Architectural Shingles Vs 3 Tab Shingles; What is The Difference
Difference Between Architectural Shingles Vs 3 Tab Shingles?
The main differences between the two are in their design, durability, and appearance.
First, Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional shingles, are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles. They are designed to give a more three-dimensional look to the roof, with a texture and depth that mimics the appearance of natural materials like wood or slate.
They are also more durable than 3-tab shingles, with a longer lifespan and better resistance to wind and impact damage.
In contrast, 3-tab shingles are a more basic and economical option for roofing. They are made from a single layer of asphalt and have a flat, uniform appearance. While they are less expensive than architectural shingles, they are also less durable and have a shorter lifespan.
Architectural shingles are heavier than 3-tab shingles, weighing up to 50% more. They are made with asphalt and adhesives, as well as granules for the outermost layer.
Architectural shingles are more substantial than 3-tab shingles and have a longer lifespan due to their higher-quality composition. They also come in a broader range of colors, textures, shading, and shape options and have the ability to mimic other roofing materials such as slate or tile.
Architectural shingles are usually more expensive to install than 3-tab shingles but they are twice as durable and less vulnerable to curling. The overall cost of both types of shingles is relative and depends on how you value durability versus cost.
Architectural Shingles Vs 3 Tab Shingles
Architectural Shingles
Architectural shingles, also known as laminated or dimensional shingles, are a high-end option that are more durable and long-lasting than 3-tab shingles. They are made from multiple layers of asphalt and are designed to resemble natural roofing materials such as wood or slate.
They come in a variety of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to choose a look that complements their home’s style. Architectural shingles are thicker and heavier than 3-tab shingles, which makes them more resistant to wind, hail, and other types of damage.
They have a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles, typically lasting up to 30 years or more. The higher quality and durability of architectural shingles also means that they come with a higher price tag.
3-Tab Shingles
3-tab shingles are a more traditional and affordable option for roofing. They are made from a single layer of asphalt and are available in a limited range of colors and styles.
They have a flat, uniform look and are less visually appealing than architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are thinner and lighter than architectural shingles, which makes them less durable and more prone to damage from wind, hail, and other weather conditions.
They typically last around 15-20 years, which is shorter than the lifespan of architectural shingles. However, 3-tab shingles are more affordable than architectural shingles, making them a popular choice for homeowners on a budget.
What Are The Advantages Of Architectural Shingles?
Architectural shingles offer a variety of advantages over 3-tab shingles, including increased durability, higher wind resistance, and increased protection from snow loads.
Architectural shingles are also customizable to fit individual tastes and can increase the value of a home.
Additionally, architectural shingles have a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles, with an average lifespan of 18 to 20 years.
What Is The Cost Difference Between 3-Tab Shingles And Architectural Shingles?
The cost difference between 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles is significant, with architectural shingles typically costing 40 to 50 percent more than 3-tab shingles.
On average, three-tab shingles cost $25 to $30 per bundle while architectural shingles cost $35 to $45 per bundle. Architectural shingles are also twice as thick as three-tab shingles and are therefore more durable and less vulnerable to curling.
Additionally, three-tab shingles usually have a warranty of 20, 25, or 30 years while architectural shingles have minimum warranties of 30 years.
What Is The Architectural Shingle Installation Cost?
On average, it costs between $13,500 and $21,500 to install architectural shingles on a 1,500 sq.ft. roof, or between $4.50 and $7 per square foot ($450 to $700 per square).
Higher quality 50-year architectural shingles will cost more, at about $5 to $7.85 per square foot. The installation usually makes up about 60% of new roof costs, and anything that makes the job more time-consuming or difficult will increase the total price.
How Thick Are Architectural Shingles?
A standard three-tab shingle is typically 3/16 inches thick. Architectural shingles may vary in thickness depending on the manufacturer but are generally thicker than 3-tab shingles.
The thickness of the roof sheathing also affects the overall thickness of the roof, with typical roof sheathing measuring 7/16 inches thick. If 3/8-inch plywood is installed as roof sheathing, it may feel inadequate compared to other materials and should be noted to the client.
What Are The Disadvantages Of Architectural Shingles?
The main disadvantage of architectural shingles is that they are more expensive than 3-tab shingles. On average, architectural shingles are 20% to 50% more expensive than 3-tab shingles.
Additionally, architectural shingles can be damaged by bad weather and debris, making them more expensive to repair. Furthermore, while architectural shingles have a longer lifespan than 3-tab shingles, the cost of installation may be higher due to the extra weight of the material.
Luxury asphalt shingles also tend to be more expensive than both 3-tab and architectural shingles.
How to Repair Architectural Shingles?
To repair architectural shingles, the first step is to remove the damaged shingle and any nails that are holding it in place. This can be done by gently tapping a flat bar under the shingles to break the seal-down strips free and then prying up the shingle and nail together.
Once all of the tabs are loose, use a flat bar to center each nail in its notch. The next step is to slide a new shingle into place and nail it down with eight nails: four at the center just above the tab slots and four through the top corners of the shingle.
Finally, seal down any exposed edges with roofing cement or tar. It is important to note that this repair should be done on a day when the weather is moderate, as too cold or too warm temperatures can cause further damage to the shingles.
