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

When doing home improvement projects, you often have to pick between high-end designs and staying within your budget. Doing a re-roofing project with asphalt shingles is no different. Architectural shingles are pricey but resemble high-end materials, while 3-tab shingles have a budget-friendly price point. We’ll help you make the architectural shingles versus 3-tab shingles decision for your roofing project.

Architectural Shingles vs. 3-Tab Shingles: Key Differences

When comparing 3-tab versus architectural shingles, the price and design are the primary differences. Architectural shingles have a higher price than 3-tab shingles, but they last longer and can look like higher-end materials, giving them some curb appeal.

What Are Architectural Shingles?

So, what are architectural shingles? Manufacturers use fiberglass, ceramic-coated mineral granules, and an asphalt mix to create the shingles. They have a thicker, almost 3-D design, which allows them to simulate other types of roofing materials, like slate or cedar shake.

Best for:

• Those who want a standout design while using asphalt shingles.

• Those who want a long-lasting option and longer warranties.

• Those who live in areas with frequent hail and wind storms.

Pros of Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles deliver impressive performance versus the average asphalt shingle, both in terms of design and longevity. How long do architectural shingles last? You can expect to receive 20 to 50 years of performance from this design, even when they’re regularly exposed to tough weather. 

Versus the other most common types of asphalt shingles, architectural shingles tend to have impressive designs. With the thicker configuration, manufacturers can make them look like higher-end roofing materials.

Cons of Architectural Shingles

If you are considering doing your own re-roofing work, it is far more difficult to install architectural shingles versus 3-tab shingles. Architectural designs often require a professional for installation because of the complexities involved and the weight of these materials.

The cost of architectural shingles is quite a bit higher than that of 3-tab and other designs. You may not mind spending the extra money on re-roofing your home, but it’s tough to justify the cost of architectural shingles for a rental unit.

What Are 3-Tab Shingles?

So, what are 3-tab shingles? They consist of a fiberglass back layer with asphalt, adhesive, and external granules on the top layer. They are thinner than and weigh about half as much as architectural shingles. They have a cost-effective design, which is ideal for use at a property where you have a small budget for your re-roofing job.

Best for:

• Those who need a budget-friendly type of shingle.

• Those who want a shingle that’s easy to install and repair.

• Those who prefer the traditional look of asphalt shingles.

Pros of 3-Tab Shingles

When trying to save money on your re-roofing project, the better choice may be 3-tab versus architectural shingles. The cost of 3-tab shingles is more affordable than other types of asphalt shingles. 

You can often install the 3-tab design yourself, if desired, saving money on the installation work, thanks in part to the lightweight design.

Cons of 3-Tab Shingles

Because of the thin and flat design of 3-tab shingles, they cannot mimic the look of higher-end materials for a roof. If you install these at your home, others will clearly be able to see that they’re inexpensive asphalt shingles.

When it comes to the longevity of asphalt shingles, 3-tab shingles often last 7 to 15 years, depending on the intensity of the weather exposure. Other asphalt shingle options last longer. Architectural shingles and fiberglass asphalt shingles can last 20 to 50 years on average, for example.

Architectural Shingles vs. 3-Tab Shingles: Head-to-Head

Here are some of the key head-to-head comparisons for 3-tab versus architectural shingles. We selected a winner in each category to help you find the best type of shingle for your needs.

Appearance: Architectural Shingles

Because architectural shingles can mimic higher-end materials, they provide greater curb appeal than the 3-tab shingles. Architectural shingles have a thicker design, delivering an almost three-dimensional look that 3-tab shingles cannot match with their flat and thin configuration.

Design Choices: Architectural Shingles

Because aesthetics are a key advantage of architectural shingles, you can select from various design and color options. The thicker design also offers more opportunities to create a customized look in this type of shingle. You have a limited number of style and color design options with 3-tab shingles, and many end up looking similar.

Price: 3-Tab Shingles

How much does a shingle roof cost? You can expect to pay anywhere from $4,500 to $20,000 for a shingle roof. The 3-tab shingle design tends to be toward the lower end of the range, while architectural shingles tend to have a cost closer to the middle and upper half of the range. Per bundle, 3-tab shingles cost up to about $275, while architectural shingles cost up to about $400 per bundle.

Weather Resistance: Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles have far better wind-, hail-, and water-resistance ratings than 3-tab shingles. Expect the architectural shingles to withstand wind speeds up to 120 mph, while 3-tab shingles have a top rating of up to 60 mph. When exposed to constant storms, the architectural asphalt shingles will resist rainwater and hail damage more successfully than 3-tab asphalt products. 

Life Span: Architectural Shingles

Because they use higher-end materials and a thicker design, architectural shingles provide a longer life span. You can expect a maximum of 50 years of life from architectural shingles versus 3-tab shingles, which have a maximum life span of about 15 years. If you live in an area that experiences rough weather regularly, the reduced life span of 3-tab shingles becomes even more significant.

Ease of Installation and Repair: 3-Tab Shingles

Because of their thin design, the 3-tab shingles’ installation process is faster and easier, whether you are doing a full re-roofing job or a patch repair job. Architectural shingles are more complicated to install and often require the skill of a professional roofer. 

Weight: 3-Tab Shingles

If you have concerns over whether your home’s roof structure is sturdy enough to handle heavier shingles, you may prefer the 3-tab shingles, which weigh about half as much as architectural shingles. Structural issues won’t be a concern for most people’s homes, but a local professional roofing company can let you know for certain whether your roof can handle something heavier than 3-tab shingles.