When you’re getting ready for a roofing installation, you’ll have many options to consider. The industry has grown over the years, but asphalt-based shingles continue to be very popular primarily because of their durability and affordability. Architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles are two kinds of asphalt shingles for you to think about. They each have their advantages, so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
Advantages of 3-Tab Shingles
More affordable than architectural shingles, 3-tab shingles can ensure your new roof is friendly for your budget. Getting a new roof installed is a significant investment, so affordability is going to be a major concern for many customers. Though local markets can vary widely, 3-tab shingles often cost between $1 and $2 per square foot. In contrast, the cost of architectural shingles often starts at $4 to $8 per square foot. Going with 3-tab shingles could end up saving you a few thousand dollars depending on the size of your roof. This might just be enough of an advantage for homeowners on limited budgets.
Further, 3-tab shingles are easier to install than architectural shingles. Because they’re thin and flexible, roofing contractors can work with them efficiently. They come in strips of three, which is where they get their name. As you can imagine, nailing down these strips is a faster process than nailing down each shingle.
3-tab shingles are primarily made out of asphalt. Asphalt is a fairly inexpensive material, especially compared to metal or slate. Asphalt can be treated so that it has different colors, and you’ll be able to easily customize the look of your home.
Advantages of Architectural Shingles
Like 3-tab shingles, architectural shingles are made of asphalt, but they contain other materials to make them stronger. An architectural shingle can be reinforced with fiberglass, minerals, or an additional layer of asphalt. For this reason, they’re sometimes called composite shingles. The extra layers also give them more height, and as a result, they have a more three-dimensional look than 3-tab shingles do.
Since architectural shingles are heavier than 3-tab shingles, they are sturdier. They can withstand more extreme weather conditions, such as intense winds or hail. In fact, many architectural shingles can withstand winds of up to 120 miles per hour. A lot of 3-tab shingles, on the other hand, are only rated to withstand winds of up to 60 miles per hour. These wind ratings could vary depending on the particular style and manufacturer, but the difference between the two styles of shingles would still be significant in this regard.
3-tab shingles can last up to 15 to 20 years, whereas architectural shingles could last up to 30 years or more. While it’s true that an architectural roof will be more expensive to install, it won’t have to be replaced as quickly.
Because of their greater expected lifespan, architectural shingles typically come with longer warranties. In some cases, manufacturers may offer limited lifetime warranties that cover any manufacturing defects. 3-tab shingles come with warranties, too, but theirs are often valid for up to 30 years.
Style is another area where architectural shingles come out on top. While 3-tab shingles come in a variety of colors, architectural shingles have diverse colors and styles. Some are even designed to closely mimic cedar shake shingles. If your home is higher in value or you are concerned with maximizing curb appeal, architectural shingles are the clear winner of these two options.
Ready to Answer Your Questions
At Loyalty Exterior Solutions, we’d be happy to speak with you about your roofing needs. We’ve been serving the Needham and Marlborough communities since 2012, and we’re proud of the work that we’ve done for local customers. We’re often asked to handle roof installations and replacements, and we also help customers with roof repairs, skylights, siding, gutters, gutter guards, decks, and solar panels. We welcome the opportunity to work on jobs of any size, and we always give our customers our personal attention. Our attention to detail and commitment to service allows us to stand out. Call us at Loyalty Exterior Solutions to discuss how we can assist you.
