Difference between 3 tab shingles and architectural shingles

Difference between 3 tab shingles and architectural shingles

You still have an important question to answer. And no, we are not talking about color. We are talking about choosing 3-Tab or Architectural Shingles.

When it comes to roofing, you have quite a few options, from asphalt shingles to metal and everything in between. However, time and time again, homeowners opt for asphalt above all else. In fact, more than 75% of U.S. homes use asphalt shingles. They are affordable, they are durable, and they add a level of curb appeal unmatched by other roofing materials. So, for many homeowners the choice is simple – asphalt reigns supreme. But it is not quite as simple as that. You still have one more important question to answer. And no, we are not talking about color. We are talking about choosing between 3-Tab and Architectural Shingles.

Learn the Difference between 3-Tab Shingles and Architectural Shingles

Asphalt shingles come in two basic forms: architectural and 3-tab.

What is a 3-Tab Shingle?

A 3-tab shingle is distinguished by three uniform cutouts, or tabs, made along the lower edge of the shingles.

“Each shingle looks like three separate pieces when installed, but it’s only one,” explains Joan Crowe, a technical services director for the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA)

Benefits of 3-tab shingles include:

  • More cost effective than architectural shingles.
  • Provides a nice, uniform look.
  • Remain the most popular roofing shingle today.

What is an Architectural Shingle?

Architectural shingles are created by laminating two shingle strips together to form a single, dimensional shingle. The tabs on these shingles come in various sizes and shapes, mimicking the look of wood shake, but with the durability of asphalt.

Benefits of architectural shingles include:

  • Heavier and more durable than 3-tab shingles.
  • Better wind resistance.
  • The varying sizes and shapes of the shingles give the roof a more dimensional look, which many people attribute to added curb appeal.
  • Enhanced waterproofing capabilities.
  • Longer life expectancy than 3-tab shingles and, thus, has longer manufacturer’s warranties.

The asphalt shingles you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget.

Asphalt Roofing in Maryland

Founded in 1988, Topper Construction has quickly grown to become one of the largest roofing and siding contractors in the Mid-Atlantic region thanks to our commitment to providing clients with quality work at a competitive price. We install the full range of shingles from TAMKO, CertainTeed, GAF and IKO shingles, giving you a wide variety to choose from.

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For immediate assistance, please call 301-874-0220. We are headquartered in Frederick, Maryland with a satellite office in Pittsburgh to help us better serve you, our customers. We proudly service areas throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, Northern Virginia, West Virginia, and Delaware.

By Todd Fratzel on Roofing

Difference between 3 tab shingles and architectural shingles

Difference between 3 tab shingles and architectural shingles

Which Are Better? Three Tab or Architectural Shingles

Recently I was asked what the difference is between three tab and architectural shingles and which are better. As far as I’m concerned there is quite a bit of difference in both appearance and performance. To understand why, you need to look at both types side by side as shown in the image above.

Physical Difference Between Architectural Shingles and Three Tab


Architectural (also known as dimensional, laminated or composite shingles) shingles are constructed with a heavier base mat which multiple layers of material are adhered to. This gives the “dimensional” shingles a layered or three dimensional look. Whereas the standard three tab shingle contains a flat layer with no dimensional “thickness” to it. Typically architectural shingles weight almost 50% more than the standard 3 tab shingles.

Aesthetic Difference

Dimensional shingles were developed in the 70’s for the high end home market. Home owner’s were looking for an asphalt shingle product that had the architectural appearance of cedar shingles while providing the performance of asphalt. By using the layered construction of the dimensional shingle it appears to have texture similar to cedar shakes. Laminated shingles do a much better job hiding imperfections in the roofing structure as well. Another option is to use synthetic roofing shingles which look similar to laminated shingles.

Performance Difference

Architectural shingles typically have a minimum of 25 to 30 year warranties. Because of the heavier construction they are less likely to warp and they provide much better wind resistance. Standard three tab shingles are typically rated for 60 mph winds while most architectural shingles are rated for 80 mph up to 120 mph.

Cost Difference

Today laminated shingles are available in many different warranty lengths from 25 to 50 years. Typically, the cost of architectural shingles is only about 20% more than the traditional 3 tab shingles. Some of the higher end 50 year products can be as much as twice as expensive to buy. One thing to consider though is the increased value of your home. laminated shingles help raise the curb appeal of a home and make it more valuable in an appraisal.

Shingle Type Summary

I personally prefer architectural shingles for all of the reasons listed above. I happen to live in a development that requires them as part of the architectural covenants. It’s likely that in the coming years standard three tab shingles will begin to fade away in the market as demand for laminated shingles increases. What type do you have on your home?

What is the price difference between 3

Architectural shingles cost around 40 to 50 percent more than 3-tab shingles. However, they are usually a better option since they are twice as durable as the best-quality 3-tabs.

When did they stop using 3

Up until the 1980s the most prevalent asphalt shingle used was the strip shingle otherwise called the 3-tab or the 20 – year shingle. These are the flat shingles with, of course, 3 tabs that most people remember being the standard shingle for decades and continue to be common for an economical choice.

What is the difference between 3

3-Tab Vs. Dimensional. Regular (3-tab) asphalt shingles have three regularly spaced asphalt tabs, giving the roofing material a very repetitive pattern. In contrast, dimensional shingles have two layers of shingle material bonded together, giving them a three dimensional appearance.

Are architectural shingles easier to install than 3?

Since architectural shingles are composed of multiple layers of material, they are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles—about 50% heavier, in fact. This makes them a bit more durable and longer lasting compared to 3-tab shingles. However, it's much easier and faster to install 3-tab vs.