The cost of 3-tab shingles varies widely, depending on the size, condition, and steepness of your home's roof. Discover how much they'll cost for yours.
Architectural vs. 3-Tab Shingles: Which Should You Choose?
The right shingles offer desirable designs and prime protection
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Architectural shingles vs 3 tab shingles differ in thickness and design, with architectural shingles offering a layered, textured look while 3-tab shingles provide a flat, traditional appearance.
Expect to pay $4,500 to $20,000 for a shingle roof, with 3-tab bundles costing up to $275 and architectural bundles reaching $400 per bundle.
Architectural shingles outlast 3-tab options significantly, giving you 20 to 50 years of performance compared to 7 to 15 years for the thinner 3-tab design.
Hiring a local roofing professional provides reliable guidance on selecting the right shingle type for your climate and handling installation complexities with confidence.
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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
Photos: Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images, ngirish / E+ / Getty Images
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?
Photo: Patrick Hatt / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Long-lasting | Pricier |
| Curb appeal | Heavy materials |
| Wind resistance | Tough to install |
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 the roof replacement cost for your own home, but it’s tough to justify the cost of architectural shingles for a rental unit.
What Are 3-Tab Shingles?
Photo: Douglas Sacha / Moment / Getty Images
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | Less water resistant |
| Thin and lightweight | Shorter lifespan |
| Easy to do patching | Less curb appeal |
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.
"A lighter colored roof or a metal roof with reflective pigment will help reduce summer heat gain, reducing air conditioning loads in the structure."
— Todd Miller, President of Isaiah Industries, Piqua, OH
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.
Lifespan: 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.
How to Choose the Right Shingles for Your Roof
Choosing the right roof shingles is a balance of knowing what roof shingles actually are, what types of shingles exist, and knowing which is right for your climate. For instance, there are various types of asphalt shingles.
Ultimately, choosing roof shingles depends on your unique preferences, budget, and the area where you live. Before committing to a particular type, consider region-specific material needs, aesthetics, longevity, and price. Talk to a local roofer if you’re not sure what makes sense for your home.
Roofing services reviews from real Angi homeowners in Columbus, OH
4.3★ avg. • 120 total reviews
- Chance R.
D1 Roofing delivers outstanding service from beginning to end, backed by a strong warranty and expert teams. I highly recommend them for their excellence in meeting and surpassing expectations with unmatched communication. Choosing D1 Roofing was flawless decision
Division 1 Roofing LLC - Jeremy P.
This place took $25,000 for a flat roof job with a five-year warranty and never returned to fix the leaks that were caused by their work. These people are not professionals and should not be doing this type of work. They incorrectly changed the pitch of the roof, and caused more damage than...
- David B.
The technician was very professional and friendly. He answered all my questions and was very thorough. He left the fireplace area very clean . He inspected from the roof and advised me as to other work that might need to be done. There was no pressure there. I was very satisfied with the...
Supreme brick & chimney - Kevin S.
I am really impressed with their timeliness and turnaround. Mitchell came out, and we decided to move forward with their pricing. Our roof was on within a week, and we could not be happier with their team! Amazing company, great prices and honest, dependable craftsmanship. I highly recommend...
Window Depot USA of Central Ohio - Rob B.
Manuel Calvillo is the best option in the area for roofing and you won't be disappointed.
- Julie K.
They damaged multiple items on my property, including a marble slab used as a table top, tried to hide it, and refused to pay or replace. Arrived day one without a ladder to access roof & delayed a day. Left a mess in back yard; didn't wear face masks; no show by owner to property to see damages
Grants Tree Service - Marcia L.
I've hired Gary/Cherokee Roofing for two different homes, work quality, responsiveness, and completion have been great both times. And the prices quoted were very competitive. I would definitely hire again.
- Paul F.
Lyle did a great job removing asbestos shingles from our front porch roof. They worked together with our roofer to make sure that the new roof was able to be installed on the same day that Lyle removed the asbestos shingles.
Lyle Environmental - Paul F.
Bradley Builders did a good job replacing the roof on our front porch. They color-matched the existing shingles on the rest of the house and installed a metal ridge roll since we live in a historical neighborhood. They did the job while we were out of town. When we got back, everything was...
Bradley Builders, Inc. - Madison B.
I would absolutely recommend this business. They offer a variety of services, including: painting, roofing, and refinishing wood flooring. I hired them to refinish the original hardwood flooring in my home built in 1874. The job was quite challenging, as the floors were extremely aged and...
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