In the ever-changing world of roofing shingle types, 3 tab shingles stand as a testament to timeless elegance and reliability. While newer roofing options have emerged in recent years, these shingles continue to hold their own, offering homeowners a classic and cost-effective solution for their roofing needs.
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In this blog we'll explore some common questions about this specific type of roof shingle, their availability, benefits, installation process, and lifespan.
3-tab shingles are a type of asphalt shingle.
Each shingle consists of a single layer of material with tabs cut into the bottom edge to create the appearance of three separate shingles when installed. That's where the name "3 tab" comes from.
They are used primarily on residential roofing, and were first released in .
First, let's address the burning question: are 3 tab shingles still manufactured? Despite the rise of newer roofing materials like architectural shingles and metal roofing, many manufacturers still produce this type of shingle due to their enduring popularity and affordability.
While the market share may have diminished somewhat, they remain a staple in the roofing industry, offering homeowners a budget-friendly option for roof replacement and repair projects.
Although they are still manufactured, they aren&#;t nearly as popular. Because of this, manufacturers don&#;t produce the same colors or variety that they used to. This can make it harder to find matching shingle color for repairs or partial replacement jobs.
So, why would you opt for 3 tab shingles over other roofing materials? There are several compelling reasons.
First, they are renowned for their simplicity and versatility. Their consistent size and shape make them easy to install. This applies to both experienced individuals and DIY enthusiasts. It is especially helpful for those working on home projects.
Second, these shingles are among the most affordable roofing options available, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious homeowners seeking quality and durability without breaking the bank.
If you're looking for a popular roof shingle for curb appeal or a more dimensional shingle, then architectural shingle may be a better fit.
Despite their widespread use and popularity, 3 tab shingles have garnered a reputation in some circles as being inferior to newer roofing materials. However, it&#;s not necessarily true.
It's true, they do lack some of the aesthetic appeal and dimensional texture of architectural shingles. But they are far from "bad." In fact, when properly installed and maintained, they can provide decades of reliable home protection.
3 tab shingles aren&#;t as thick as architectural shingles, so they may not withstand harsher weather conditions or hail as well.
So, it&#;s not about whether these shingles are good or bad. Instead, it's about what is the best roofing material for an area, based on weather, climate, and geography.
These are the top 5 manufacturers of 3-tab asphalt shingles that you should know about.
As one of the largest and most trusted manufacturers of roofing materials in North America, GAF has a long-standing reputation for quality and innovation. The company offers a wide range of 3-tab asphalt shingles, including their popular Royal Sovereign series. GAF's 3-tab shingles are backed by comprehensive warranties, providing homeowners with peace of mind and confidence in their investment.
Owens Corning is another leading manufacturer of roofing materials, offering a diverse selection of 3-tab asphalt shingles for residential applications. Owens Corning's 3-tab shingles are strong and eco-friendly, made to last and protect against the weather while being environmentally friendly.
CertainTeed is known for its commitment to quality and craftsmanship, making it a trusted choice for homeowners and contractors alike. The XT&#; 25 series of asphalt shingles from the company are very durable and weather-resistant. They have a Class A fire rating and great warranties.
Atlas Roofing Corporation is recognized for its dedication to innovation and customer satisfaction, producing a range of high-quality roofing products, including 3-tab asphalt shingles. The company's GlassMaster® series combines traditional design with advanced technology, delivering superior strength and performance in harsh weather conditions.
IKO is a global leader in the roofing industry, offering a comprehensive selection of 3-tab asphalt shingles designed to enhance the beauty and performance of any home. The company's Marathon series is renowned for its durability and affordability, providing homeowners with reliable protection against wind, rain, and other elements.
Installing 3 tab shingles is a pretty straightforward process. It's much the same as installing any roof shingle. Here's a basic overview of the installation process:
Prepare the roof: Start by preparing the roof surface. Remove old shingles, make sure it&#;s clean, dry, and free of debris. Repair any damaged or rotted areas and install underlayment as needed to provide an additional layer of protection.
Layout the shingles: Begin at the bottom edge of the roof and work your way up, laying out the first row of shingles along the eaves. Use chalk lines to ensure straight, uniform rows, and stagger the shingles to prevent water infiltration.
Nail the shingles: Secure each shingle in place with roofing nails, driving them flush with the surface of the shingle. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for nail placement and spacing to ensure a secure installation.
Trim and finish: Once the first row is complete, continue installing subsequent rows of shingles, overlapping each row to provide proper water drainage. Use a utility knife to trim shingles as needed to fit around vents, chimneys, and other protrusions.
Finish the ridge: Finally, install ridge caps along the peak of the roof to provide a finished look and seal off any gaps or exposed edges. Secure the ridge caps in place with roofing nails and seal the edges with roofing cement for added protection against leaks.
3 tab shingles may not last as long as premium roofing. However, with good installation and upkeep, they can still last for many years.
On average, a well-maintained 3 tab shingle roof can last 20 to 30 years or more, depending on factors such as climate, exposure to harsh weather conditions, and regular maintenance.
3 tab shingles remain a viable and cost-effective roofing option for homeowners seeking durability, simplicity, and affordability. Newer roofing materials have benefits, but 3 tab shingles are still popular. They have a classic look and dependable performance. They can last for many years.
Whether you're building a new home or replacing an existing roof, consider the enduring appeal of 3 tab shingles for your next roofing project.
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When you're thinking about replacing your roof, you're likely to run into a discussion about shingle type. One of the questions that comes up a lot is "What's the difference between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles?" Here's our breakdown...
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Three-tab shingles are made of a strong, mineral granule-coated, fiberglass base mat. Aside from the various color tones, a 3-Tab shingle is light and can endure 60 to 70 mph winds.
3-tabs appear to be three separate pieces, but it is only one. This design is attractive and gives your roof a clean, polished appearance. 3-tab asphalt shingles are the most basic and cost-effective roofing shingles available.
3-Tab shingles are lightweight, simple to install, and do not have some of the drawbacks that tile roofing, concrete, or clay roofing have.
These types of shingles are incredibly durable and resistant to weather. However, improper or careless installation can put a lot of stress on your roof deck, so it's important to make sure you choose a reputable installer.
Contact us to discuss your requirements of 3-tab roof shingles. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.
Another benefit of 3-tab shingles is that they're relatively inexpensive compared to other roofing materials. This is why most homeowners choose them.
While 3-tab shingles offer simple designs and colors, they don't necessarily make a roof look dull. Rather, 3-tab shingles typically make your roof appear clean and minimalist.
Given the high cost of roof investments, it's understandable that many homeowners prefer a clean, simple, and finished look.
One of the most significant disadvantages of using 3-tab shingles is having thin frames. This makes it susceptible to wind uplifts. And without proper maintenance they can become loose, allowing strong winds to damage your roof.
Remember, a 3-tab shingle can only endure winds of 60 to 70 mph. High-wind zones have wind speeds that exceed 60 to 70 mph. With this in mind, take extra precautions if you live in an area prone to high winds.
If you suspect that your shingles have been damaged or displaced, it's important to get a free roof inspection as quickly as possible to avoid further damage. When shingles are damaged, moved, or missing, they can no longer protect the underlying roof structure and additional, more expensive damage, can occur.
Until the s, the traditional 3-tab shingle was the most popular type of asphalt roof shingle. It remains a cost-effective option for homeowners who value its ease of installation and wide range of color options.
During the s, technological innovations and changing consumer preferences elevated asphalt roofing shingles to a new level. This resulted in architecturally laminated shingles. The name "architectural shingle" refers to a shingle's construction, which comprises two or more basic shingles bonded or laminated together.
Architectural shingles &#; sometimes referred to as laminated shingles &#; are specifically engineered to have a unique cut, contour, and dimensional thickness. They are often manufactured to mimic the impressive, sought-after appearance of authentic cedar shakes or natural slate tiles, achieving the same look without the weight, installation, flammability concerns, maintenance, and expenses involved with natural wood and stone roofing materials.
Some architectural laminated shingle manufacturers offer a wide range of colors. However, shingles meant to imitate the look of real wood shakes or natural slate tiles will be limited to the same colors found in nature, such as reddish or earthy browns or light and dark variants of grey to black.
While the primary reason for their use is a high-end look, they come with other advantages as well.
Architectural asphalt shingles are designed with three-dimensional textures. Tab slots, as in standard 3-tab roofing, are not required. They are stronger and heavier than 3-tab shingles, but they typically don't need extra support built beneath them.
Architectural shingles are made of multiple layers of material, asphalt, and granules, instead of standard asphalt shingles, which have a layer of material over a glass mat. Its asphalt is more durable and refined. They are more wind resistant due to their thickness and composition with some architectural shingles able to withstand winds of up to 120 mph. They are also more fire-resistant than standard composition shingles.
Architectural shingles can be tailored to your specific preferences and their depth and texture giving your home unprecedented curb appeal. They have a dimensional and textured appearance that can mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials, such as wood or slate.
Architectural shingle weight is up to 50% heavier than 3-tab shingles, which could be an issue for some roofs (an inspection will reveal whether or not architectural shingles are a good fit for your home). They are also more expensive than 3-tab shingles.
Even though they tend to be higher quality and sturdier, architectural shingles can be damaged by bad weather and debris. When damage occurs, architectural shingles are more expensive to repair.
The difference in appearance is one of the primary reasons you might choose architectural shingles over traditional 3-tab shingles.
Three-tab shingles are flat and have a single tab shape and size. They are uniform, which gives them a matte appearance.
Architectural shingles appear more dimensional. These shingles can mimic the look of more expensive roofing materials like cedar or slate, which can add to the home&#;s curb appeal.
When it comes to overall variety, architectural shingles easily win over 3-tab shingles. They come in a broader range of colors, textures, shading, and shape options and have the ability to mimic more expensive roofing materials where 3-tab shingles always look like 3-tab shingles.
With that said, 3-tab shingles do offer many different color options and the end result will be a very clean, uniform appearance. Across the various shingle brands, you'll easily have more than 30 different color options to choose from when using 3-tab shingles.
Since 3-tab shingles are made from a single layer of material, they are relatively thin. Architectural shingles, on the other hand, consist of two strips of asphalt shingles laminated together. This overlay results in a more weather-resistant tile.
Furthermore, most 3-tab shingles can only withstand wind speeds of about 60-70 miles per hour. Architectural shingles can typically resist 110 mph with a typical installation and even as high as 130 mph using unique installation materials and procedures.
If maximum durability is what you're after, architectural shingles are the way to go.
Architectural shingles use a stronger and better quality material, so they typically last longer than 3-tab shingles. While a regular 3-tab shingle can last anywhere from 10 to 25 years, a properly maintained architectural shingle can last upwards of 50 years.
Since architectural shingles are more expensive than 3-tab shingles, it's important that you take lifespan into account when comparing pricing. If you're getting over double the lifespan for the money, that's huge.
While architectural and 3-tab shingles are both asphalt, they differ in the installation process. Moreover, it is always advisable to contact a professional roofer to install them. At roofclaim.com, we're experts in installing both types of shingles. If you want to get started, schedule a free inspection today.
By and large, architectural shingles are easier to install than traditional 3-tab shingles. They require fewer tools and less hassle. Sometimes this reduces the cost of a new roof, but you'll have to ask your roofing company for details related to your specific roof.
Architectural shingles cost around 40 to 50 percent more than 3-tab shingles. However, they are usually a better option since they are twice as durable as the best-quality 3-tabs.
Spending less money on 3-tab shingles may feel like you're being economical, but you'll likely spend more on installation costs and have to replace your roof much sooner.
Of course, insurance claims often come into the decision making process as well. If you're getting a shingle roof replacement via an insurance claim, your insurance company is only going to pay to replace what you already had. If you want to upgrade to architectural shingles from 3-tab shingles, be prepared to pay the difference out of pocket.
Are architectural shingles worth it? We think so, but it depends on your situation.
The 3-tab shingle typically has a 20, 25, or 30-year warranty. On the other hand, architectural shingles typically have a minimum guarantee of 30 years. Overall, 3-tab shingles have a shorter life expectancy and can only withstand winds of up to 60-70 mph, whereas architectural shingles can withstand up to 130 mph.
Installation quality also comes into play, which is why it's important to choose a reputable roofing company with a solid track record of success and happy customers.
At roofclaim.com, we back every roof replacement project with an industry-leading Million Dollar Guarantee, so your shingles are covered by a manufacturer warranty and your installation is covered by our fantastic guarantee. That's a win-win scenario.
There are many different points to consider when weighing the choice between architectural shingles and 3-tab shingles. Honestly, it often comes down to your specific home, location, and situation &#; reading an article probably isn't enough to decide.
If you want our expert advice, we need to take a closer look at your case. We offer free roof inspections and guarantee professional service from start to finish. Schedule a free inspection with us so we can inspect your roof, identify any concerns, and offer the best recommendations to help you make the right choice for your home.
If you have questions, feel free to contact us. We&#;re happy to help!
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