Architectural vs. 3-tab shingles, at a glance
Architectural shingles are made of two bonded layers and give the roof a thicker, dimensional look, while three-tab shingles are a single flat layer cut to look like three pieces. For most St. Louis homes we recommend architectural shingles, because they generally handle wind better and carry stronger manufacturer warranties.
How the two shingles are built
Three-tab shingles
A single layer of asphalt-coated fiberglass mat with cutouts that make each shingle look like three separate pieces. They lie flat, weigh less, and give the roof a uniform, gridded appearance. For decades they were the standard on most St. Louis houses.
Architectural shingles
Two layers laminated together, with the bottom layer showing through in an irregular pattern. The extra thickness creates shadow lines and depth. Owens Corning's Duration line is one example of this type.
Both are asphalt shingles installed with the same basic method, and both depend on proper underlayment, flashing and ventilation to perform. A cheap shingle installed carefully will often outlast an expensive one installed with poor nailing or blocked vents.
Side-by-side comparison
| Three-tab | Architectural | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Single layer | Two laminated layers |
| Look | Flat and uniform | Dimensional and varied |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Wind resistance | Lower ratings in general | Higher ratings in general |
| Manufacturer warranty | Shorter in general | Longer in general |
| Upfront cost | Lower | Somewhat higher |
| Color choices | Fewer products today | Wide range |
Exact wind ratings and warranty terms vary by product line, so we show you the manufacturer's spec sheet for whatever shingle appears on your estimate.
What St. Louis weather does to shingles
Roofs here get hot, humid summers, freeze-thaw cycles in winter, and spring storms with straight-line winds and hail. Wind is where the two shingles separate most. A flat, light three-tab has less mass holding it down once the seal strip lets go. Architectural shingles are heavier and stiffer, so they tend to stay put through the gusts that come through the region each spring.
Hail is hard on any asphalt shingle. A thicker shingle may take a hit with less visible damage, but no standard asphalt shingle is hail-proof. If hail worries you, ask us about impact-rated architectural options.
Ventilation matters for both types. A hot attic softens shingles from below and speeds up granule loss, so we balance soffit intake with ridge exhaust on every replacement.
Which one we recommend
For a full replacement on a house you plan to keep, we usually recommend architectural shingles. The price difference on a typical roof is small next to the total cost of the job, and you get better wind performance, a longer manufacturer warranty and the look most buyers expect today.
Three-tab still has a place on a detached garage, a shed, or a small repair where you need to match an existing three-tab roof. We will tell you which fits your situation. As an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, we install complete Owens Corning roof systems, and every installation carries our lifetime workmanship warranty.
Related reading
More on choosing and pricing a new roof.
Common questions
Can I mix architectural and three-tab shingles on one roof?
Do architectural shingles last longer?
Are three-tab shingles still made?
Which type is better for hail?
Can you show me samples?
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