You are wanting your new roof to last for many years. We are here to help you make sure the roof meets your expectations when it comes to durability, warranty, and cost. Shingles have much to offer for example: colors and styles.
The primary differences between the two are the amount of material used, as well as the overall quality of each product. Essentially, architectural shingles are more substantial than 3-tab shingles. In fact, they are about 50 percent heavier than the 3-tab kind. The base mat on an architectural shingle is thicker than that on a 3-tab shingle. This makes the architectural shingle a sturdier roofing material. Architectural shingles also comprise stronger adhesives, and they have more granules on their top surface.
These two types of asphalt shingles also differ in their appearance. 3-tab shingles are flat, and they have a single tab shape and size. They are uniform, which gives them a flat look.
Architectural shingles are also referred to as dimensional shingles. This is because they provide a more dimensional look to the roof. Each shingle appears more dimensional because it is multiple layers of materials adhere to the base. These shingles can be made to resemble cedar shakes, which may add much to a home's curb appeal.
The two shingle types yield different wind resistance ratings. While there may be some subtle variations, 3-tab shingles are generally rated for winds of up to approximately 60 miles per hour (mph). Since architectural shingles are thicker and of a higher quality, it makes sense that they have higher wind ratings than 3-tab shingles. They typically are rated for winds of between 80 mph and 120 mph.