Walk down almost any street in Gaston County and you will see two kinds of shingle roofs. Here is how to tell them apart and what the difference means for you.
What is a 3-tab shingle?
A 3-tab shingle is one flat layer. Each strip is cut into three tabs, so the roof looks like neat, even rows of rectangles. It was the basic builder shingle for a long time. Many homes built in the 1990s and early 2000s got 3-tab roofs.
What is an architectural shingle?
An architectural shingle is made of layers stuck together. It is thicker and heavier. The roof looks more like wood shakes, with shadows and depth instead of flat rows.
How they compare
| 3-tab | Architectural | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Flat, even rows | Thick, layered, more depth |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Wind | Lower wind ratings | Usually higher wind ratings |
| Cost | Less | More |
| Today | Harder to find | What most new roofs use |
Which one should you pick?
For most homes, architectural shingles are the better choice. They are thicker, they usually handle wind better, and they look better from the street. Many shingle makers have cut back on 3-tab, so it can be harder to find and match.
If you have an older 3-tab roof and only part of it is worn out, a partial job can be hard to match. That is one more reason we look at the whole roof before we give you a plan.
Not sure what you have?
We can tell you. A roofer gets on the roof, takes photos and video, and texts them to you. It is free.
