3-tab Shingles vs. Architectural Shingles: Which is Better?

Time to replace your asphalt shingle roof? Trying to decide between the common 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles?

Getting a new asphalt shingle roof requires making some big decisions. Besides hiring a roofer, no decision is bigger than choosing the type of shingle.

And if you’re like most homeowners, the decision will come down to either 3-tab shingles or architectural shingles. Unfortunately, you can’t make the right decision without an honest comparison on things like warranties, pricing, and much more. 

So, let's make it easy. 

For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners choose the perfect roofing material for their situation, budget, and anything else they care about. That’s why I'll break down 3-tab and architectural shingles, including comparing them on everything homeowners care about. 

By the end of this article, you'll learn:

• What are 3-tab shingles? (pros and cons)
• What are architectural shingles? (pros and cons)
• Are 3-tab shingles or architectural shingles better?

What are 3-tab shingles?

3-tab asphalt shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip. This asphalt shingle used to dominate the residential roofing industry until technology improved to create architectural asphalt shingles. 

3-tab asphalt shingle pros:

• Cheapest roofing material on the market
• Ease of repair and installation

3-tab asphalt shingle cons:

• Short lifespan
• Being phased out of the roofing industry
• Hard to color matches for repairs and insurance
• Needs yearly maintenance
• Low curb appeal
• Prone to wind damage

What are architectural shingles?

Architectural (also called dimensional) shingles  are an asphalt-based roofing material consisting of fiberglass, tar, and granules on a fiberglass mat. Their design provides a random pattern to give a roof dimension or simulate the look of a wood-shake roof with certain colors. 

Architectural asphalt shingle pros:

• Affordability
• Ease of repair and installation
• Readily available materials and colors
• Class 3 impact resistance rating (specific shingle lines)
• 110-mph to 160 mph wind resistance

Architectural asphalt shingle cons:

• Low curb appeal compared to other materials
• Needs yearly maintenance
• Prone to hail damage (Impact resistant options available)

Are 3-tab shingles or architectural shingles better?

At this point, you know the basic information and pros and cons of both 3 tab shingles and architectural shingles. Now, let's compare 3-tab and architectural shingles on key decision-making factors like curb appeal, wind ratings, warranties, lifespan, and cost. 

Availability

Architectural shingles are widely available, especially considering their the most common type of roofing material installed on roofs in the United States. On the other hand, 3-tab shingles are being phased out of the industry. 

Architectural shingles are simply taking over the hold that 3-tab shingles had on the roofing industry as technology and materials improve. Obviously, they won't disappear overnight.

However, many of the colors are discontinued, and suppliers rarely keep them in stock like they used to. 

Curb appeal

Both 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles make for good-looking roofs. However, architectural shingles have a higher curb appeal than 3-tab shingles. 

(3-tab shingle roof)

This is mainly due to architectural shingles providing more dimension instead of laying in a flat, uniform way like 3-tab shingles. There’s also the fact that 3-tab shingles are being phased out of the industry, which means fewer color options.

(Architectural shingle roof)

On the other hand, architectural shingles have plenty of color options, and some are made to resemble cedar shakes. However, aesthetics are subjective, and there’s no problem with liking the look of 3-tab shingles more.

Impact resistance

Architectural shingles are the clear winner over 3 tab shingles when it comes to impact resistance. Certain brands and architectural shingle lines are specifically designed with stronger impact-resistant ratings in mind.

In fact, the top shingles, GAF's Timberline HDZ and CertainTeed's Landmark architectural shingles, now come with a class 3 impact rating. This rating means they can withstand hail up to 1.75" in diameter.

But if hail is big enough, it can still damage architectural shingles. Even a lot of smaller hail during a strong storm or prolonged hail exposure can damage them enough for a viable claim.

Wind ratings

Both shingles have wind-resistant ratings, but the difference is dramatic. Architectural shingles are thicker, a higher-quality material, and their installation method gives them  higher wind rating than 3-tab shingles.

Let’s use CertainTeed’s shingles (our preferred brand) as an example. CertainTeed’s XT25 3-tab shingles have a 60-mph wind rating, while their Landmark architectural shingle has a 110-mph wind rating.

The wind resistance between the two is obviously dramatic, but you can increase architectural shingles’ wind rating even further to 160 mph with the appropriate accessories.

Lifespan

Compared to other roofing materials, both asphalt shingles have the shortest lifespans. However, architectural shingles have a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles. 

This simply comes down to the quality of materials and their ability to withstand the elements. As long as they are properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, architectural shingles will last between 20 to 25 years. 

On the other hand, 3-tab shingles can last 15 to a maximum of 20 years in perfect conditions. But if your area experiences strong winds and frequent storms, their lifespan could even be shorter than 15 years. 

Warranties

Both shingles come with warranties out of the package, but their differing lengths reflect their quality. 3-tab shingles come with a 25-year limited warranty, while architectural shingles come with a 30-year warranty (prorated after 10 years). 

This doesn’t seem like much difference, but architectural shingles come with the opportunity to get a 50-year non-prorated enhanced warranty. By getting all the asphalt roofing components (including your asphalt shingles) from one manufacturer, this warranty ensures your roof is covered for the life of the materials. 

With the enhanced warranty, architectural shingles are the clear winner for this category. 

Cost

Both shingles are the most affordable roofing materials on the market today. However, architectural shingles are slightly more expensive than 3-tab shingles. 

A 3-tab shingle roof will cost around $4.00 per square foot, while an architectural shingle roof will cost around $5.00 to $7.00 per square foot. These numbers aren’t exact and fluctuate based on roofing contractor, area, and availability. 

Even though 3-tab shingles are cheaper, you’re more likely to spend more on repairs and sooner replacement than architectural shingles. So, consider investing in quality over trying to get the cheapest roof possible.

Did you decide which asphalt shingle is right for you?

After reading this article, you should have a good idea of which shingle is right for you. My recommendation is architectural shingles simply because of the quality, but I understand why homeowners on a tight budget choose 3-tab shingles.

But at the end of the day, your decision is yours to make. I have no doubt you’ll make the best choice for you, but did you know metal is closing in on asphalt shingles as the most popular residential roofing material?

If you didn’t, you’re not alone. Metal roofing’s popularity has crept up on everyone in the industry. 

That’s why one of the biggest roofing questions asked today is, “Is metal roofing better than asphalt shingles?” Let’s find out. 

Check out Metal Roofing vs. Asphalt Shingles to determine if you should stick with asphalt shingles or join the metal roofing trend.