Are you in the market for a new roof for your home in Philadelphia and are trying to choose between 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles? When undergoing a new roof installation, you must pick a type of roofing that will provide you with many years of protection against the cold, snowy winters and hot summers in Philadelphia. There are many types of asphalt shingle roofing that you can choose from, but the two most popular are 3-tab and architectural. So, what are the differences between these two types of asphalt shingles, and which one is right for your home in Philadelphia?
Below, we’ll discuss:
- 3-tab vs. architectural shingles
- Pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing
- Information about Industrial Roofing Contractors
Philadelphia Roofing: Asphalt Shingle Comparison
3-Tab Shingles: Practical & Affordable
3-tab shingles are a great, cost-savvy choice for budget homes and rental properties. 3-tab shingles are the most common type of asphalt shingles.
Style & Composition: 3-tab shingles are made from asphalt and designed with a flat, uniform look and three tabs. These shingles are constructed of a single-layered uniform shingle with granules and adhesives for the outermost layer and fiberglass for the backing and their cutouts make them look like three separate pieces. Ultimately, these shingles are affordable, lightweight, easy to install and maintain, and energy efficient.
Sturdiness & Longevity: 3-tab shingles are still durable against the weather, but they do tend to need to be replaced more often than other types of asphalt shingles. In Philadelphia, 3-tab shingles can last around 20 years. 3-tab shingles are the most common type of asphalt shingles and they are the easiest to maintain. These ratings may range, but 3-tab asphalt shingles are often rated for winds of up to 60 miles per hour.
Cost: 3-tab shingles are the most cost-effective asphalt shingle option. The overall price will vary, depending on the size of your home and various installation costs. That being said, you can typically expect to pay less for a 3-tab shingle roof than an architectural shingle roof.
Architectural Shingles: Visual Appeal & Durability
Architectural shingles are a great option for homeowners who value long-lasting weather resistance and enhanced aesthetics.
Style & Composition: Architectural shingles, also known as dimensional or laminate shingles, have a visually striking and dimensional look and are made with multiple layers. These types of shingles are made from asphalt and have fiberglass for the backing and granules and adhesives for the outermost layer. Architectural shingles are made with stronger adhesives and with higher-quality asphalt and are a lot more textured and durable than 3-tab shingles. These shingles can be designed to resemble cedar shake or slate roofing. In addition, architectural shingles are a great choice for an energy-efficient roofing material and offer superior light deflection and cooling.
Sturdiness & Longevity: Due to their high-quality design and durability, architectural shingles will not need to be replaced quite as often as 3-tab shingles and are more durable and waterproof than 3-tab. Architectural shingles are engineered to protect against harsh weather and can withstand heavy winds of up to 120 miles per hour. If properly maintained and installed correctly, an architectural asphalt roof can last around 50 in Philadelphia.
Cost: Architectural shingles tend to cost more than 3-tab shingles, but they are still an affordable roofing material. The final cost of asphalt shingle roofing depends on the size and shape of your home and the style of your roofing. A plus is that architectural shingles are known to increase your home’s value.
Pros and Cons of Asphalt Shingles
Pros:
Widely available and easily sourced from local suppliers
Simple to install and to repair
Affordable and popular for cost-savvy homeowners
Available in a variety of colors and styles
Durability against harsh weather
Enhances the curb appeal of your home
Energy-efficient and can help reduce electric bills
Cons:
Asphalt roofing isn’t recyclable
Asphalt roofing won’t last quite as long as materials like metal roofing
Next Steps: Industrial Roofing Contractors
Ultimately, both types of asphalt shingles have a lot of benefits for your home in Philadelphia. 3-tab shingles are affordable, lightweight, and easy to install. Architectural shingles are built to stand against harsh weather and are visually striking and long-lasting. If you need more help deciding between the two types of asphalt shingles, reach out to Industrial Roofing Contractors to learn more.
Industrial Roofing Contractors proudly serves Philadelphia and the surrounding area with high-quality workmanship, thoughtful customer service, and reliable roofing solutions. At Industrial Roofing Contractors, our main priority is to ensure 100% customer satisfaction and to give every project the attention to detail that it deserves.
Call us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a free estimate!
