You probably have a choice between architectural shingles vs asphalt to replace your roof. You can choose asphalt, metal, designer shingles, or a flat roof. Asphalt is still the most popular material because people like to use what they know.
Asphalt shingles have a lot to offer. Styles, colors, and textures vary. Because they are cheap, they are a good choice for many households. Before you buy, compare 3-tab and architectural shingles. Both kinds of architectural shingles vs asphalt shingles have their good points.
In this article, you will learn essential details regarding architectural shingles vs asphalt. With this, you can decide which one should you choose to furnish the crowning glory of your house.
What Is the Difference between Asphalt and Architectural Shingles?
There is a certain difference between asphalt and architectural shingles. Asphalt shingles are made of layers of fiberglass, asphalt, and granules that have been coated with ceramic. The standard asphalt shingle has a coating that keeps water out and blocks UV light.
The same asphalt is used to make both architectural and 3-tab shingles. Still, there are different things to consider when choosing an architectural shingles vs asphalt type of roof.
Asphalt
The most common type of roof on modern homes is asphalt shingles. It is a roof system mostly made of asphalt shingles and other things. Three different kinds of asphalt shingles are 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury.
The name “3-tab” comes from the fact that each shingle strip has three tabs. Dimensional shingles give your roof a random look or make it look like it’s made of wood shakes. Lastly, luxury or premium shingles are made to look like slate and are bigger than other asphalt shingles.
Architectural
The base mat of what are architectural shingles is thicker and stronger than 3-tab shingles. They also give you more protection from the weather. New printing technologies also make it possible for colors to vary more, making them look less like artificial materials and more like wood.
Architectural shingles have more surface granules than regular asphalt shingles, so they keep their original look for longer. The wind and other weather events are less likely to damage architectural shingles.
The Pros and Cons of 3-Tab Shingles and Architectural Shingles
Looks
Both asphalt vs architectural shingles come in a variety of colors to match your home. Because of how they are made, architectural shingles can come in a wider range of colors, textures, and shapes.
A roof with three-tab shingles looks uniform and can be flat. Because of this, architectural shingles look better than 3-tab shingles. Also, architectural shingles can look like high-end materials like slate or cedar, making the house look more expensive.
Durability
A standard asphalt roof with three tabs will likely need to be replaced after 15 to 20 years. On the other hand, the thickness of architectural shingles makes them significantly stronger. They should last roughly half the time that 3-tab shingles do.
Architectural shingles may have a 40-year, 50-year, or lifetime warranty, while three-tab shingles usually have a 20-25 year warranty.
Price
When people don’t have much money, they use three-tab shingles instead of architectural shingles. Architectural roof shingles cost 25% more than 3-tab, but they are used on more expensive homes. Architectural shingles may be the best way to add value to your home because of how they look and how well they work.
Differences in Roofing Materials
Structure
The asphalt used to make 3-tab Shingles is also used to construct buildings. They have a mat on the back, granules on top, and glue to stick. The quality of the materials and the way they were put together make these differences.
The asphalt in architectural shingles is better than that in 3-tab shingles. These shingles have more asphalt granules than 3-tab shingles and also have more of them. They also have stronger glues and bases that are thicker and last longer.
The grains on the surface of this shingle make it last longer. But 3-tab shingles are flat because each tab is the same size, shape, and distance from the others. Less vivid colors and textures are used in 3-tab shingles than in architectural shingles
Texture
The thickness of the shingles is another thing that sets architectural shingles apart from 3-tab shingles. The 3-tab shingles are lighter and thinner than these. A shingle that is thicker and stronger can stand up to wind and other harsh weather conditions.
Architectural shingles also last a lot longer. Three-tab shingles don’t last as long, aren’t as strong, and don’t last as long as three-tab shingles. They can be damaged by common occurrences such as hail and severe winds.
Are 3-Tab Shingles Better than Architectural Shingles?
There are pros and cons to both architectural shingles vs asphalt. You can’t decide by reading an article because it depends on where you live, what’s going on, and how you feel.
We must examine your case to provide expert guidance. We offer free roof inspections and full service from experts. Set up a free roof inspection so we can find any problems and give you the best information to help you decide which option is best for your home. Call us today to schedule our quick and easy service.
