Architectural Shingles vs 3-Tab Shingles: What’s the Difference?

• Three-tab shingles are less expensive, but architectural shingles last longer and create more curb appeal.
• Old Fort Roofing LLC uses Owens Corning shingles for long-lasting roofs.
• While the quality of your roofing materials matters, the quality of the workmanship is just as important in preventing leaks, ensuring a roof is winter-ready, and maintaining the material warranty.

Choosing the Right Shingle Type

Asphalt single roofing is the traditional preferred choice for homeowners across the country. They’re versatile, cost-effective, and easy to repair over time. But the category of “shingle roofs” includes multiple different products, and today, most roofers offer two primary shingle options: architectural shingles and three-tab shingles. They seem similar at first glance, so we’ve created this quick guide to help homeowners compare the two options and pick the right ones for their new roof.

What Are Three-Tab Shingles?

Three-tab shingles are the conventional choice for shingle roofs. Each panel has three flat, uniform tabs that roofers can arrange into rows.  The spine of the panel is nailed down to the roof, and then the next row of panels is laid so the tabs cover the spine of the panels below them. These shingles are ideal for simpler roof designs, creating a consistent and flat appearance. They are also more wallet-friendly, making them the ideal choice for tight budgets. 

What Are Architectural Shingles?

Architectural shingles are more complex. While they have the same fundamental spine and tab design, the asphalt material is thicker, and the shingles are deliberately less uniform, giving the finished roof a more complex and appealing finish. The depth and variability can boost your home’s curb appeal, while the added thickness and durability can help architectural shingle roofs outlast their three-tab counterparts. 

Durability and Weather Performance

When you’re comparing three-tab and architectural shingles, the single most important factor for many homeowners is durability.  In Fort Wayne, Indiana, the biggest risk your roof faces is the weather: hail, heavy rain, wind, and snow can all jeopardize roofing materials.

Architectural shingles offer more defense against the elements.  Thicker layers of material can block out more wind and snow, and high-quality construction can help keep water out of your roof’s sublayers. The quality of the workmanship matters even more than the roofing material itself. Look for roofers with a long track record of five-star service, reliable warranties, and well-trained teams to get a roof that will last for decades in harsh Indiana winters. 

Aesthetic Differences

After durability, many homeowners think about aesthetics. Architectural shingles offer greater depth and visual appeal that looks far higher-end than conventional three-tab shingles, even years after installation. At Old Fort Roofing LLC, we can help you select different roofing materials, styles, and colors that best suit your home’s style for even more curb appeal.

Cost Considerations

The typical cost of a new roof in Fort Wayne is around $7,128, though this cost will vary based on the roof’s size, complexity, your project timeline, and the materials you choose. Three-tab shingles are more budget-friendly upfront than architectural shingles, though the greater longevity of architectural shingles may cancel out this benefit. It’s always best to consider the initial price of the replacement roof, the ongoing maintenance costs, and how long the roof will last before needing replacement.

Why Old Fort Roofing Installs Owens Corning Shingles

At Old Fort Roofing LLC, we work with Owens Corning Shingles and roofing materials as part of our commitment to high-quality materials and residential roofing services. We rebuild and replace roofs using both architectural and three-tab shingles, and we maintain Platinum Preferred™ certification with Owens Corning. Reach out today for a deeper comparison between architectural and three-tab shingles to find the perfect fit for your home.

Image credit: // Shutterstock // Phagalley