In the USA, it is estimated that 80% of all the roofs in the country have an asphalt shingle on their roofs. Typically, asphalt shingles come in two primary styles: architectural shingles and 3 tab shingles. While they are both still quite prevalent one is significantly superior to the other. To cut right to the chase, the better of these two types of shingles to have on your roof BY FAR is the architectural shingle.
So what makes the architectural shingle so much better than the 3 tab shingle? Let’s dive into it.
Design
One of the main improvements with the architectural shingle over the 3 tab isn’t the materials used (they’re both made of asphalt), it’s the engineering and design. For starters, architectural shingles are actually double thick which gives it its layered and textured look. There is a base mat with another layer laminated on top, which is why these shingles are also referred to as “laminated shingles”. Because of this double thickness, the shingles are much sturdier and more resilient against the elements.
Another key feature that helps the longevity of architectural vs 3 tab shingles is the fact that the architectural shingles feature one straight line across the base of the shingle which reduces the surface area exposed to wind hazards. On the other hand, the 3 tab shingle features 3 “tabs” on each shingle which creates additional surface area and opportunity for wind lift. These design features create a sturdier, more resilient product in the architectural shingle that is less susceptible to wind damage compared to its 3 tab counterpart.
Tar Line and Sealant
Another reason that architectural shingles are so superior is the sealant on the underside of the shingle. This sealant forms a bond with the shingle that has just been laid to the shingle underneath it, allowing the whole roof to adhere to itself and create a continuous barrier where none of the shingles can be lifted up from the wind. The reason the tar sealant is so much more effective on the architectural shingle vs the 3 tab ties again into the design feature of the continuous run along the bottom of the architectural shingle as opposed to the tab style on the 3 tab. On both shingles, the tar line is applied along the bottom edge of the shingle, however on the 3 tab the tar line is not applied on the upward runs of the shingle which form the tabs, thereby forming a significant portion of the shingle that is both unsealed and exposed to the wind. This can create a scenario where wind can access the “sides” of the tabs on the 3 tab shingle and create opportunities for wind lift and more tension on the sealant which is why you often find many more issues with wind damage to 3 tab shingles vs architectural shingles.
Insurance Coverage
Now that we’ve laid out some of the performance benefits of an architectural shingle vs 3 tab, let’s dive into some of the financial benefits. Aside from the fact that architectural shingles last longer and will put money in your pocket long term by not having to have costly repairs done and less frequent roof replacements, an additional benefit is that should you find yourself in a situation where you need to file an insurance claim on your roof, your insurance company will have to replace your architectural shingles with an architectural shingle if approved. Because the insurance company needs to replace the damages with “in kind” materials, if you have a 3 tab shingle on your roof they will only write to replace your roof with another 3 tab shingle so having an architectural shingle on your roof will pay dividends for as long as the house is standing!
Warranties
If I haven’t convinced you yet, let’s just ask the multi billion dollar shingle manufacturers. All large scale shingle manufacturers will follow a fairly similar model but let’s take Owen’s Corning for example, as they are leaders in the asphalt shingle manufacturing industry. Their 3 tab shingle, the Owen’s Corning Supreme, carries a 25 year limited warranty whereas their architectural shingles, the Owen’s Corning Oakridge and Duration, carry a baseline Lifetime manufacturing warranty with options to upgrade from there. What this means is that the Supreme 3 tab shingle carries a limited warranty for 25 years whereas the Oakridge and Duration architectural shingles will carry limited coverage for literally as long as you own the home.
So not only do you get better warranty coverage with the architectural shingle over the 3 tab, it’s also a testament to the companies confidence in their product that they are willing to offer warranty coverage for decades longer on the architectural shingle over the 3 tab shingle. They wouldn’t offer that difference in warranty coverage if they didn’t believe there was a difference in the quality of the product.
Conclusion
Always install an architectural shingle vs 3 tab shingle whenever possible. The cost difference is extremely marginal (usually a couple hundred bucks) compared to the long term value you’ll receive not to mention the peace of mind by having a vastly superior product protecting your home. If you need any further information on architectural shingles vs 3 tab, help with an insurance claim or assistance with repairs or roof replacement in Austin, Texas give us a call at 210-417-7728 or e-mail us at theroofingartist@gmail.com and we will be happy to help in anyway we can!
