To the untrained eye, all roofs look like they perform the same, but that is far from the truth. If you’ve ever taken a look at the roofs on the homes around you, you will notice that the majority of them are made of two types of materials, either metal or asphalt.  There are all kinds of different brands, styles, and types. But today we’re going to explain the differences between three-tab and architectural shingles by comparing their performance, cost, and durability.

The three-tab shingle derived its name from the three equal sized tabs that make it up. These evenly distributed tabs give your roof a uniform look. A typical three-tab shingle has a 25-year lifespan. They are lighter compared to an architectural shingle leaving them more vulnerable to high winds speeds and other inclement weather. Three-tab shingles are typically rated to withstand wind speeds of 60 mph compared to the architectural shingle’s wind rating of 110 mph. They also tend to degrade faster than your standard architectural shingle.

It wasn’t uncommon, until recently, for most homes being built to have three-tab shingles installed to cut costs. Three-tab shingles are cheaper than an architectural per bundle, but with a shorter lifespan and lower durability it may end up costing more in the long term from increased maintenance and repair costs.

Architectural shingles typically have a lifespan ranging from 30-50 years. This means that you won’t be needing to repair or replace your roof as often as you would with a three-tab shingle. The architectural shingle or dimensional shingle was designed to imitate the appearance of wood shake. This was done by creating a thicker shingle with multiple layers to increase weight for wind resistance and durability.

These shingles might be more expensive upfront but require less maintenance and increase curb appeal.

This is why most upscale homes have architectural shingles installed when built. They increase your homes value, appeal, and perform better compared to the three-tab shingle.

When having your roof replaced a lot of contractors will try to save on costs by utilizing cheaper materials but at Optimum Roofing Company we stand behind our craftsmanship and we believe using sub-par materials would compromise our quality standards. As certified master shingle applicators we offer exceptional warranties that are only offered by using premium materials. We don’t cut corners. We want to ensure that you have the most optimal roof system for your home. Schedule your free estimate today.