Architectural Shingles Vs. 3-Tab Shingles: What’s The Difference?

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Homeowners are usually shocked when they find out just how many options they have when it comes to roofing materials.  If you need a replacing your roof, you may be tempted to go with the least expensive option.  However, it’s not wise to jump into a decision without getting all the information first.  For example, do you know the differences between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles?

But shingles come in many varieties, and even when considering an asphalt shingle roofing installation there is an important consideration to be made with regard to 3-tab shingles or architectural shingles.  At first glance, the only difference might seem to be the way that these roofing elements layer on top of one another or sit next to each other. However, the decision to install an architectural shingle roof or a 3-tab shingle design is an important one that homeowners must carefully consider when refitting a new roof on their home.

Even though these two options are made of the same basic material, they provide completely different experiences for homeowners living beneath them. Of course, most people look at a roof and see the roof.  It takes a bit of experience and knowledge to be able to tell apart one type of shingle from another.  Below are the pros and cons of architectural shingles versus three-tab shingles.

3-Tab Shingles

Also known as traditional shingles, these are the ones that people most often visualize when thinking about asphalt shingles.  Three-tabs come in a rectangular shape and are available in several color options, depending on the manufacturer.  Yet, these color options are not as flexible as other roofing material options.

Pros:

  • Because of the single layer design, 3-tab shingles weigh less than architectural shingles.
  • Less materials used means a lower price tag.
  • Affordable for new homeowners and those who need to do immediate repairs on a budget.
  • Provide a sleek look with neat lines.

Cons:

  • Less durability and lifespan than other roofing materials, including architectural shingles.  Depending on weather conditions and maintenance, 3-tab shingles will last between 10-15 years.
  • The flat appearance is less dimensional than other types of shingles.
  • Low wind resilience.

The main reason people choose to go with three-tab shingles over architectural ones is the cost.  There are some occasions where you use three-tab shingles because you plan on moving soon and simply need to repair the roofing for the next person.  Compared to architectural shingles, traditional three-tabs are at least 20% cheaper.

Architectural Shingles

Also referred to as laminate shingles or dimensional shingles, this type is about 50% thicker than traditional shingles and twice as durable.  In appearance, architectural shingles are less flat looking on a roof (hence “dimensional”) and come in a greater array of colors, sizes, and shapes.  Architectural shingles are considered higher quality asphalt shingles for this reason, and many brands have introduced designer architectural shingles to broaden their product offerings.  This means you have more choices between dimensional shingles than you would with 3-tab shingles.

While both shingles types use the same materials for construction (fiberglass mat, asphalt, adhesives, and granules) architectural shingles have a double layer, whereas three-tab shingles only have one.  Additionally, architectural shingles have more of everything.  More of a mat, higher quality adhesives and asphalt, and even more surface granules for higher reflectivity against the sun.

Pros:

  • Typically come with lifetimes warranties that last for up to 50 years, depending on the brand and type.
  • Thicker and far more durable than 3-tab shingles.
  • Rated higher in impact and wind resistance than 3-tab shingles.
  • When properly installed and maintained, architectural shingles have an average lifespan of 25-30 years but may last up to 50 years.

Cons:

  • Heavier than 3-tab shingles, which may pose a threat to homes that are not as structurally sound or have older construction.
  • Cost more than traditional three-tab varieties.

Another difference can be found in the lifespan of each type of shingle.  Architectural shingles will perform better in all types of weather conditions, including high winds, snowy climates, and areas that see extreme heat or significant rainfall.  As a result, architectural shingles will last slightly longer than the average of about 25 years for a typical roof.  Architectural shingles will last roughly 20 years if exposed to a routine excess of weather conditions and about 30 with good luck in the weather department.  Similarly, 3-tab shingles can expect to last perhaps 15 to 20 years in a favorable mix of weather conditions with a reduction down to about 10 years if the roof is continuously battered by extended periods of bad weather.

When considering new shingle installation, the bottom line is that architectural shingles are simply the superior product over the 3-tab design.  3-tab shingles may fit better with the aesthetic priorities of specific homeowners, but structurally they are no match for the value and longevity that architectural shingles provide to a home.  Architectural shingles are heavier than the 3-tab option and may not be a good choice for installation on older structures that might require augmentation to support the additional weight.  However, most modern homes won’t have a problem when it comes to selecting this type of shingle design over a cheaper variety that might come with a lighter weight load.

It’s always a good idea to discuss these and other options with a number of different contractors before making a decision on who will install your new roof and what type of material they will use to complete the job.  While different types of shingles will be quoted differently, contractors may not price their installation processes the same, leading to a reduction in upgraded material by one roofer over the others you speak with.

Three quotes for any home improvement project you may be considering is a good idea.  Speaking with roofers will give you a better sense of the availability of materials and timeline for completion.  As well, a roofing contractor will be able to tell you more information about which type of shingle construction option is better for your local area.  Differences are distinct between architectural and 3-tab shingles, but they are definitive.  An area that sees heavy snowfall, for instance, may benefit from a lighter shingle construction that won’t threaten to bring the roof down when the first blizzard of the year places a huge additional burden on the roof structure.  Alternatively, more durable roofing installations may be required in areas that see high wind on a regular basis, such as the southeast (during Atlantic hurricane season), or the Midwest, which deals with tornadoes on a routine basis.

As noted earlier, maintenance requirements are more pronounced with a 3-tab roof construction.  The shingles in a 3-tab roof overlap with one another, creating a unique wavy pattern across the roof.  Some homeowners might prefer this look, but they likely won’t prefer the additional maintenance requirements that come along with this type of installation.  3-tab shingles make use of thinner asphalt construction, while architectural shingles have a secondary layer and a larger volume of asphalt grains across their surface area.  This makes architectural shingles far better at withstanding the elements.

Maintenance on a 3-tab roof is more demanding because of the lighter weight and lower wind rating associated with this type of construction.  This type of shingle can lift and tear away much easier than an architectural shingle.  This means that you’ll likely need to maintain a reserve of shingle material and check the roof for problems on a more regular basis.

It is already well established that homeowners should investigate the health of their roof at least twice a year.  Climbing up on the roof every six months allows you to inspect this critical asset between turning seasonal temperature changes.  In practice, this means that you’ll see the state of the roof directly before and directly after the cold has set in across your local area.  Alternatively, a homeowner could inspect the roof in the dead of winter and then at the height of summer’s peak heat.  No matter how you schedule your roof inspections, viewing the state of your shingles every six months will help you identify problem areas and flaws in the material that are exacerbated by changing temperatures and the features that come with this shift, like humidity, greater or fewer sunlight hours, and moisture changes in the form of rain or snow.

Architectural shingles do a much better job of standing up to heavy wind conditions than 3-tab shingle construction.  Architectural shingles are built to withstand sustained winds at 80 mph, and some varieties can even bring this rating up to 130 mph.  Three-tab shingles, on the other hand, are typically rated for a maximum durability standard of about 60 miles an hour. This means that they are a great option for homes that don’t experience strong wind conditions on a regular basis. Homeowners in Florida are intimately familiar with this difference in wind defense, with hurricane season arriving every year in the summer and bringing a handful of storms to both Atlantic and Gulf coast shores reliably each year.

Wind ratings can play a major role in your decision to use one type of shingle or another. Some communities simply require this additional level of protection, so architectural shingles are really the only viable avenue when pursuing a roof replacement.  Of course, this all comes down to your unique circumstances and the needs of your property and local community.  Similarly, an older home in a hurricane or tornado-prone area might benefit from enhanced wind protection in the classical sense, but in reality, an upgraded roofing material won’t matter if the building itself isn’t still capable of withstanding hurricane-force winds.  Your roofing contractor is the best resource for information on which type of shingle is best for your specific needs and property type, so speaking with this team is always a good idea when selecting the type of roof replacement that will work best for your budget and localized requirements.

Architectural Shingles vs. Three-Tab Shingles: The Verdict

Should you spend more money on architectural shingles?  It depends.  There are plenty of reasons why a homeowner would choose three-tab shingles over other options and vice versa.  Yet, one of the factors that should not be overlooked is curb appeal.  The roof on your home is usually 50-60% of the whole structure, meaning that it is something everyone will see.  If you are planning on selling your current residence, then you need to factor that in.

Roofing that does nothing for the visual appeal of the roof could damage your efforts to sell.  Prospective buyers are looking to get the most out of their purchase, so they are not going to choose a property that has a roof that looks to be poor quality.

Dimensional shingles do a wonderful job of hiding any imperfections that a roof may have, while the flat look of 3-tab shingles could make any blemishes more pronounced.  While the structure itself may not be in any danger, such design flaws could dissuade potential buyers.

Also, let’s not overlook the fact that architectural shingles will increase the overall value of your home.  Three-tab shingles, on the other hand, have no such effect.

In short, choosing one type of shingle over the other is based on circumstances.  Three-tab shingles are best when you used them before and had no issues. You could be in a lower income neighborhood or trying to move from your current address and need to quickly patch up some issues.  Architectural shingles are a better option when you have the finances to do a better re-roofing job and plan on remaining in your home for many years.