The Differences Between Three-Tab and Architectural Shingles

Three-tab shingles and architectural shingles are types of asphalt shingles, which is pretty much where the rest of their similarities end.

When choosing which shingle will be the best option for your roofing project, here at Prrotect Roofing, we will work with you and decide which is better suited for your home.

In this blog, you will learn the differences between these popular shingles, and what will be the best fit for your roofing repair or replacement.

Three-Tab Shingles

Three-tab shingles are what you find on most homes these days.

They fall very flat and are simple, come in a limited variety of colors, and really don’t steer away from their basic design.

With that, three-tab shingles look very sleek and will give your home a more minimalist feel, and allow other exterior aspects of your home to stand out.

Three-tab shingles are lightweight and do provide great UV and moisture protection for your roof, and generally have a lifespan of 7-15 years without needing to be replaced.

However, the St. Louis area is susceptible to strong storms with very strong winds, which can shorten the lifespan of the shingles.

A major benefit of three-tab shingles is that they are more cost-effective, at around $25 per bundle.

Three-tab shingles are a great choice if you are looking to have a cheaper, short-term cost, but are still very reliable.

Architectural Shingles

Architectural shingles are generally a more fancy version of three-tab shingles, as there is more variety in the colors, shapes, and sizes of architectural shingles available.

So, if you value having a unique roof, this is the choice for you.

Three-tab shingles are much flatter, while architectural shingles have much more dimension.

Architectural shingles also are heavier, since there is one more layer of materials than in three-tab shingles.

This makes architectural shingles much more durable and more resistant to extreme weather and winds (it can take up to 120mph winds vs 70mph winds three-tabs can handle).

They also last around 20-25 years, which is much more than their other asphalt shingle counterparts. 

As we’re sure you expected, architectural shingles are more expensive up front, costing anywhere between $35-$45 per bundle.

However, architectural shingles are a better investment in the long run, as they last much longer and are more durable, so they don’t need to be repaired nearly as often as three-tab shingles do.

Which Should I Choose?

If you have bought a house that you want to live in for a long time with minimal maintenance, then architectural shingles are the best choice.

If you’re going to be in your home for a shorter period of time, like a rental, and you want to save more money upfront, then three-tab shingles are for you.

But, if you prefer a certain look for your home that’s more extravagant rather than minimal, architectural shingles will be better suited to your needs. 

In Conclusion

Here at Prrotect Roofing, we will work with you and find the best option for your home.

We always provide the best quality materials in our roofing projects, and we understand that some homes will benefit more from three-tab shingles, and other homes will be better off with architectural shingles.

Please reach out to us here at if you have any further questions or if you want to book a roofing inspection. We are always happy to help!