Are you in the market for a new roof? With so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which materials and shingles will be the best fit for your home. If you’re considering a 3-tab or architectural roof shingle, we’ve got all of the details and insights on their advantages and disadvantages! In this post, you’ll be understanding the benefits and drawbacks of 3-tab shingles vs. architectural shingles and what makes each type unique. We’ll be highlighting features like durability, cost-effectiveness, and visual appeal – plus any problems that may arise with either option. With our help, choosing between 3 tab vs. architectural roof shingles won’t seem so intimidating anymore.
What Is A 3 Tab Roof Shingle
A 3-tab roof shingle is a type of asphalt shingle that uses three cutouts, or tabs, to create a more uniform look. This type of shingle is typically installed in an overlapping pattern and can be used on various roof types, including single-story homes and multi-story buildings.
Advantages of 3-Tab Roof Shingle
- 3 Tab Roof Shingles are more cost-efficient than Architectural Shingles. They are made from a single layer of asphalt and typically only cost 1/3 of the price of an architectural shingle. This makes them ideal for budget-conscious homeowners who are looking for a cost-effective roofing solution.
- 3 Tab Roof Shingles are also easier to install than Architectural Shingles. Unlike architectural shingles, which require multiple layers of shingles to be laid down, 3 Tab Roof Shingles are designed to be laid down in a single layer. This makes installation faster and simpler, which can save you time and money.
- They are also more durable than Architectural Shingles. 3 Tab Roof Shingles are designed to withstand hail, wind, and other elements better than Architectural Shingles. This makes them an ideal choice for homeowners who live in areas that experience severe weather conditions.
- Lastly, 3 Tab Roof Shingles are environmentally friendly as they are made from a single layer of asphalt and do not require any additional materials or energy to install.
Disadvantages
- One of the main disadvantages of 3-tab roof shingles is that they typically have a shorter lifespan than architectural shingles. While 3-tab asphalt shingles can last up to 25 years, architectural asphalt shingle roofs can last for as long as 50 years.
- 3 tab roof shingles are flat and uniform, which can make a home look dull or dated in comparison to architectural shingles. Architectural shingles come in a variety of shapes, textures, and colors, which can make a home look more visually appealing.
- 3 tab roof shingles provide less protection against the elements. The interlocking design of architectural shingles makes them more resistant to wind, rain, and snow than 3 tab roof shingles.
- 3 tab roof shingles are more susceptible to wear and tear than architectural shingles, making it more likely that they’ll need to be replaced sooner.
What Are Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are a type of asphalt shingle that feature two or more layers of material. The base layer is composed of either fiberglass or organic felt, and the top layer is made up of a weather-resistant coating, such as ceramic granules.
Advantages of Architectural Shingles
- Architectural shingles are much more durable than 3 tab shingles, lasting longer and providing better protection against harsh weather conditions.
- Architectural shingles are more aesthetically pleasing than 3-tab shingles and can add a unique, stylish look to any home.
- Architectural shingles can qualify for a longer warranty than 3-tab shingles, giving homeowners peace of mind that their roof is well-protected.
- Architectural shingles require less maintenance than 3-tab shingles, meaning homeowners can spend less time worrying about their roof and more time enjoying their homes.
Disadvantages
- Architectural shingles are more expensive than 3-tab shingles. This is because they have a higher-quality design and materials, which makes them more durable than 3-tab shingles.
- While architectural shingles have a longer life span, they are not necessarily more durable than 3-tab shingles. The heavier weight of architectural shingles can make them more prone to hail damage, which is one of the main reasons for roof repairs and replacements.
- Another potential downside of architectural shingles is that they are more difficult to install than 3 tab shingles. The heavier weight of the shingle makes it more difficult to maneuver and install on a roof and, therefore, can be a costly and time-consuming job.
- Architectural shingles also require a more complex roof structure than 3 tab shingles because of their greater weight and complexity. This means that in addition to the higher cost of installing architectural shingles, homeowners will also have to pay more for a stronger roof structure to support them.
Are you torn between 3 tab vs architectural roof shingles? We hope the discussions above will help you choose the right option for your needs.
