Two of the most common types of residential roofing shingles are Architectural Shingles (also known as Dimensional Shingles, 3D Shingles or Laminate Shingles) and 3 Tab Shingles (also known as Strip Shingles).
Below, our Waukesha roofers have outlined the primary differences between the two types.
Architectural Shingles | 3 Tab Shingles |
|---|---|
| Appearance– Includes a collection of shingle sizes and shapes, which include a supplementary laminated layer. These features create a richer, deeper more textured look that’s known for its visual appeal and interest. Better able to hide imperfections on roof’s surface. | Appearance– Flat, same size and shape, more discrete. Your basic shingle. Designed to look more like slate |
| Durability– 2x as thick and 50% heavier than 3 Tab Shingles. More durable and better for keeping out moisture. Better resistance to curling, wind and hail. | Durability– Fairly Low |
| Life Span– 25 year to lifetime warranty = approximately 30-50 years | Life Span– 25 year warranty = approximately 12-18 years |
| Warranty– Longer warranty since the shingles are thicker and weightier. Warranties usually range from 30 year to lifetime. | Warranty– Shorter warranty since the shingles are thinner and more lightweight. Warranties are typically 20, 25 or 30 year. |
| Price– More expensive ($$-$$$) | Price– Less expensive ($) |
| Value– Higher ROI due to increased property value of the roof materials’ appearance, durability and warranty. | Value– Better for rental properties and economy-priced homes where the initial higher cost of architectural shingles cannot be recovered. |
| Wind Resistance– Typically withstands winds ranging from 80 to 130 mph | Wind Resistance– Typically withstands up to 60 mph winds |
| Popularity– Gaining | Popularity– Declining |
Whether you’re a home builder, home renovator or home buyer, we hope this comparison table has been helpful in your decision making process. From an industry standpoint, architectural shingles are going to be a better investment than 3 tab shingles. While the upfront cost is higher than 3 tab shingles, architectural shingles will protect your home better for longer.
In terms of home resale value, it’s better to go with neutral colored shingles, as opposed to a new trendy shade. Also, as a general rule, darker colors attract more sunlight, which means they typically have a shorter lifespan than lighter colored roofs.
