Picking your roof’s new shingles requires a lot of thought. Which material will you use? Is one shingle’s lifespan better for your budget than the other’s? In an earlier blog, we discussed the benefits homeowners can enjoy by picking high-quality roof shingles.
If you’re like 75% of American homeowners, your roof has asphalt shingles.
Make no mistake about it, asphalt shingles are a favorite among roofers and non-roofers alike. In fact, these shingles have sparked both questions and debates. At the center of it all laid its biggest question,
“Which shingle do I pick between a 3-tab shingle & a 30-year shingle?” Well, if you’re interested in finding out the benefits of each one, read on.
3-Tab Shingle
3-tab shingles, as their name implies, are made from three uniform cutouts made along the shingle’s lower edge. They come with 20-year, 25-year, and even 30-year warranties. Roofers and homeowners prefer 3-tab shingles for many reasons. The benefits that most roofing experts attribute to them are:
- Their flat, uniform appearance – this benefit can help increase your home’s curb appeal.
- Their cost-effectiveness – 30-year shingles are up to 50% more expensive than 3-tab shingles. They’re the most economical shingle on the market – cheapest labor & installation costs.
- Their versatility – 3-tab shingles come in a variety of colors and finishes.
- They’re lightweight – this makes the shingles easier to transport and install.
30-Year (Architectural) Shingles
30-year shingles are architectural shingles with a 30-year warranty. Architectural shingles are made when you laminate two shingle strips together to form a single, dimensional shingle. This process creates shingles that are 50% heavier than 3-tab shingles. Due to their weight, they are more durable and wind-resistant than 3-tab shingles.
In addition to this, opting for architectural shingles seems to be a better investment in the long run. Warranties on architectural shingles go for up to 50 years – 30 is the minimum. Due to their extended lifespan, architectural shingles give some homeowners greater value over time. They also contain more asphalt and stronger adhesives.
Which One Should I Pick?
If you’re looking into changing your roof’s shingles, get a free inspection and consultation with us. We’ll help inform your selection as best we can. With our 30 years of combined experience as roofers, your roof is in good hands. Click here to book an appointment with us now. Get Regions – we do roofing right.