Trying to find the differences between architectural shingles vs 3 tab?
Asphalt shingles is the most popular roofing type because of its relatively low cost and easy maintenance. What most homeowners don’t know is that they come in many variations, some of which are not even distinguishable by the untrained eye.
The two most common types of asphalt shingle roofing is three-tab shingles and architectural shingle roofing. Here is a full breakdown of everything you need to know.
What You Need to Know About Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles are among the higher end of asphalt shingles. They provide a variety of styles to boost curb appeal without sacrificing durability. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Architectural Shingle Style
One of architectural shingles’ biggest appeals is that they come in various shapes and sizes. This means there is no uniform or standard look which can improve the aesthetics of your roof. There are also a wide variety of styles and options that can easily mimic the look of more premium roofing alternatives like cedar or slate while keeping the cost at a minimum.
Durability of Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles also have a manufacturers guarantee of at least 30 years. This can make a huge difference in your overall cost when you don’t have to replace your roof again for another 30 years. Architectural shingles are also more durable than three-tab shingles because of their thickness. This added thickness also makes them less likely to curl overtime.
The increased weight and thickness of architectural shingles also help prevent wind damage and reduce the likelihood of storm damage. An important thing homeowners should consider is whether their home’s structure can manage the weight of these shingles. If you are unsure of how much weight your home can handle, make sure to reach out to a trusted roofing professional to find out.
Cost of Architectural Shingles
As you have probably guessed by the improved aesthetics and durability, architectural shingles are more expensive than three-tab. But, odds are your investment will last longer which can prove to be the lower cost in the long run.
Important Factors for Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are an extremely popular option as they are a cost effective roofing solution with decent aesthetics and durability. Let’s dive into they key differentiating factors between architectural shingles vs 3 tab.
Three-Tab Shingle Styles
While architectural shingles offer a variety of styles, three-tab shingles are standardized, coming in one shape and size. This presents a clear benefit as it allows for easier production which makes them a really affordable roofing option.
Durability of Three-Tab Shingles
Three-tab shingles are not as thick as architectural shingles which in turn makes them less favorable in terms of durability. Since they are made of less material, three-tab shingles offer a lightweight solution which could be a necessity for certain home structures that can’t bear heavy roof weight.
Three-Tab Shingle Cost
Three-tab shingles offer an economical solution with a low up-front cost to install. Depending on the brand you decide to go with, some offer manufacturer warranties from 5 – 15 years. While the upfront cost is lower, odds are you will need to replace these much sooner than you would for architectural shingles.
Architectural Shingles vs 3 Tab: Which is Best for Your Home?
Both type of asphalt shingles have their pros and cons, but at the end of the day, both are suitable solutions for your home. The most important factor in the architectural shingles vs 3 tab debate is deciding on which contractor to trust with installing your new roof.
Regardless of the material, an improper installation can render your brand new roof useless in months! This is why it is crucial to find a quality roofing contractor like Impact Roofing to get the job done right.
If you’re still unsure which material to go with, our team at Impact Roofing can you walk you through the process. We can tell you which will work best for your roof, aesthetic, and budget. Contact us today!
