3 Tab Shingles Versus Architectural Shingles

First the look

Here is a 3 tab shingle

Here is what an architectural shingle

More Details

Both three tab and architectural shingles are types of asphalt shingle

Architectural Shingles, also known as dimensional shingles or laminate shingles ---differ from the traditional 3-tab asphalt shingle look. They differ because the actual shingle tabs have various sizes and shapes. These various sizes and shapes give them a more “dimensional” look to them and can actually make a shingle roof look more like shake. See the picture above of the architectural shingle, and see the different shapes and sizes.  

Architectural shingles weigh more than 3-tab shingles. In fact, they weigh around 50 percent more than the asphalt 3-tab shingles.Because architectural shingles are thicker than 3-tab shingles they have a longer warranty, usally around 20 to 25 years compared. Architectural shingles almost across the board have a minimum 30 year guarantee and are rated to resist higher speeds of wind.Architectural shingles cost more than 3-tab shingles by $30 a square at time. 

Architectural shingles help maintain or raise the value of the home as long as they are properly installed. They are a preferred shingle for homeowners because they help the homes value. 3-tab shingles are still preferred among residential rental properties and lower value homes where the initial higher cost can not be met for architectural shingles. We hope that this simple comparison helped answer your questions regarding the differences between architectural and 3-tab shingles. Overall architectural shingles are a better product that performs better and is more aesthetically appealing.

The main reasons why 3-tab shingles are still available for purchase are because they cost less and are a great option for those with smaller budgets, they are needed as the starter row when roofing a roof, and there are many roofs that already have 3 tab shingles on them and they require repairs with the same type of shingle.

 A new roof will always be a plus when selling your home, but the more modern look of architectural shingles will boost your resale value even higher in Texas's Dallas and Fort Worth Area record-breaking real estate market. 

One advantage of Architectural shingles is that nowadays Most are algae resistant.

Make sure you select ones that are algae resistant. Most architectural shingles that are manufactured today are coated with zinc or copper granules which help to prevent algae growth.

One Final Look

A Large, Fast, Professional Roofing Crew Doing a 3 Tab Cedar Color Roof in Ft Worth

Types of Shingles

Three Tab Asphalt Roof Shingles

Three Tab Asphalt Roofing Shingles have been the economical choice of homeowners for many years.  These roofing shingles meet general roofing needs, fire resistance standards and come with a standard warranty of 20 to 50 years.  Three tab asphalt roof shingles are offered in a variety of colors to satisfy practically any style preference. They are also economical when it comes to repairing asphalt shingles or an overall re-roofing job.

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Architectural Roofing Shingles

Architectural roofing shingles are high quality asphalt roofing products with distinctive, often dramatic appearances.  They are also known as laminated or dimensional roof shingle and are among the highest quality roofing products made.  These roofing shingles provide a three-dimensional appearance. Some of the most attractive architectural roofing shingles simulate cedar wood shakes, and slate.

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Specialty Shingles

Specialty asphalt roofing shingles mimic  an “old world” style of shingles- such as natural shake, or slate. They have a different appearance from Strip Roof Shingles and Dimensional Roof Shingles.  These roofing shingles have enhanced performance such as impact resistance and solar reflectiveness that can extend the life of the roof and lower energy costs. Specialty roof shingles make up less than 5% of the total shingle market for one primary reason – cost. Specialty roofing shingles, in general cost more than a common dimensional roof shingle but there is a payoff. The average specialty roofing shingle carries a 50 year to LIFETIME warranty on the product. For the most part these roof shingles install just like dimensional asphalt roofing shingles. While there is a variety of designs available in specialty roofing shingles many specialty asphalt roofing shingles try to mimic nature. Most either copy the design of contemporary slate or wood shakes, there are however some unique designs by certain roof shingle manufacturers.