Introduction: The Two Main Types

Asphalt shingles come in two main types: architectural (also called dimensional or laminated) and 3-tab (also called strip shingles). Architectural shingles dominate the market today (80%+ of new roofs), but 3-tab still has its place. This guide explains the differences.

QUICK COMPARISON TABLE

ARCHITECTURAL SHINGLES

What Are Architectural Shingles?

Construction:

• Multi-layer design: 2-3 layers of material laminated together
• Random pattern: Tabs vary in size/shape (looks like wood shake)
• Thicker: 2-3x thicker than 3-tab
• Heavier: More material = more durability

Appearance:

• Dimensional: Creates shadow lines, depth
• Textured: Mimics wood shake or slate
• Premium look: High-end appearance
• Color variety: Multiple granule colors blended

Advantages of Architectural Shingles

1. Longer Lifespan

• Fraser Valley: 25-30 years typical
• Why longer: Thicker, more material, better quality
• vs 3-tab: 50-100% longer lifespan

2. Better Wind Resistance

• Rating: 110-130 mph (vs 60-70 for 3-tab)
• Why better: Heavier, better adhesive, laminated construction
• Fraser Valley: Important for outflow winds

3. Superior Aesthetics

• Curb appeal: Looks like premium roof
• Dimensional: Shadow lines add depth
• Resale value: Buyers expect architectural shingles

4. Better Warranty

• Typical: Limited Lifetime (30-50 years prorated)
• Non-prorated: 10-15 years (vs 3-5 for 3-tab)
• Wind warranty: 110-130 mph (vs none for 3-tab)

Disadvantages of Architectural Shingles

1. Higher Cost

• Materials: $120-160/square (vs $70-90 for 3-tab)
• Typical roof: $1,000-1,500 more than 3-tab

2. Heavier

• Weight: 250-400 lbs/square
• Concern: Very old homes may need deck reinforcement
• Reality: Rarely an issue (most homes can handle it)

3-TAB SHINGLES

What Are 3-Tab Shingles?

Construction:

• Single layer: One layer of material
• Uniform tabs: Three tabs per shingle (hence "3-tab")
• Thin: About 1/3 thickness of architectural
• Lighter: Less material

Appearance:

• Flat: No dimensional look
• Uniform pattern: Repeating 3-tab pattern
• Basic look: Functional, not premium
• Limited colors: Fewer color options

Advantages of 3-Tab Shingles

1. Lower Cost

• Materials: $70-90/square (40-50% cheaper than architectural)
• Typical roof: $1,000-1,500 savings
• Best for: Tight budgets, rental properties

2. Lighter Weight

• Weight: 200-250 lbs/square
• Benefit: Easier to install, less strain on structure

3. Easier to Install

• Uniform: Consistent pattern, faster installation
• Labor: Slightly lower labor cost

Disadvantages of 3-Tab Shingles

1. Shorter Lifespan

• Fraser Valley: 15-20 years typical
• Why shorter: Thinner, less material, lower quality
• Cost over time: Need replacement sooner

2. Poor Wind Resistance

• Rating: 60-70 mph (vs 110-130 for architectural)
• Problem: Fraser Valley gets 80-120 km/h winds
• Result: More likely to blow off

3. Basic Appearance

• Flat: No dimensional look
• Dated: Looks like 1980s-1990s roof
• Resale: Buyers may see as "cheap" roof

4. Weaker Warranty

• Typical: 20-25 years (vs Lifetime for architectural)
• Non-prorated: 3-5 years (vs 10-15 for architectural)
• No wind warranty: Most 3-tab has no wind coverage

COST COMPARISON

Materials Cost (Fraser Valley, 2026)

Architectural Shingles:

• Per square: $120-160
• Small roof (15 squares): $1,800-2,400
• Medium roof (25 squares): $3,000-4,000
• Large roof (35 squares): $4,200-5,600

3-Tab Shingles:

• Per square: $70-90
• Small roof (15 squares): $1,050-1,350
• Medium roof (25 squares): $1,750-2,250
• Large roof (35 squares): $2,450-3,150

Savings with 3-Tab:

• Small roof: $750-1,050 savings
• Medium roof: $1,250-1,750 savings
• Large roof: $1,750-2,450 savings

Total Cost of Ownership (30 Years)

Architectural Shingles:

• Initial cost: $12,000 (typical roof)
• Lifespan: 25-30 years
• Replacements needed: 1 (at 30 years)
• Total 30-year cost: $12,000

3-Tab Shingles:

• Initial cost: $10,500 (typical roof)
• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Replacements needed: 1-2 (at 18 years, possibly again at 36)
• Total 30-year cost: $21,000 ($10,500 x 2)

Winner: Architectural Shingles

• Savings over 30 years: $9,000
• Plus: Better appearance, wind resistance, resale value

WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

Choose Architectural Shingles If:

• Long-term ownership: Staying in home 10+ years
• Resale value: Selling within 5-10 years (buyers expect it)
• Wind exposure: Exposed location, hilltop
• Premium home: Home value $500k+
• Best value: Lower cost over time

Choose 3-Tab Shingles If:

• Rental property: Not your primary residence
• Tight budget: Need cheapest option now
• Short-term: Selling home within 1-2 years
• Matching existing: Replacing section, need to match 3-tab

MARKET TRENDS

Architectural Shingles Dominate

Market Share:

• 2000: 50% architectural, 50% 3-tab
• 2010: 70% architectural, 30% 3-tab
• 2020: 85% architectural, 15% 3-tab
• 2026: 90%+ architectural, less than 10% 3-tab

Why the Shift:

• Better value long-term
• Buyer expectations (resale)
• Superior performance
• Price gap narrowed (architectural more affordable now)

3-Tab Becoming Obsolete

Manufacturers Phasing Out:

• Fewer 3-tab options available
• Limited color selection
• Some manufacturers discontinuing 3-tab lines

Replacement Shingles:

• Harder to find matching 3-tab for repairs
• May need to replace entire slope (can't match)

The Bottom Line

Architectural shingles are the clear winner for most homes. They cost more upfront but last longer, perform better, and provide better value over time. 3-tab shingles only make sense for rental properties or extreme budget constraints.

At RJ Roofing Bros, we install 95% architectural shingles. We recommend architectural for all owner-occupied homes. The small upfront cost difference ($1,000-1,500) is more than offset by longer lifespan, better wind resistance, and higher resale value. We rarely recommend 3-tab unless budget is the only consideration.

Questions about shingle types? Call (604) 997-1292