Roofing is one of the more important decisions you’ll make in your home improvement journey. With so many options, it can be hard to know which roof will best suit your needs and budget, but that’s where we come in!
The modern homeowner has a lot on their plate during this process; from deciding if they need an architect to finding out what kind of materials are most beneficial for their house type, there’s a never-ending list of things to do. From gable roofs with skylights all the way down through to butterfly rooftops, our roofing experts have seen them all. At EZ Roof and Construction Roofers, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners find exactly what matches their vision before moving forward with any roofing installation projects.
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular choice for homeowners in the United States, with up to 80% of homes having this material on their roofs. When compared to other options, asphalt shingles are affordable, durable, and aesthetically pleasing. However, there are different kinds of asphalt shingles, and this can become confusing.
Asphalt shingles are available in organic or fiberglass variants. Organic asphalt shingles are made using felt paper coated in asphalt, and fiberglass shingles are constructed with a woven fiberglass mat covered in asphalt. Beyond this distinction, asphalt shingles come in two types: 3-Tab, or laminated, also known as architectural shingles.
Though both are good choices in different applications, there are a few key differences.
What are 3-Tab Shingles?
3-tab shingles are the most budget-friendly and durable roofing options. When manufactured, one long asphalt sheet is cut into three tabs of equal size – every tab being a standard width to ensure uniformity across the roof. Shingles made from this material are lightweight and easy to install.
What Are Laminated Shingles?
Laminated (or architectural) shingles offer homes distinctiveness. These shingles provide home’s with a unique and sophisticated curb appeal. Instead of being cut into tabs, laminated shingles have additional pieces of asphalt laminated to the shingle with an asphalt sealant. Unlike the 3-Tab shingle, laminate shingles are made without a uniform appearance. These shingles vary in thickness and color, offering homeowners an imitation of slate or shake roofing systems for a significantly lower price point. Laminated shingles are twice as heavy as 3-tab shingles, and they also cost a bit more.
Comparing the Options
When taking on a roof replacement, you should consider the cost, appearance, and durability of the materials.
- Cost: The cost of your roof will depend on what type you choose. 3-tab shingles are the most affordable and can be found in lower-end homes; In contrast, laminated shingles are more expensive; they increase the value of a home due to their durability and appearance.
- Appearance: Both 3-tab and laminated shingles are available in a wide variety of colors; thus, finding something that suits your preferences should be straightforward. Laminated shingles are available in more shading and texture styles and can even mimic the look of high-end materials like slate.
- Durability: Laminated shingles are thicker and heavier, making them a lot stronger than 3-tab shingles. Laminated shingles are rated for winds up to 110mph, while 3-tab shingles only have a 60mph wind rating. 3-tab shingle roofs will need replacing after 20 years, while a roof with laminated shingles tends to last up to 30 years with regular maintenance.
No matter which shingle type you choose, we can help. Call EZ Roof and Construction today for all your roofing needs.
