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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Which Are Better? Three Tab or Architectural Shingles

When it comes to roofing, you have quite a few options, from asphalt shingles to metal to slate and everything in between.  However, time and time again, homeowners opt for asphalt above all else.  In fact, more than 75% of U.S. homes use asphalt shingles.  They are affordable, durable and add a level of curb appeal unmatched by other roofing materials.  So, for many homeowners the choice is simple – asphalt reigns supreme.  But it is not quite as simple as that. There is still one more important question to answer.   It is choosing between 3-Tab and Architectural Shingles.

Physical Difference Between Architectural Shingles and Three Tab

Architectural (also known as dimensional, laminated or composite shingles) shingles are constructed with a heavier base mat which multiple layers of material are adhered to. This gives the “dimensional” shingles a layered or three dimensional look.  Whereas the standard three tab shingle contains a flat layer with no dimensional “thickness” to it.  Typically architectural shingles weight almost 50% more than the standard 3 tab shingles.

Aesthetic Difference

Dimensional shingles were developed in the 70’s for the high end home market.  Homeowner’s were looking for an asphalt shingle product that had the architectural appearance of cedar shingles while providing the performance of asphalt.  By using the layered construction of the dimensional shingle it appears to have texture similar to cedar shakes.  Laminated shingles do a much better job hiding imperfections in the roofing structure as well.

Asphalt shingles are made of layered fiberglass between asphalt and ceramic-coated granules. The standard asphalt shingle offers a water-resistant coating that deflects UV light.  Both architectural and 3-tab shingles are made of asphalt. Yet, there are different variations to consider when choosing a roofing type.

Architectural

Architectural shingles have a thicker and sturdier base mat than traditional 3-tab shingles.  They also offer more protection from the outside elements.  New printing technologies also allow for more significant color variation, making them look more like natural wood than a man-made material.  Architectural shingles contain more surface granules, meaning they maintain their original appearance for a longer time than regular asphalt 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.

Architectural shingles are popular among homeowners and contractors alike for their resilience, ease of installation, and cost-effectiveness.

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

3-Tab

Three-tab shingles are thinner than architectural shingles because they’re only a single layer.  They are weaker and flimsier, making them less durable in areas with frequent bad weather.  They also come in many shapes and sizes, often with a flat or textured facade.

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

• 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.

Performance Difference

Architectural shingles typically have a minimum of 25 to 30 year warranties.  Because of the heavier construction they are less likely to warp and they provide much better wind resistance.  Standard three tab shingles are typically rated for 60 mph winds while most architectural shingles are rated for 80 mph up to 120 mph.

Cost Difference

Today laminated shingles are available in many different warranty lengths from 25 to 50 years.  Typically, the cost of architectural shingles is only about 20% more than the traditional 3 tab shingles.  Some of the higher end 50 year products can be as much as twice as expensive to buy.  One thing to consider though is the increased value of your home.