Are you considering 3-tab shingles? Is it time to replace your current 3-tab shingle roof with a new one?
3-tab shingles have been around the roofing industry for a very long time. They even used to be the most common type of roofing material used around the country.
But the truth is, 3-tab roof shingles are slowly being pushed aside. So, if you already have or are seriously considering a 3-tab shingle roof, there are some warnings before choosing it for your roof replacement.
For over 35 years, Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand the ins and outs of all roofing materials. So, let's determine if 3-tab shingles are really the best choice for your roof replacement.
By the end of this article, I'll break down the following 6 warnings when choosing 3-tab shingles:
- Inferiority
- Phasing out of the industry
- Short lifespan
- Vulnerable to storm damage
- No enhanced warranties
- Not much cheaper than the alternative
1. 3-tab shingles are most inferior shingle
3-tab shingles were the most popular roofing material used in residential roofing. But just like everything else in this world, technology improved and architectural shingles were born.
Now, 3-tab shingles are the most inferior shingle and roofing material option available to homeowners. This isn't to say they're a bad product by any means, and they're still the cheapest roofing material.
However, improved shingle technology and continued advancements just means they're getting left behind.
2. 3-tab shingles are being phased out of the roofing industry
Speaking of being left behind, 3-tab shingles are actually starting to be phased out of the roofing industry by manufacturers. Now, every 3-tab asphalt shingle won’t disappear overnight.
However, they're getting harder to find and suppliers in certain areas have already stopped carrying them. But the one thing across the industry is that color options are already limited with many discontinued.
This makes it harder to find color matches for repairs and a specific color for roof replacements.
3. 3-tab shingles have a short lifespan
3-tab shingles have the shortest lifespan compared to every other residential roofing materials. They have a manufacturer-specified lifespan of 25 years, but they’ll realistically only last 15 to 20 years at the most.
Unfortunately, there are many factors that impact the life of a roof. So, some 3-tab asphalt shingle roofs may only last 12 to 15 years.
But they’ll get pretty close to 20 years as long as they’re properly installed and the attic is adequately ventilated.
4. 3-tab shingles are vulnerable to storm damage
3-tab shingles are more susceptible to wind and hail damage than every other roofing material. Any decent-sized hail can damage 3-tab shingles and cause granule loss, while also being very susceptible to wind damage.
For comparison, architectural asphalt shingles have double the wind resistance (110 mph to 160 mph) compared to a 3-tab shingle’s 60 mph wind rating. On top of this, 3-tab shingles don't come with an impact-resistance rating.
In fact, the top manufacturers (GAF and CertainTeed) have started making their architectural shingles durable enough to qualify for Class 3 ratings and Class 4 ratings.
5. 3-tab shingles aren't eligible for enhanced warranty coverage
Every asphalt shingle comes with a material warranty from the manufacturer to protect against defects on the shingles themselves. However, they also offer non-prorated enhanced or extended warranties that cover the entire roof system.
Unfortunately, 3-tab asphalt shingles don’t qualify for an enhanced warranty. 3-tab shingles generally only come with a 25-year warranty, which will prorate heavily as the years pass.
Other than a roofing contractor’s workmanship warranty, this is the only protection that comes with 3-tab shingles.
6. 3-tab shingles aren't much cheaper than architectural shingles
As I said, 3-tab shingles are the cheapest roofing material option available, which is why many homeowners consider them. However, architectural shingles are only slightly more expensive than 3-tab shingles.
Upgrading to architectural shingles costs about 15% to 20% more than 3-tab shingles will. I understand a roof is large investment and it’s important to look for an affordable option.
But if you’re seriously considering a 3-tab shingle roof, it’s crucial not to try to find the cheapest roof replacement possible. Doing this leads to premature roof failure right off the bat.
So, it's crucial to invest in quality materials and hire a great roofing contractor to get the most out of a 3-tab shingle roof.
How do 3-tab shingles compare to architectural shingles?
After reading this article, you understand the warnings that come with investing in a 3-tab shingle roof. As I said, there's nothing wrong the roofing material.
It's just that the roofing industry is getting better at creating materials, and 3-tab shingles are just being left behind by better products. Even so, it's your decision when choosing a roofing material.
But before deciding, it's important to know how 3-tab shingles actually compare to architectural shingles. I've done it a bit here, but you need the full break down before making a final decision.
That's why I wrote another article comparing the two most common types of shingles.
Check out 3-tab Shingles vs. Architectural Shingles: Which is Better to learn the pros and cons of both and how they compare on things that homeowners care about the most.
