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

Shingles are by far the most popular option when it comes to building new homes or reroofing existing properties that require replacement.  Shingles account for around 80% of all home roofs in the United States.  Shingles are cost-effective and typically simple to install.  But there are a few different types of shingles that homeowners must make themselves aware of in order to select the best option for their unique circumstances.

Overall, asphalt shingle construction dominates the market.  They are long-lasting and durable in the face of extreme weather conditions, and they are a cost-effective installation since they’re lightweight and fairly easy to install.  Both the 3-tab shingle and architectural shingle are built from an asphalt blueprint, but their weight and installation process vary as a result of other aspects of their fabrication processes. For one thing, architectural shingles are roughly three times as heavy as the 3-tab variety. This makes them far more durable than the lighter option, but not every home will have the capability of supporting this added weight without the addition of other costly renovation inclusions.

Whether you’re thinking of purchasing the more expensive and heavier architectural shingle design or making use of a more budget-friendly 3-tab option, you can rest assured that the asphalt shingle construction of either addition is high quality and will give you many years of protection from the elements.

What are 3-Tab Shingles?

3-tab shingles are easily distinguishable by their notched pattern (three notches, hence the name 3-tab) at the lower edge of the shingles.  This type of shingle is very easy to install as it is composed of a thin, lightweight material.  It’s also a relatively durable option without requiring a lot of maintenance, other than regular inspections and normal roof cleanings.

What are Architectural Shingles?

Architectural roofing is growing in popularity as one of the highest quality roofing materials currently on the market.  It is highly versatile, durable and can mimic the appearance of many other types of roofing.   Often referred to as composite shingles, laminate shingles or even dimensional shingles, architectural shingles are composed of a durable fiberglass base, with a ceramic-coating of mineral granules embedded tightly together.  These shingles are able to offer aesthetics, high performance and low maintenance.

How are 3-Tab and Architectural Shingles Different?

Though both fall under the category of asphalt shingles and share many similarities, 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles vary in performance across several important categories, from aesthetic appeal to longevity to water and wind resistance.

Here’s how architectural and 3-tab shingles stack up against one another:

Appearance

When evaluating 3-tab shingles vs. architectural shingles in regards to aesthetics, there isn’t a clear winner considering that beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  3-tab shingles offer some texture, though lay flat when installed on your roof, resulting in a smooth, clean finish.  3-tab shingle roofing also comes in a wide variety of colors, so it’s able to match the look and feel of any home.

Architectural shingles, however, offer greater versatility in size and shape and can give your roof a more luxurious look since they can be made to mimic more expensive roofing types like slate or cedar shakes.  With a more unique appearance, architectural roofing may boost your home’s curb appeal and set you apart from other homes listed in your area.  Ultimately, it’s up to the individual to decide which type of shingle offers the best appearance relative to their home.

Composition

3-tab shingles are made with asphalt, adhesive and external granules for the outside layer, with a fiberglass backing.  While composed in a similar manner, architectural shingles are typically composed with higher quality materials which makes them thicker than 3-tab shingles.  Architectural shingles also tend to use stronger adhesives and a larger quantity of finer granules tightly-packed together, which increases longevity and durability.

Weight

Since architectural shingles are composed of multiple layers of material, they are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles—about 50% heavier, in fact.  This makes them a bit more durable and longer lasting compared to 3-tab shingles. However, it’s much easier and faster to install 3-tab vs. architectural shingles due to their lightweight nature.

Lifespan

How do 3-tab shingles vs. architectural shingles compare when it comes to lifespan?  Since architectural shingles are composed with more durable, higher quality components, they’re able to better resist severe weather conditions like wind, ice and heat.  While the average 3-tab shingle roof lasts anywhere from 10 to 25+ years, architectural shingle roofs can last up to 50 years when properly maintained.

Warranties

Considering that 3-tab shingles have a shorter lifespan than architectural shingles, they also have lower warranties.  The average warranty for a 3-tab shingle roof is 20-25 years, while an architectural shingle roof warranty can cover 40 years or longer—some contractors even offer lifetime warranties.

Wind Resistance

Since 3-tab shingles are very lightweight, they tend to get roughed up by strong winds, especially if you live in a climate that experiences windy weather often.  Comparatively, architectural shingles can stand up to wind much better than 3-tab shingles due to their thicker construction and use of stronger adhesives in the installation process.  In fact, architectural shingles can resist winds up to 120 miles per hour, while 3-tab shingles are only rated for winds up to about 60 miles per hour.

Water Resistance

Similar to wind resistance, architectural shingles also trump 3-tab shingles when it comes to water resistance.  Since architectural shingles are laminated and coated with tightly-packed granules, they are incredibly water-resistant.

Price

One of the most significant factors in the architectural shingles vs. 3-tab comparison is price.  Architectural shingles are far more expensive (costs on average 20% to 40% more) than 3-tab shingles since they are more expensive to install.

Both Options Are Built As An Asphalt Shingle And Are Very Popular

Installation Costs Are Lower On 3-Tab Shingles

The installation costs associated with the 3-tab shingle design are typically dramatically lower than that of architectural shingles. This comes as a result of the lighter material, making it easier to manipulate the sheets and tap them into place.  However, it should be noted that the installation pattern and lighter material layout of 3-tab shingles make them more prone to breakage over the course of the many years they will be sitting on top of your home.  This translates into greater repair costs on average than homeowners who install architectural shingles will likely see.  The tradeoff between low installation cost and low maintenance cost is an important one.

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-tab and architectural shingles are not the only types of roof materials on the market.

Vs. Metal

Metal roofing like copper or steel costs more upfront but will last three or four times longer than an asphalt roof.  This material is recyclable at the end of its life, can increase the value of your home and offers protection against storms and hail.

Vs. Cedar/Wood

Wood shingles are an attractive and long-lasting option for roofing but may be challenging to maintain.  Moss and algae need to be cleaned off as it grows, and you may also need a roof preservative applied every two to five years, depending on the type of preservative you choose.

Vs. Clay

Clay roofing tiles are durable and fire-resistant. But its weight may cause a problem.  Installation may require additional reinforcement if your home isn’t structurally sound.

Vs. Slate

Slate roofs last for more than a hundred years and have natural beauty, partly due to the material’s tough structure.  But, they’re difficult to install on homes that are not reinforced with heavy-duty materials that can hold up slate’s weight. If you maintain slates carefully and make sure your roof is well-positioned, you will extend its life.