Grey three-tab shingles

If you are in the market for a new roof, you may see different terms thrown around for different types of asphalt shingles. A roof is a roof, right? Not quite. There are different qualities between these roofing materials and these qualities may be exactly the type of shingle you want for your roof repair or replacement.  

During the time you’ve been researching a new roof, you may have encountered different types of asphalt shingles mentioned.  

You may have questioned what architectural shingles are. And what are 3-tab shingles? What is best for your roof replacement project? In this blog post, Feazel will answer all these questions to help you be better informed about what you want for your shingle roof.  

What are 3-tab Shingles? 

Three-tab shingles are named after one of their features, they have 3 tabs on every shingle strip. They have a notched pattern and lay flat on your roof. Three tabs come in a variety of shingle colors which provide homeowners with choices to personalize their homes and create a great pairing with the exterior color. 

What are Architectural Shingles? 

Architectural shingles are also known as dimensional shingles. They are still an asphalt shingle, but they have features that aren’t prevalent with 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles can replicate the look of different types of roofing materials, such as; wood shakes, slate, and more. Having an architectural shingle on your roof can increase the curb appeal of your home. 

3-tab Shingles vs. Architectural Shingles 

3-tab and architectural shingles offer homeowners a quality product at different price points. Not to mention the versatility of color options makes choosing a new roof an exciting venture. New roof shingles provide unparalleled options that allow homeowners the opportunity to update and enjoy the look of their home’s exterior for years to come.  

Composition 

Three-tab shingles contain a fiberglass backing upon which asphalt, adhesive, and granules are attached. 

Architectural shingles are a bit thicker and heavier (50% heavier) than three-tab shingles. They are composed of smaller and more tightly packed granules. These smaller granules are attached using more adhesive which adds to the longevity of architectural shingles.  

Lifespan 

A properly installed architectural shingles roof will last up to 25 years. Standard three-tab roofs will last around 20 years.  

Please note that lifespan refers to a properly installed roof that hasn’t suffered adversely due to extreme weather.  

Warranty 

At Feazel, we use GAF roofing products for all our new roof installations. You can read more about the GAF roof warranty information here. Our sales team will happily walk you through the warranty options at your free roof inspection.  

Cost 

There is a cost difference between three-tab and architectural shingles. Three tabs can be installed quickly and at a lesser cost. Architectural shingles have a longer installation time and cost more.  

However, it is important to realize that architectural shingles last longer than their three-tab counterpart so the up-front savings may be nullified if you must replace the three tabs sooner than later.  

Creating a blog post about the cost of a new roof will not be wholly accurate. The size of your roof, unseen damage, and more will change the pricing. However, if cost is an issue, we do provide easy financing options so that you can get the roof that you want and not have to settle for a product that you may not be entirely happy with.  

Wind Resistance 

If your home is susceptible to strong winds you may want to look towards an architectural shingle installation. Since architectural shingles are heftier, they have greater wind resistance. Typically, they are rated between 80 and 120 miles per hour. Three tabs are rated for roughly 60 to 80 mph.  

Maintenance 

3-tab shingles are a durable product that requires little to no maintenance outside of regular roof inspections and routine cleaning.  

Architectural roof shingles do not require any additional maintenance outside of the standard inspections and occasional cleaning.  

Neither option is maintenance free and there is no roofing product on the market that requires homeowners to be hands-off. It’s important to give your roof a brief inspection twice a year (preferably in the spring and fall) to look for any potential issues that could be developing. Heading off a leaky roof is worth saving a headache later. 

What is the Right Roof Shingle for Your Home? 

Feazel is here to help you determine what you’d like for your home. We serve Columbus, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, and Raleigh. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our award-winning team!