What's the difference between architectural shingles and 3 tab shingles?

Three-tab shingles are flat and have a single tab shape and size. They are uniform, which gives them a matte appearance. Architectural shingles appear more dimensional. These shingles can mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials like cedar or slate, which can add to the home's curb appeal.

What is better 3-tab or architectural shingles?

Lifespan. Because of their durability and high-quality composition, architectural shingles generally have a longer lifespan than the 3-tab variety. They stand up better to weather conditions such as heat, snow, ice, rain, and strong winds. Their average lifespan is about 18 to 20 years.

Are architectural shingles worth it?

In a word, yes—the benefits of architectural shingles make the extra cost more than worth it. (Which, depending on your contractor, is around $15 per square. On most roofs, this results in the extra cost of $450.)

Are architectural shingles harder to install?

Since an architectural shingle roof is easier to install, is more durable and comes with a better warranty, its lifespan cost is, in many instances, actually less than that of a more basic 3-tab roof.

What is the price difference between 3-tab shingles and architectural?

When it comes to cost, architectural shingles typically runs $35 to $45 per bundle. Three-tab shingles cost an average of $25 to $30 per bundle. On the surface, the architectural shingles are 40 to 50 percent more expensive.

Architectural VS 3-Tab Shingle (What's The Difference?)

When did they stop using 3-tab shingles?

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 a 30 year architectural shingle?

30-year architectural shingles have a unique three-dimensional texture built into them that makes them much sturdier than other types of asphalt shingles. Despite this extra robustness, they generally do not require any sort of extra roof support or structure.

Can you walk on architectural shingles?

Shingles are flexible, and can usually handle people walking on them without sustaining too much damage – although you do have to watch out for causing granular loss which could cause a reduction in their lifespan.

Are 3-tab shingles any good?

While there are many types of asphalt shingles, two of the most common are 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. Both share the basic durability of asphalt shingles, making them an excellent choice for any home.

How long do architectural shingles usually last?

Architectural shingles, a premium type of asphalt shingle, can last 25 to 30 years. While architectural shingles seal in the same manner as standard asphalt shingles, they're up to three times thicker, so they form a denser, more resilient roof. Warranties for architectural shingles reflect this greater durability.

What type of shingles are the best?

Asphalt Roofing Shingles

Relatively lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the best choice for most houses. They come in sheets that are layered on a roof to give the illusion of more expensive single shingles, such as cedar and slate, that are installed one shingle at a time.

How much extra is architectural shingles?

You can expect to pay $1.00 to $1.50 per sq. foot or $100 to $150 per square installed on a standard sized single story home. 50 year architectural roofing shingles could cost from $500 to $785 per square (100 square feet).

How much value does architectural shingles add?

One study finds that a new roof is a reasonable investment. Remodeling's 2019 Cost vs. Value Report found that the average American homeowner spends $22,636 on a new asphalt shingle roof of midrange quality. That new roof will increase the home's value by $15,427, on average.

Why are 3-tab shingles bad?

Three-tab shingles are weaker, less durable, and not as long-lasting. They can be subject to damage in areas or regions of the country that experience reoccurring bad weather.

What shingles last the longest?

Of the 3 types of asphalt shingles, the longest lasting are luxury (or premium) asphalt shingles. Luxury asphalt shingles are larger and thicker than 3-tab or architectural shingles, which makes them more durable.

What type of shingle carries the longest warranty?

The Golden Pledge is the highest level of protection you can purchase. 100 percent of material defects are covered for 50 years, or 20 years for 3-Tab shingles.

Can you put architectural shingles over 3 tab shingles?

If you've already got 3-tab shingles, you might be able to overlay with architectural ones while leaving them in place. This will cost less, as you won't have to tear off and start again.

What are luxury shingles?

Luxury or premium shingles are actually larger than the other asphalt shingles and are made to look like slate. While 3-tab shingles still make good looking roofs, dimensional and luxury shingles mimic other roof types to give you a distinct look.

What is the warranty on architectural shingles?

Most architectural (multi-layer) shingles carry a “lifetime” or “lifetime-limited” - warranty against manufacturing defects.

What type of roof should you not walk on?

Flat Roof Surfaces You Cannot Walk On

If the roofing membrane isn't tough enough to withstand the extra weight of foot traffic, it can easily give in, posing danger to the person walking on it while at the same time causing costly damages to the roof.

How cold is too cold to shingle a roof?

The temperature that is too cold for roofing is 30 degrees Fahrenheit. Most roofing companies will tell you they don't install roofs below 40 degrees. This is because asphalt shingles tend to crack below that temperature.

What causes soft spots on your roof?

Soft spots form when the layer underneath your roof gets doused. This often happens due to gaps in your roof's shingles. If your roof has shingles, it likely has plywood sheeting underneath its tiles or shingles.

How can you tell the difference between 20 and 30 year shingles?

The larger your roof, the larger difference there will be between the 20-year shingles and the 30-year. The 3-tab, or 20-year shingles look flat because of the way they lay. Choosing architectural or 30-year shingles will give your roof more dimension. The shadow line is what gives the appearance of depth.

What's the difference between architectural shingles and regular shingles?

Architectural shingles can be made to resemble premium roofing materials like cedar and slate and are better able to hide imperfections on the roof surface. Durability. Architectural shingles are nearly twice as thick as three-tab shingles and are therefore more durable and less vulnerable to curling.

What is the difference between 30 year and 50 year shingles?

By saying this, you might already realize that the difference between a 30-year shingle and a 50-year one is how long the product is guaranteed to last. In other words, 30-year architectural shingles are covered by the manufacturer from any unforeseen defects that could occur once the shingles are installed.