So one of the questions we get here at Freedom Restoration and Roofing is “what is the difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles?” and “do I really need to upgrade?“. What I want to do is explain the differences between the two products and highlight a few of the many benefits to upgrading your roof to an architectural shingle.
For starters the two shingles don’t look anything alike. The architectural shingle is made of tabs all different sizes and shapes laminated onto the shingle. This gives the architectural shingle a dimensional look and aesthetically is a much better choice than the 3-tab. The 3-tab shingle is only one size and shape. When it comes to “the look” architectural shingles definitely has the advantage.
Architectural shingles are much thicker than 3-tab and our nearly twice as heavy. That is because architectural shingles are two plys laminated together. 3-tab shingles are only one ply and depending on the shingle brand could be very thin. Architectural shingles will always be the better choice over 3-tab when it comes to protection for your home or building. They have a higher wind rating and when properly installed by a company like ours architectural roofs last longer than 3-tab roofs.
When it comes to the manufacturers warranties architectural warranties are always better than 3-tab warranties and typically its 30 years for architectural shingles and 20 years for 3-tab shingles. This is because the architectural product is superior. It’s made to last longer than 3-tabs and the manufacturers have made that clear with their warranties.
Architectural shingles are going to add more value to a home than a 3-tab shingle could when it comes to resale value too.
These are just a few of the facts. Architectural shingles look nicer, perform better, last longer, add more value and warranty better than the 3-tab shingle does. The 3-tab won’t ever go away but we really don’t see very much of it anymore. As a professional roofing company servicing Wentzville, Lake St. Louis, O’Fallon, St. Peters. and St. Charles, MO we recommend you give us a call so we can show why using architectural shingles on your home installed by Freedom Restoration and Roofing is the best choice.
