When discussing Asphalt shingles and how to get more out of your roof, a quick understanding of your roof will help you make better decisions of what it needs and when to budget for replacement. First determine what you have.
Most homes or buildings here locally have either 3 tab shingles or dimensional shingles.
3-tab shingles
Dimensional shingles
3-tab shingles and dimensional shingles differ primarily in their appearance, structure, and performance:
- Appearance:
- 3-tab shingles have a uniform, flat design with three distinct tabs or cut-outs, creating a simple, single-layered look.
- Dimensional shingles (also called architectural shingles) have a layered, multi-dimensional look with varying shapes and sizes, often designed to mimic the appearance of more expensive materials like wood or slate.
- Construction:
- 3-tab shingles are single-layered, making them lighter and simpler to install.
- Dimensional shingles are made from multiple layers of material, which provides a thicker, more robust structure.
- Durability:
- 3-tab shingles are generally less durable, with a typical lifespan of 20-30 years and 60 mph wind warranty.
- Dimensional shingles are more durable and can last 30-50 years, offering better resistance to wind and weather, usually a 110 to 130 mph wind warranty.
Not all shingles are created equal yet all boost they are above their competitors. The most important thing to remember is your wasting your money if actual individual installing doesn’t care to do it right. The cheapest 3 tab shingle installed exactly to the manufacturers instructions will hold up to 60 mph. The best 50 year shingle on the market installed by someone who has never read the instructions will probably just fall off.
