Asphalt Roofing Shingles

The 3 Shingle Types:

Asphalt residential roofing shingles come in three basic styles: 3-Tab, Architectural and Luxury

3-Tab

3-tab shingles are the most basic and budget-friendly option. They get their name from the way each shingle strip is cut with three distinct uniform tabs cut into its lower edge, giving the roof a flat, consistent look. While affordable and lightweight, they typically have the shortest lifespan (around 15–20 years) and offer fewer style and color options. Homeowners often choose them for starter homes, rental properties, or when budget is the top priority.

3-tab shingles were the standard go-to residential roofing shingles for many decades, but they’ve largely fallen out of favor in recent years with the growing popularity of architectural shingles. This is primarily due to their thin, lightweight manufacturing making them more vulnerable to damage, and the desire of homeowners at large to invest in something with better long-term value and a less outdated, uniform appearance. Additionally, the price difference between 3-tab and architectural shingles have narrowed overtime. For only a modest increase in price, homeowners can get shingles that last longer, look better and withstand harsher weather, making 3-tab shingles less attractive as a cost-saving option. In fact in some regions, 3-tab shingles no longer meet updated wind-resistance standards or aren’t recommended by insurance companies due to their lower performance in storms, further reducing their demand.

So while 3-tab shingles are still manufactured and can be useful for sheds, garages or very tight budgets, architectural shingles have now become the standard, go-to option for residential roofing shingles.

Architectural

Also called "dimensional" or "laminate" shingles, architectural shingles are the most common choice for today's homes. Made from multiple layers of asphalt fused together, they're thicker, more durable, and offer greater protection against wind and weather. Their dimensional design, varying granule shades and contrasting depth creates a more textured, high-end look that mimics the appearance of wood shakes. Architectural shingles generally last 25–30+ years and strike a good balance between cost, performance, and curb appeal, making them the go-to for many homeowners.

(*More on architectural shingles below)

Luxury

Luxury (or premium) shingles are the top tier of asphalt roofing. They're the heaviest, thickest, and most durable option, with lifespans that can extend 30–50 years when properly maintained. These shingles are designed to replicate the look of slate or high-end cedar shakes, giving homes a sophisticated, upscale appearance without the expense and maintenance of natural materials. They also provide superior weather resistance, making them especially appealing in areas with harsh climates. While more costly, they're an investment in both longevity and style.

Architectural Shingles

An Inspired Design

Architectural shingles were originally created in an attempt to appeal to consumers wanting the appearance of an all-natural wood shake roof, without the drawbacks of actually having one. Furthermore, the well-established benefits of an asphalt-manufactured roof only added to the shingles' appeal- rising their popularity with high-end homeowners who wanted a more unique look to help their homes stand-out. As time went on, architectural shingles progressively became more affordable. By the mid 1980's they were a leading product in the roofing community. Today, they are considered standard in residential roofing countrywide.

The Benefits of Architectural Shingles

Increased Weight & Durability

Architectural shingles consist of 2 asphalt shingles laminated together, resulting in 50% more width than their 3-tab predecessor. Weighing-in at approximately 440lbs per sq. ft. (around 150lbs. more per square than 3-tab shingles) the extra weight assists in decreasing susceptibility to wind-damage, as well as, assisting in creating the multi-dimensional look architectural shingles are known for. Each shingle is approximately 12-13 1/4" thick making them a sturdy shingle option.

Visually Appealing

Architectural shingles are aesthetically layered to create depth, giving rooftops a more textured-appearance. Surface granule colors vary in shading to further contrast light/shadow perception. Shingles come in a variety of colors and sizes and can be further customized to better-suit individual needs and preferences.

Highly Resistant

Due to their weight, endurability architectural shingles are more impact resistant and enduring of high winds. In fact, most are capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 120 mph almost twice that of standard as shingles
Manufactured to endure environmental elements, such as ice and snow, along with extra waterproofing capabilities due to their asphalt manufacturing and sealant strip feature
Class A fire resistance rating
Won’t fade from sun exposure
Algae and mold resistant

Long Enduring

With proper installation and maintenance, architectural shingles should last 80-85% of their usual 30 year lifespan (i.e. 25-28 years) in average NorthEast climate.

Impressive Warranties

Architectural shingles generally come with a more impressive manufacturers warranty than their standard asphalt counterpart. Most architectural shingles carry 30 to 50 year limited warranties; whereas standard 3-tab shingles, have an average warranty length of 25 years.*

*While this serves as a general, helpful guideline to consider when shopping for a new roof, it's important to always familiarize yourself with the details of a particular product's specific warranty before making a decision as warranties typically vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

How Do Architectural Shingles Compare in Price?

While architectural shingles cost less than slate and shake roofing (or than luxury asphalt shingles), they cost about 20-30% more per square than standard (3-tab) asphalt shingles. This contrast in price is primarily due to differences in manufacturing and durability ratings. Architectural shingles are more durable, last a lot longer and come with better warranties than standard shingles. They also have an
average of a 6% return on investment for your home's value.

Therefore, while you may pay more upfront for architectural shingles, when you factor-in the overall lifespan and reduced maintenance and repair costs, they typically end-up a better value in the long run.