Plan

    Where a storm loss is involved, we can meet with your insurance adjuster when needed. Then we set scope, materials and schedule with you.

  4. 04

    Install & Complete

    Experienced crews replace your roof on the timeline we set together, with a clean, organized jobsite from tear-off to final walkthrough.

Crew installing an emergency roof tarp on a Naples multi-family building Naples, FL · Emergency dry-in

Storm restoration

Experienced With the Restoration Process.

Global’s core expertise is restoring and replacing roofs after hurricanes, wind damage and other covered perils. When a storm loss is involved, we document the roof’s condition, prepare a detailed estimate and can meet with your insurance adjuster when needed.

  • 01Inspect
  • 02Document
  • 03Estimate
  • 04Plan
  • 05Restore

Global is a licensed roofing contractor, not a public adjuster. Coverage decisions are made by your insurance company; we don’t interpret policies or guarantee claim outcomes.

Storm damage restoration

FAQ

Shingle Roofs: Your Questions, Answered.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call 239-653-9703 (Naples) or 954-889-2201 (Pembroke Pines), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Are architectural shingles good for Florida roofs?

Yes, architectural shingles are a solid choice for many Florida homes when installed as a complete system. Proper nailing, sealed starter courses, good ventilation and quality underlayment help them handle heat, rain and wind.

What is the difference between architectural and three-tab shingles?

Architectural shingles are thicker, multi-layer shingles with a dimensional look, while three-tab shingles are thinner and flat. Architectural shingles generally offer better wind performance and a more premium appearance.

What is the CertainTeed Integrity Roof System?

It is a CertainTeed roofing system that combines CertainTeed shingles with matched CertainTeed underlayment, starter, ridge and ventilation components. Global Roofing & Contracting offers this system as a CertainTeed Master Shingle Applicator.

Why does attic ventilation matter for shingles?

Ventilation lets hot, humid air escape the attic, which helps shingles age more slowly and protects the roof deck from moisture. In Florida’s heat and humidity, balanced intake and exhaust venting is especially important.

How long does a shingle roof replacement take?

Many shingle replacements on single-family homes are completed in a short window once work begins. Roof size, weather and any deck repairs affect timing. Global sets a schedule with you once materials are secured and sticks to it.

Can new shingles go over my old ones?

Sometimes, but removing the old roof is generally the better approach because it lets the deck be inspected and repaired. A full tear-off also lets the new underlayment, flashing and ventilation be installed correctly, and code limits apply to overlays.

Experience the Global Difference

Your Roof Protects Everything Beneath It.

Whether your roof has been damaged by a storm or has simply reached the end of its lifespan, start with a professional inspection from Global Roofing & Contracting.

239-653-9703Mon – Fri · 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. EST

Request a free inspection

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